Young people are seeing no future in this country

[Joe Nation]

Again and again I hear so many 20 and even 30 somethings saying that they are looking to exit the US. These are well educated bright hardworking engineers, researchers, academics, and any number of other professionals that have plenty to contribute to this country. They've had it.

In my case, I have one adult child in Asia completing his PhD in neuroscience looking to move to Europe after he finishes his doctorate. Another son is also preparing to move himself and his wife to Europe by the end of the summer. My youngest is completing his Master's degree in Computer Science this spring and is already looking overseas for possible career opportunities. His research funding in computer science applications in public education was just terminated. Research, IT, and sciences in general are under attack in this country. Why stay where you're not wanted?

This is tRumps America. What an ASS!

[Deep State Witch]

1. I Don't Blame Them

If you're a scientist, you have no future in Trumpland.

[FirstLight]

2. Leaving? That implies they have money or a way to leave

My son is broke can't go back to school has no real skills and is basically considering joining the army just to have a regular income. And he is a white male at the age of 22. But because economically and educationally he's got nothing, all he would be worth is cannon fodder

[FoxNewsSucks]

11. I think that's even more common

We have three 21 yo at work, and none of them see a good future. From climate change to overpopulation to rightwing politics, they expect a grim future .

[Irish_Dem]

20. Some countries are paying a signing bonus for certain career fields.

One young person in my family has been offered a $30K signing bonus to work overseas.

[Bluethroughu]

52. Whst country and field?

[Arazi]

67. Details on that offer? Very curious about this

[OldBaldy1701E]

24. Ain't that the truth.

BTW, your son can learn skills from the internet. As to 'having a degree', they rigged this against people like us. We have to take it one step at a time. The main thing, of course, is surviving while learning it. They rigged that against the poor as well.

I have to say, more and more, the main reason the urban areas are the worst place to be is their complete dependence on infrastructure. If the grocery store won't open, everyone starves with no other options. (Except for the wealthy, who have enough space on their properties to grow some food.) I want to get out to the country where I can at least attempt to be self sufficient. In the city, there is no way to even try. Which is by design.

As for leaving the country, I just can't. I may be nothing more than a target to them, but all I can do is die on the alter of truth. Because the truth is the oligarchy has won out and our society, as it was, cannot (and should not) continue and the old guard of power just won't let it go. So, rather than being surgical about it, people like myself will just have to slowly waste away or become fodder for the piranha pool as they wealthy drag things out to insure draining every last drop before moving to wherever they can afford.

(Tell your son that, when the time, comes, entertain the idea of communing with others and create a space for themselves. It may become that bad. I wish I were joking. I hope I am wrong.)

[AZLD4Candidate]

41. When I went overseas to live and work, they paid for my work visa, my flight, and most of my expenses there

All I really had to pay was my phone, internet, food, incidentals, and travel.

Rent free apartment or subsidy, insurance (either private or single payer depending on the country), medical checks, and everything needed to live and work legally was covered.

Usually made eight times the average salary of the locals and lived like a king.

Then I met my wife there and things got better after marriage.

Anyone under 30. . .go! Anyone ready for retirement. . .look at Thailand, Philippines, or Indonesia.

Anyone want to do it, DM me with your questions.

[Bluethroughu]

51. It's very depressing what is happening with our younger generation.

My son, 20yrs old, works for the HWY Dept. of a well to do area, and is skilled in mechanics, heavy equipment, and has a Class A Semi truck license, but still does not make enough to live on his own or feel wanted.

This administration hates the workers that keep it running.

[madville]

58. There are 5 military branches

Tell him to talk to all of them. I would look at the Coast Guard or Air Force and study for the ASVAB test. The benefits are great, I did 21 years, paid 100% of my college and now receive a pension, VA compensation and healthcare for the rest of my life. Also got me veterans hiring preference for the government jobs I had after I retired. Many military retirees then move to a foreign country since they have a guaranteed retirement income, like Costa Rica, the Philippines, Thailand, etc.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

64. Six. There are 6 branches.

Don't forget the newly-hatched Space Force. The base in northern Greenland is beautiful this time of year. Mostly ice, with a coating of ice.

When i was in the Army (way back when), rank seemed to come faster than in the other branches.

[madville]

65. Space Force doesn't really count

It’s the Air Force, to join it everything is done through an Air Force recruiter, they take Air Force tests and then they go to Air Force basic training in Lackland.

