Who Is the Expat Lifestyle For? (Could It Be You?)

So you’ve Googled “what is an expat”, “how to leave the US”, or “can I move abroad?” That alone says a lot—you’re curious, adventurous, or maybe even a little restless. Maybe you’re imagining sipping coffee in a Parisian café, working remotely from a beach in Bali, or simply experiencing life beyond your hometown. But is the expat lifestyle actually for you?

Let’s break it down.

First, What Is an Expat?

The term “expat” (short for expatriate) simply means someone living outside their native country. Expats come in all shapes and sizes—remote workers, retirees, students, entrepreneurs, or families chasing a new chapter. It’s not one-size-fits-all, and that’s part of the beauty.

But being an expat isn’t just about changing your address. It’s about shifting your perspective.

Click here to see our glossary of common life-abroad terms.

Who Thrives in the Expat Life?

While anyone can move abroad, here are a few personality traits and situations that tend to align well with expat living:

🌍 The Curious Explorer

You love learning, meeting people from different cultures, and discovering new ways of thinking. For you, culture shock isn’t a problem—it’s the point.

💻 The Flexible Professional

If your job can be done remotely—or you’re open to switching careers—you’ve got one of the biggest barriers out of the way. Many expats work as digital nomads, English teachers, or in international business roles.

🧘 The Lifestyle Seeker

You’re not chasing status or routine—you’re chasing experience. Whether it’s better weather, slower pace, or a lower cost of living, you’re seeking a lifestyle that feels more you.

🧳 The Restless Rebooter

Maybe you’re at a personal crossroads—a breakup, burnout, or just a need for change. A move abroad can offer you a new perspective on life and act as a powerful reset, as long as you’re not expecting it to solve everything.

Click here to read about how we decided to move abroad.

Who Might Struggle (At Least at First)?

Expat life is rewarding—but it’s not always Instagram-perfect. It comes with language barriers, loneliness, cultural confusion, and red tape.If you require routine, need to be close to family, or experience anxiety over uncertainty, you might find it challenging at times. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it—it just means you’ll want to plan carefully and build support systems.

Can You Become an Expat?

Here’s the honest answer: yes, probably. But the journey depends on your goals, finances, and flexibility.

Start by asking:

What’s pulling me abroad—adventure, work, cost of living, something else?
Can I legally work or live in the country I’m interested in?
- Each country has its own visa offerings but some of the more common ones include:
  - Student – Are you starting school? Or could this be your reason to go back or finish your degree?
  - Retirement – Are you out of the workforce and looking for the best way to enjoy your golden years while drawing from a pension or savings?
  - Digital Nomad – Are you able to earn an income remotely from any location?
  - In-demand or Extraordinary Skills – Do you work in a highly in demand sector or are you renowned as a top expert in your field?
Am I ready to be uncomfortable sometimes?
Do I want to be somewhere short-term or put down roots?

The good news? You don’t need all the answers yet. Many expats start by taking a short-term assignment, a year of teaching abroad, or simply working remotely from a new country. It’s okay to start small.

Here’s how we settled on Albania for our short-term assignment.

Final Thought

The expat lifestyle isn’t a fantasy reserved for the ultra-rich or ultra-brave. It’s increasingly accessible, especially with remote work, better visa options, and a growing global community.

If you’ve found yourself googling “what is an expat,” consider this your sign: you might already be one at heart.

Curious what your expat options could look like? Follow us here and subscribe on YouTube for tips on destinations, digital nomad visas, cost comparisons, and how to build a life abroad—your way.