Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

36yo: Career at home vs. Simple life abroad?

news.ycombinator.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

31–40 of 44 posts

Re: 36yo: Career at home vs. Simple life abroad?

#31

Post by Slaboli »

tacostakohashi wrote: post #16

I'd suggest staying in Turkey. I've done the expat/migration thing myself, there are some upsides for sure, but it can also be quite draining being a bit of a social misfit, not having a much of network/connections, dealing with the linguistic/cultural/administrative issues of visas, etc... in many ways you're just forever at a disadvantage to the locals. I also don't see Portugal as being a big step up from Turkey i…

I appreciate your perspective! The social misfit issue is definitely amplified in towns where local Portuguese life is dominant. No matter what I do, I will likely remain an outsider, even though the Portuguese people are genuinely friendly and understanding.

You're right that Portugal isn't a step up in the same way moving to a global hub like London or New York would be. It’s starting to feel like a lot of mental effort for a "sideways move," especially when I already have an established network at home.

Regarding the 10k EUR, I’ve definitely been thinking about the sunk cost fallacy. It's a lot of money to leave behind, but throwing another year of my career away just to justify the spend might be the bigger mistake. I suppose this is where I’ve been feeling trapped financially.

Taking it one step at a time seems like the only way to avoid burnout.Maybe a very short trial as you suggested at least until I find a suitable accounting role back home can be attempted. Thank you!

Re: 36yo: Career at home vs. Simple life abroad?

#32

Post by moomoo11 »

hey man, first of all i empathize with your situation and wish you the best. What i say here is just my opinion, and since I don't know your exact situation this is just me trying to be helpful. if it isn't, feel free to ignore i mean no harm.

May I ask what interests you? And also, what do you see yourself doing in optimal (but realistic - don't give me you want to be Elon Musk or something) outcome?

if you're close with your parents, at your age I think you would probably want to be closer to them. i think being there for them as they get older is way more valuable than simply an economic improvement (unless it is magnitudes better, ofc).

what problems have you faced in your own country? do you have good friends around who might have various skills in similar situation or looking to do something different? maybe a gathering of imaginations and skills could result in something nice that you guys do and start small to keep busy and make money? for example, even offering your services via a consulting firm you form to people in foreign countries (USA, Canada, Euro the currency) could be good. If you get paid in foreign currency you could maybe kick the economic uncertainty bucket down the road.

but, if you do relocate to Europe i think you could look into getting cheap/free education there and improving your conditions. it is never too late to learn and do new things.

good luck bro

Re: 36yo: Career at home vs. Simple life abroad?

#33

Post by kypro »

I can't answer this for you because it's objectively very subjective, but if I were to give advise it would be to minimise regrets. Which option, if you didn't make it, would you regret more?

I'd also add that "menial" work can be really enjoyable... My favourite job ever was working in retail. On paper it was the most "menial" job I ever had, but it was also by far my favourite. If I could have a good quality of life working a job like that again, I do it in a heartbeat.

Finally, you don't know how things will play out. I had a "good job" early on in my career which I thought I'd never leave because I didn't think I'd find something better. Then I lost my job and within a year my life trajectory had completely changed, and for better. This change in trajectory was largely a direct result of me losing my job. You have no idea what opportunities might await you. If you're a smart person you'll find interesting things to do wherever you are.

Re: 36yo: Career at home vs. Simple life abroad?

#34

Post by tacostakohashi »

Slaboli wrote: post #31
tacostakohashi wrote: post #16

I'd suggest staying in Turkey. I've done the expat/migration thing myself, there are some upsides for sure, but it can also be quite draining being a bit of a social misfit, not having a much of network/connections, dealing with the linguistic/cultural/administrative issues of visas, etc... in many ways you're just forever at a disadvantage to the locals. I also don't see Portugal as being a big step up from Turkey i…

I appreciate your perspective! The social misfit issue is definitely amplified in towns where local Portuguese life is dominant. No matter what I do, I will likely remain an outsider, even though the Portuguese people are genuinely friendly and understanding. You're right that Portugal isn't a step up in the same way moving to a global hub like London or New York would be. It’s starting to feel like a lot of mental e…

The other thing I would say is, for this kind of decision, you're looking for a "hell yes!" / "this is a no brainer" / "i can't afford to miss this opportunity". It's like hiring someone, buying a property, getting married, or even changing jobs... If it's not that, then it's a no, stay where you are, sit on your hands, keep waiting for something better.

If you're comparing option A and option B, and comes down to 48% A vs 52% B... if it's toilet paper or car insurance, fine, choose option B, but if it's moving countries buying a property or something, then the right answer is do nothing, keep waiting for option C, option D, etc to come along.

Re: 36yo: Career at home vs. Simple life abroad?

#35

Post by muzani »

Slaboli wrote: post #30
muzani wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Something about the grass being greener on the other side. Many of the former colonial superpowers collapsed but never found their way back up again. The core problem might not be fixed. But people still evaluate them as if they own half the world. In terms of GDP (per capita), quality of life, healthcare, they're not much better than the countries they once colonized. Then again, Turkey is one of those countries, so…

Thanks for your input! I think I overvalued the prospect of Portugal from the start. I see now that it’s an ideal place for wealthy Western retirees who want to enjoy the weather, beaches, and EU mobility. For someone like me who isn't poor but isn't wealthy either it doesn't offer much in terms of career growth.Even for the Portuguese themselves. When you say "better luck elsewhere" I assume you mean both Portugal a…

I mean some people overvalue places like Turkey too. Chances are you're not going from an undervalued place to an overvalued place to end up disappointed.

Re: 36yo: Career at home vs. Simple life abroad?

#38

Post by gcheong »

Can you take advantage of the Portuguese educational system to train for a professional career while you are living and working there? If so, I think that might tilt things in favor of Portugal especially if the prospect of obtaining an EU passport is there.
Post reply on HN