[IbogaProject]

81. Yep same as the Marines are a part of the Navy

The Merchant Marine is the sixth one, but that is another thing entirely.

[madville]

85. Kinda

The Marines have their own recruiters, rank structure and boot camp is the major difference. Lends a lot to their unique identity.

[IbogaProject]

87. Ah

I did know they don't have an Officer's Academy and that the Naval one graduates about 25% of their class into the Marines. The Marines does have their own officer's program. Thank you for the clarification.

[Shipwack]

84. 20 year vet here...

I am saddened to say that I would not recommend the armed services at this time, except as a last resort.

They’re trying to normalize racism and misogyny (among other things). I grant that they never completely went away, but except in a few places the few who held those beliefs had to publicly keep their mouth shut.

Also, are you really keen on invading Mexico? Or fighting side by side with Putin’s warfighters? Maybe those scenarios won’t happen, but the Joint Chiefs and SecDef are filled with men willing to follow whatever deranged plan that comes out of the Oval Office. Kegseth is incompetent and doesn’t believe in subtlety; he’ll send division after division into a meat grinder, certain that brute strength and “guts” will prevail.

Even if we prevail and sweep all three branches of power in ‘28, it will just be a momentary reprieve. The evil fucks destroying our country and military will still be around. After eight years (if we’re lucky) of sanity, they’ll be back in power and tear everything down again. See the on again, off again transgender ban et al for an example of how quickly forward progress can be erased.

I retired from the Navy in 2006. My eldest son is retiring this year from the Coast Guard reserve. He mostly agrees with me. He says he’s already seeing ugliness out in the open.

[madville]

89. See I feel like it's far better now

Compared to the 90’s and early 2000’s. The hazing, substance abuse, sexism and racism was a lot worse back then in my opinion.

Would I do it all over again, probably, maybe, maybe not, but when I get my pension and VA money the 1st of every month ($6800) I feel a lot better about it lol.

The retirement, educational and health benefits are some of the best out there, even if it is a last resort, it can be a good opportunity. The vast majority of military jobs are never going to be anywhere close to combat with the way modern warfare is, even in the Army and Marines. Someone can easily be a Yeoman or Storekeeper and about the worst gig they’re gonna get is having to ride a ship a few years here and there for instance.

[OrlandoDem2]

3. I have family who have already left.

[WSHazel]

4. Follow the money

There is a wave of capital leaving the U.S. for east Asia and western Europe. There is going to be a lot of opportunity in both regions over the next 20 years. The sun is setting on American exceptionalism.

We had economic paradise, and we blew it. We have no one to blame but ourselves.

[Javaman]

33. It mostly the magas. nt

[brush]

5. Learn another language if need be, watch carefuly as the political tensions and prrotests are rising...

Last edited Sun Apr 20, 2025, 04:42 PM - Edit history (1)

TSF may not last, but if he does, get out while you can.

[markodochartaigh]

15. In my opinion

Trump isn't the problem. Trump is a symptom of the problem. If it weren't for Putin, the reich-wing techbros, the reich-wing evangelicals and opus "dei", various oiligarchs, and the third of the US who are authoritarians, Trump would just be some formerly wealthy guy trying to fleece his rich acquaintances.

And when Trump is out of the picture, Putin, the reich-wing techbros, the reich-wing evangelicals and opus "dei", the various oiligarchs, and the authoritarian third of the US will still be there. The only difference is that they won't have a buffoonish, flagrantly kkkorupt kkklown as their Strong Leader.

[brush]

19. All those you mention are dangers, but trump is in charge and is, as it's said, a clear and present danger...

so let's no look past TSF as he holds the reins of power and is wielding it recklessly, with revenge and often by just a whim.

[GenThePerservering]

6. EU and China are rolling out the welcome mat

for our best minds. I'm sure the Magats are happy to see them go - this country has always been anti-education.

[AZLD4Candidate]

43. I own a home in China. My wife and I could be back there in a month if we wanted to go.

She's looking at getting her US citizenship so if we go back, she'll make foreigner pay scale and benefits and not local pay scale and benefits.

Together, we'd be looking at $12K a month USD living in a country where MY actual expenses were $2000 USD on a splurge month.

