American Woman Claims Life in Ireland was ‘Much Easier’ and Wishes She Never Moved Back

For generations, the United States of America has been a dream destination for many people. It seemed like everyone wanted their piece of the ‘American Dream.’ You know the one: High-paying job, big house, maybe owning your own business, and in general, having a highly successful life. Unfortunately, it seems that is becoming less and less accessible for the younger and future generations. After spending a few years abroad in Ireland, this American woman says that she returned to her home country only to find that the American Dream wasn’t so dreamy after all. This is why she plans on moving back to Europe.

American Woman Says Living in Ireland Was Better Than America

In a viral TikTok video, American-born Kayleigh Donahue shares her regret about moving back to the United States after spending four years in Ireland. She expresses how the American Dream’s allure of making more money and enjoying a better lifestyle turned out to be a far cry from reality. Despite earning a higher salary, she found that the cost of living was significantly higher in the US, resulting in less savings compared to her time in Europe.

“Basically, I really got sucked into the American Dream way of living when I was abroad, which is funny because I loved living abroad,” Kayleigh said. “But you know, making more money, that’s enticing. Good job, that’s enticing. It’s not true. It used to be. It definitely used to be. You could come here and make a ton of money, make a great life for yourself. But the younger generation today, in this country — screwed. It’s literally all a lie that is sold to you. It’s such a struggle, and the older generation doesn’t seem to see how much of a struggle it is for the younger generation here.” (1)

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More Work, Less Enjoyment of Life

Moreover, Kayleigh longed for the generous vacation days she had experienced in Europe, which seemed non-existent in the American work culture. The European working culture, it seemed to her, was more flexible and more made for living. The American one, however, had no room for enjoyment of life, let alone saving for the future.

“Needless to say, I will most likely be moving back to Europe where 20-plus days of paid vacation a year is literally the law, and I will make less money, but somehow, you know, the cost of living is lower there and I can save more,” she explained.

@kayshaynee popping off always #americanabroad #usavseurope #movingabroad #livingabroad #europevsamerica #fyp ♬ original sound – Kayleigh

Living in America vs Europe

Anyone who has moved away from their home country to another can likely rattle off any number of differences between their original home and their new one. This list probably includes things they miss about home that their new culture lacks and what they prefer in their new country. As Kayleigh stated, life in Europe differs from that in the USA. Of course, these are all generally speaking, as the culture of each European country and how easy it is to live there will vary from country to country and city to city. The same holds for the USA, where the cost of living will vary greatly depending on where you live.

That being said, there are some general differences between the USA and Europe that you can point out. Which you prefer will depend primarily on what you value most.

1. Work Culture

One of the key differences Kayleigh highlights is the work culture in the US compared to Europe. In Europe, there is often a greater emphasis on work-life balance, with employees enjoying more vacation days and shorter work weeks. On the other hand, the American work culture tends to prioritize long hours and often minimal vacations, leaving workers feeling burnt out and struggling to maintain a healthy work-life equilibrium. That being said, jobs in the United States (in the corporate sector, generally speaking) often come with higher salaries. (2)

2. Living Situations

The cost of living is notably higher in many parts of the United States than Europe. This includes expenses such as housing, healthcare, and education. In Europe, there is generally more government support in terms of affordable housing initiatives and accessible healthcare systems. In contrast, Americans often face high medical costs and the burden of student loans, which can make achieving financial stability more challenging. Again this is not to say that housing in European cities is easy to get and super affordable. Dublin, for example, is known as being one of the most expensive cities for housing currently due to a lack of housing to support its growing population. In the USA, while cities like NYC are incredibly expensive, smaller cities in other states are more affordable.

3. Taxation

Tax systems differ between Europe and the US, with European countries typically having higher tax rates. However, these higher taxes often contribute to well-funded social welfare programs, including healthcare, education, and unemployment benefits. In the US, lower tax rates prevail, but individuals may have to bear the brunt of hefty medical bills and student loan repayments. (3)

4. Education

Education is another area where Europe and the US demonstrate contrasting approaches. In many European countries, higher education is heavily subsidized or even free. This allows individuals to pursue their academic goals without being weighed down by massive student loan debts. In the US, college education is often accompanied by exorbitant tuition fees, resulting in significant financial burdens for graduates. (4, 5)

US college campuses are like mini-cities. The students live on campus and everything they need is right there for them. On top of that, there are clubs, sports teams, and more. European schools are just that: Schools. There is some housing available that is more often set aside for international students. If students wish to join a sports team or club, join a gym, or see a doctor, they do all of this in the community, not the school.

The Bottom Line

Kayleigh Donahue’s personal experience sheds light on the various challenges she faced upon returning to the United States after living in Ireland. Her story highlights the differences in work culture, living situations, taxation, and education between Europe and the USA. While the American Dream has long been romanticized, it is crucial to recognize that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Ultimately, the decision to move abroad and navigate different societal structures should be an informed one, considering the potential impact on overall quality of life.

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