Im a young guy from a western country, living in one of the most expensive areas by COL in our country, if not the world. I have my bachelors, some reasonably marketable skills, and no dependents so I should have some options looking to change citizenship abroad
The province where I grew up has no appeal to me, and the cost of basic necessities like housing, food, fuel has literally doubled in the last 5 years while wages have risen maybe 30-40%.
My immediate family at this point consists of 7 60+ yo baby boomers, 2 50+ gen exxers, and 4 under 35s, of which one, my sister, has already moved a significant distance away to take advantage of career opportunities, and another is talking about doing the same. Unfortunately the boomers in the family seemed to respond to that by deciding I was going to be the one to take care of them in their old age, despite the growing impossibility of the living situation here.
When I mention my plans for the upcoming move, they constantly respond with negativity, ranging from childish things like selectively bringing up minor news items that paint my potential destinations in a bad light, outright denial of the existence of our housing crisis, to actively calling me out at family gatherings and demanding I give up my plans for moving abroad.
I love and care for them because theyre my parents, aunts, and uncles, but their expectations are simply grounded in fantasy, and I dont know how to gently let them know the reality will most likely not be what they wanted without souring my relationships with them
4 comments
So… what’s your question?
Don’t bring the matter to anyone’s attention. Just go ahead with your plans but don’t discuss it with them. They will find out when you’re about to leave town, and yes there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Oh, well. That happens sometimes.
You don’t have to “let them know” any of that. Just tell them after your move how you’re actually doing when you talk to them.
God, this sounds like me in 30. First off, they’re not dying right now, and secondly, somebody in the family will help as needed, and it may eventually even be you, but right now just go do your job being your age.