[Celerity]

60. Overview of U.S. taxes on foreign income for individuals

https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/blog/overview-of-u-s-taxes-on-foreign-income-for-individuals/

For U.S. citizens living abroad or earning income from foreign sources, questions often arise on how the U.S. tax system applies to them and how they can ensure compliance while minimizing tax liability. From understanding what foreign income is to navigating various tax forms and deductions, it is important for accountants to understand the ins and outs of U.S. tax on foreign income in order to help their clients ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

To support this effort, forward-thinking accounting firms are increasingly using tax preparation software and scan-and-populate solutions to tackle the challenges of foreign income reporting. With federal, state, and local tax programs that cut tax workflow time and increase productivity, accountants can automate the tax prep process and create a seamless client experience. Let’s take a look at the basics of foreign income reporting and discuss how technology can ensure compliance and minimize tax liability.

What is foreign earned income?

Foreign earned income is defined as income earned through labor or services while living and working in a foreign country. This category typically includes salaries, wages, bonuses, and self-employment income received from foreign employment or business activities. It’s crucial to distinguish foreign earned income from other types of foreign income, as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), a valuable U.S. tax benefit, specifically applies to this category. Investment income, rental income, and passive income from foreign sources do not qualify for the FEIE. These types of income may be subject to different tax treatment.

What is FEIE?

The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) is a significant tax benefit provided by the IRS to U.S. citizens and residents who meet certain criteria. The FEIE allows eligible taxpayers to exclude a portion of their foreign earned income from U.S. taxation, potentially resulting in a reduced or zero U.S. tax liability on that income. U.S. citizens and residents are generally required to report their worldwide income to the IRS. However, the U.S. tax system recognizes that U.S. individuals living abroad may face unique challenges and expenses. The FEIE is in place to alleviate some of the tax burden on expatriates. To claim the FEIE, you must have foreign earned income, your tax home must be in a foreign country, and you must be one of the following:

snip

[appmanga]

7. This is particularly painful in the government space...

...where a huge number of people in the current workforce are over 50 years old. The Trump Regime's firings of "probationary" workers will have long-term harm, coupled with the kind of brain drain that's the common response to authoritarian governments, will leave us with a less competent, less knowledgeable workforce for years to come. It's obvious by now Trump is looking to essentially make the government non-functional. This is Putin wish list stuff.

[Kaleva]

8. With climate change, the future is dark no matter where one goes.

[IrishBubbaLiberal]

9. Got a nephew, about 31 yr olds, that left US for Mexico

currently he works remotely in Mexico for a US small firm.

Not sure if he will stay working for that US firm much longer,
Think this is his 2nd year there working remotely

But Been talking about switching jobs, but still remaining in Mexico

[Paladin]

10. I don't blame them. Not even a little bit. (nt)

[Deuxcents]

14. Neither do I. I worry constantly about my 3 grandkids who are all in higher learning stages now.

[Paladin]

66. Yeah, I fear for my grandkids as well.

They deserve a lot better future than what this current filthy regime is imposing on this country. They'll still be feeling the effects of it, when they are as elderly as I am. Inexcusable.

[FoxNewsSucks]

12. I don't blame them at all, I'd leave if I could.

[Xavier Breath]

34. Same.

If a person wants out and can get out, they should definitely do it while the gettin' is good.

[Elessar Zappa]

13. Overseas isn't safe either.

Europe’s going in the same direction we were 15 years ago.

[markodochartaigh]

16. The Authoritarian Axis of Evil

is absolutely international and incredibly well funded. Lessons learned in Hungary are being used here. Lessons learned in the US will be used in France and Germany etc.


https://www.politico.eu/article/steve-bannon-rome-right-wing-gladiator-school-populist-nationalists/

[stollen]

26. The Dutch dislike their ultra right

and feel confident they party will be voted out in the next election. AfD is confined to the former East Germany. LaOen can't run again.

[Squaredeal]

17. My now 36 year-old daughter and son-in-law moved to Europe when 45 was in power,

Both my grandchildren were born there, where they now attend school. I’ve seen them once. My daughter says coming back to the US is too depressing for her, although she had a privileged, happy childhood here, a great education and a rewarding profession. She hates how so many Americans have revealed themselves to be such mean-hearted, hypocritical fools and she doesn’t want to have to deal with them or their politics. Luckily, her husband has professional skills that are in demand in Europe so they live comfortably there and can ignore what ‘s happening day-to-day in this country.

