Let's talk Immigration. Should you move or should you stay?.
A Personal Take from a Decision-Making Coach Who's Been There
Relocating to a new country, or even to a different region of your own, is one of the most life-changing decisions you can make. It affects not just your surroundings, but also your relationships, lifestyle, and inner world. From the streets and language to daily customs and school systems, everything shifts.
It can bring growth, opportunity, and freedom. But it also comes with stress, emotional changes, and the challenge of starting again.
As a Decision-Making Coach who specializes in Immigration and Relocation Coaching, I work with people at different stages of this journey. And I speak from experience. I’ve immigrated twice — first as a teenager, then again in my thirties. I also made a major move across the United States, from the West Coast to the East. These experiences taught me what no book ever could. They gave me real insight into both the emotional and practical sides of relocation — and that understanding now guides the way I support others.
1. There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Answer
For some, immigration opens doors to better jobs, safety, or education. For others, it can bring culture shock, financial pressure, or emotional fatigue. Even when it’s the right choice, moments of doubt or homesickness are common.
That’s why no responsible coach, therapist, or mentor will give a simple yes or no.
Even moving within your own country can feel like stepping into a new world. So many things matter — your goals, timing, finances, family needs, and emotional readiness.
A good coach helps you pause, reflect, and ask clearer questions. Many of my clients say the biggest gift wasn’t choosing a location — it was understanding themselves better and gaining confidence in their decision-making.
2. Know Yourself Before You Plan the Move
Before diving into logistics, take time to reflect. Write down your thoughts. Talk it through with someone you trust.- Ask yourself:
- What am I really hoping to change or experience?
- What are my non-negotiables?
- Why do I want to leave my current home?
- Am I ready to adapt and rebuild — maybe in a new language and culture?
You don’t need perfect answers right away. But giving yourself space to reflect is essential. And if you’re moving with a partner or family, have these conversations together.
3. A Country Is Not a Single Experience
Moving to the U.S., a European country, Israel, South Korea, or Australia — or relocating within your own country — is never just one experience. Each region has its own culture, values, climate, laws, job market, and pace of life.
Even small differences — how people interact, how fast things move — can affect how at home you feel.
Some places may feel like a great match. Others may not. That doesn’t mean something is wrong with you or the place. It just means you need the right fit.
Because I live in the U.S. and love to travel across the country, I’ve seen how different regions can be. I also learn from my clients and their stories. Their insights remind me how important it is to approach relocation without assumptions.
A person living in California and another in Florida may both be in the U.S., but their day-to-day lives could feel worlds apart. The same is true in many countries.
4. The Media Won’t Show You the Full Picture
We all grow up with certain images of life abroad. Movies show an idealized version. Social media highlights polished moments. News stories often focus on extremes. And some information is shaped by politics more than facts.
Even well-meaning friends might give advice based on outdated memories — or leave out key details simply because they’ve grown used to them.
For example, before I moved to the U.S., no one mentioned that many neighborhoods don’t have sidewalks. That small thing surprised me — and now I always make sure to share it. So now you know!
Our mindset also shapes how we interpret what we see and hear. That’s why real research matters. Talk to people who’ve actually lived in the places you’re considering. Look into cost of living, job opportunities, healthcare, education, weather, and safety. Then ask yourself: Would this lifestyle feel emotionally sustainable?
5. Be Thoughtful About Whose Advice You Trust
It’s tempting to ask in a Facebook group, “Where’s the best place to move with kids?” But without context, advice can do more harm than good.
The people replying may have completely different priorities or life experiences. Maybe they moved long ago, or never adapted well. Maybe they’re giving advice out of boredom or habit. Or maybe they’ve never even lived in the place they’re recommending.
And just as importantly — they don’t know you.
Would you let a stranger choose your perfume or your favorite meal? Probably not. So why trust one with a life-changing decision?
Good guidance should be personal and honest. What worked for them might not work for you — and that’s okay.
6. Nothing Replaces Seeing It for Yourself
Research can take you far, but nothing compares to standing in a place and feeling it with your own eyes, heart, and skin.
You can watch videos, read reviews, or scroll through photos, but until you breathe the air, walk the streets, and feel the rhythm of life there, you won’t truly know if that place speaks to you.
Even if you stay in a rented apartment instead of a hotel (which I always recommend), you’re still a visitor. A short trip might not be enough to know if this place is truly yours — but it’s often enough to know when it isn’t.
If something feels off — the energy, the atmosphere, the people — don’t ignore it. That discomfort might be one of your greatest teachers.
You may also notice things the media doesn’t show: safety concerns, signs of decline, or everyday realities that never make it into a post or headline. Seeing it for yourself can save you time, money, and emotional stress — and point you toward a place that truly fits your life and your soul.
Final Thoughts: Give This Decision the Time It Deserves
Immigration is not a quick fix or an escape plan. It’s a deep personal transition that reshapes your sense of self, your relationships, and how you move through the world.
If you’re considering this path, stay with the question. You don’t need to know everything today, and you don’t have to go through this alone, but you need to gather some data as well as understand your personal preferences and deal breakers.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
Email: ThePersonofSpirit@gmail.com (click to copy) | Text / WhatsApp: +1 (425) 215-6045 (click to copy)
(Please text or message — I may be in sessions.)
Whether you’re just beginning to ask the question or already preparing for a move, I’ll meet you where you are. Together, we can bring clarity, calm, and confidence to whatever decision lies ahead.
(с) Alina Miropolsky
Founder of The Person of Spirit Center LLC