Yeah, I did it.
At the time I was working as a CPA for a large international accounting firm in Miami. After graduating colleg I took a job with them, told 'em I'd stay for three yrs. When the time was up, the only place they could transfer me was South America. Didn't appeal to me, how much different could it be than Miami? So, I gave away all my stuff, car to brother etc, packed 2 bags and got a one-way to London.
So, first place I went was London England. I think it was a good choice. Allowed me to aclamate myself without any foreign language problems. I also used it a base for a while. I'd go visit Holland (Netherlands), Germany etc then come back. I eventually lived in Berlin and Paris for extended periods.
First jobs I found were menial labor, paid in cash. I was mostly traveling alone, so I met a lot of people. I would learn of labor jobs through them, whether they were also foreigners (ex. Australians) or "locals". I ended up in Berlin after about a year, was really down on my luck, no money etc. Through sheer determination and resourcefullness I found the American community living in West Berlin (I was there back when the "wall" still existed. Eventualy I stayed there a couple of years working a CPA (for mostly Americans over there) doing taxes etc. But I tried different things in different places, some worked others didn't. Ex. For a time I used my camper as a travel service around Europe. They have hitch hiking services over there. If you have a car, you register with them and they'll sign up people to go along. They gotta a set for gas expense. Because I had a camper I could take a lot of people and made god money on the gas fee they each paid.
All in all, I stayed about 7 or 8 yrs b4 coming back.
What did I miss from the USA? Not much really, of course I have enjoyed football and other sports I did while in the US, but I didn't go over there to do exactly the same stuff. There were so many activities available there, and friends, I didn't ever get homesick or really miss anything.
I did have a major culture shock upon returning. Shows like Married with Children & Cops were on. They seemed shockingly vulgar & insipid to me. Food sucks here to. After living in Paris for 5 or 6 yrs you get really spoiled
Was it the right decision for me? Depends upon the critera. I'd prolly be making more money and have more "stuff" had I not spent so many years just traveling around in a camper and seeing Europe. But I was never happier in my life, to me that's what counts.
I could fill pages with stories, but am too lazy right now. If you have any questions LMK, I'll help if I can.
Fern
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