I did the same 12 years ago, moving to Asia at age 26 without a plan. I stayed 7 years. Now I'm back in the States, and I'm slowly sliding back into the horrific anxiety and the mentality that money is all that matters. The lucky thing: I've experienced another way of life, so not only am I aware that I'm slipping back into the American way of thinking, but I know there's another option.

We've been taught that America is the "freest" country in the world. My experience has been the opposite.

It doesn't have to be like this, America. You don't have to be scared all the time. Yes, there are other places that are worse, I'm sure, but every other place I've lived across Latin America, Europe and Asia has been better. When you've got decent public health insurance and public transportation, you don't need to worry about 2 out of 3 of the biggest drains on a person's budget. You don't actually need a 9-5. There's so much more flexibility in lifestyle. There's not such a rigid pecking order of the haves and the have nots.

This isn't to say I don't love America. It's just that I've lived a much better life elsewhere.

When the world opens up, I'm leaving again. thank goodness I have permanent residency in another country.