[NGeorgian]

18. My daughter is working in Europe. She......

said she was not moving back to the US before the last election. She is in a backward country.

[Pacifist Patriot]

21. My youngest son was recently accepted to Juilliard Tianjin.

He's going to be in China for two years. Of my three children, I feel he will be the safest.

That's fucked up.

[Martin Eden]

22. After only THREE GDMF MONTHS!!!

Do we really have to endure this for another FORTY-FIVE GDMF MONTHS????

[edhopper]

23. This Century

if they had shown up to vote, their future would be different.
They had as much to say in how the country is run as everybody.
Gore 200, Clinton 2016, Harris now. Things would be very different for them.
Sorry, but they have the same responsibility for the future as we do.

[Mariana]

63. You blame young people of today for Gore's loss?

They had absolutely nothing to do with that. The youngest people who could have voted for Gore are in their 40s. Anyone under 26-27 wasn’t eligible to vote in 2016 either.

And I suspect most of the young people who are looking to leave the country did vote in 2024.

[AllyCat]

69. I suspect the poster means young people of the same

Age group in 2000 also didn’t show up. And we got Shrub. Don’t think they mean the same exact people.

[edhopper]

73. I thought that was obvious

but swing from Biden to Trump among young voters makes this group of young people particularly guilty of their own situation.

[edhopper]

72. I blame young people going back decades

who bitch about the world they are being left and then don't show up at the polls, because (it doesn't make a difference)

They showed up in lower numbers again this time, and there was a big swing in percentage.from young people who voted for Biden that then went for Trump in young voters.

So yeah, I put this on them.

[DetlefK]

25. For example: Russia is losing 500,000 scientists, engineers and artists per year.

Each year 500,000 people immigrate into Russia. However they are uneducated laborers from e.g. Uzbekistan and Kirgiztan, trying to send money home to their families.

On the other hand 1,000,000 scientists, engineers, artists, poets, entrepreneurs, thinkers, inspirers, visionaries and makers are leaving Russia each year. For each year since the 2000s, Russia has lost 1 million of their best and brightest to a better life abroad. (I have two such Russians in my company and they are absolute experts in their profession.)

This is the fate that will await the US. There will come a point where discussions to which country you should emigrate become a normal everday-conversation.

[tornado34jh]

27. Even for me as a 33 y/o autistic person, I wish I could leave, but I don't have that luxury

And I am not as nearly as educated compared to these. When I go to bed at night, or even just look up at the night sky, I sometimes wish I could just escape.

[Skittles]

48. I will never abandon my country to fascists

WE NEED TO FIGHT; I served once and I will "serve" again

[tornado34jh]

59. That's all well and good, but again, that only will work if people understand it all

Part of the problem is a result of disenfranchised people, not because they didn't vote, but it is being gerrymandered so that it doesn't count. Oligarchies have perfected the divide and conquer strategy. This isn't an attack on all, but I think that some of the Democrats in Congress aren't seeing the big problem and some of them have voted with Republicans. Sure there are some that are fighting, but it's not really as much as I would like. Some of them have other interests than what people voted them in for. Yes, people should all out vote, I am not disputing that, but that is only part of it. This fight will only work if all the Democratic part of Congress understands that there has to be no capitulation to Republicans. After all, that is what they (Republicans) are expecting.

Again, I would agree with what you are saying, but if things such as universities and the like are being attacked, and for viewpoints that are against the MAGA king, who is going to want to do stay in the US? We got a lot of international students. Who is going to risk coming to the US? I like what Harvard is doing for example, but again, there aren't enough universities that are willing to stand up against the fascist. Colombia capitulated, who else.

Again, I'm not leaving the US, and I don't even have the means to do so. But again, international students makes up a large amount of colleges and universities. If their lives/livelihood are being threatened by the government, why would they stay? There used to be a time when I thought the US had great universities, and they still do, but now it's being dismantled. Of course, a lot of people (mostly MAGA) think that those who see the things Europe has are Euro-snobs. But again, we are not even close to being the top among industrialized countries when it comes to healthcare.

[Skittles]

62. all the more reason we need to fight

and my mum was NEVER an American citizen so it's not like I don't have a choice

but it always the same - some people just like leaving the fight to others

[tornado34jh]

90. I would agree with that

However, I would not put it past these idioty (lit. idiots in Russian) to cause more trouble. If you are a student studying abroad, even if you were born and raised here, do you trust that you will be safe if you return? I'm just talking about the people that were born in US (i.e. their whole family). If international students aren't safe, who is to say that US students won't be potentially detained? We likely are going to go towards that path completely by the end of the year unless something drastic is not done. I agree that some people like leaving the fight to others, but again, not all can do it, whether it be physical, mental, financial, or other reasons, even if they voted Democrat. Often times absentee/mail-in voting is the only way they can because they can't for whatever reason get it. Why do you think Trump is so insistent on getting rid of absentee/mail-in voting, SSI, and all this?

Heck, I voted Democrat across the board, in fact, I probably am the only person in my family who didn't vote for Trump (not sure about my brother and sister, but wouldn't be surprised if they did vote Trump).

[MorbidButterflyTat]

61. You are not alone.

I do that every single night.

[stollen]

28. Yes, Europe hopes to recruit American

credentials. It's what should be happening.

[maxrandb]

29. Gee, if only there was a political party

- Advocating for free education for all, including trade schools and college.

- Increasing and strengthening Unions.

- Ensuring overtime pay.

- Help with home ownership and first time buyers.

- Increased minimum wages nationwide.

- Expanding and making the Child and Income Tax Credit permanent.

- Lowering their taxes by making the wealthy pay their fair share.

- Providing free childcare.

- Mandating maternity and paternity leave.

I know I am missing quite a bit, but maybe....just maybe, there is a party that will improve their lives.

Maybe, these things are more important, than the 1 in 10,000,000 chance you'd ever encounter a trans person in a public bathroom.

I have no sympathy, if they haven't used their franchise to change things.

[Permanut]

30. Some of us oldsters as well..

We just updated our realIDs and passports. Not sure yet what the next step will be.

[bucolic_frolic]

31. It's a perfectly rational plunder operation

The tax cuts, and the money freed by firing federal employees, then the natural resources, then the plunge in asset valuations stock, physical, housing, then retirement funds, then your wealth, then the currency.

[flamingdem]

45. What is your best guess as to where this is going?

Why do you think they want to destroy the currency?

[bucolic_frolic]

46. A funneling operation to Crypto.

The government and its Treasury on minimal life support while Crypto grows and grows.

[flamingdem]

47. Now that's scary

I guess it's the strong man idea. Xi Putin Dump divide up the world and use crypto to control the serfs.

[relayerbob]

32. If only 2/3 of them could have found some way to impact our government

[LymphocyteLover]

35. Yes, and they are stressed out as fuck about it

[malaise]

36. Tell them you get the country you fight for

That is all

[Klarkashton]

37. This country has nothing to offer now.

It's a miserable place where the wealthy own all the properties, everyone will be renters.and the only jobs are going to be building bombs and other "security" businesses.

[NoMoreRepugs]

38. It will be a minuscule number that ever leave.

[Iamscrewed]

39. Future

I'm 60, been looking for an exit myself

[Buddyzbuddy]

40. The dumbing down of an America that is too dumb to realize it.

This is what unethical capitalism has wrought. The haves want it all at the expense of the have nots. The corruption in our current gov't. is near the completion of their mission.
Erase the greed and corruption of the past, do not record the greed and corruption of the present and the future looks bright for the top 10% and dire and bleak for the bottom 90%. End result, worker bees.
By transferring our intellect, creativity and inspiration out of our country and into the hands of other countries you are insuring the future failure of our country.
Putin, Bin Laden and any and all enemies of America couldn't have implemented a better plan than the election of the Felon and project 2025.
The "patriots" are the greatest enemy America has ever known. It's insidious. Right before our very eyes.

[NNadir]

42. Once my son and his girlfriend finish their Ph.Ds, they'll be gone.

[AZLD4Candidate]

44. I lived overseas from 2007-2024 in four countries. Loved almost every minute if I didn't deal with xenophobia

which ran wild in China under Winnie the Flu.

Do it, young people. Enjoy it. It's like working on vacation everyday without the idiocy of here.

[bamagal62]

57. We lived overseas from 1991-2007.

We lived in 5 different countries. My kids were born overseas and went to international schools. I miss the travel, the people, and the lifestyle. I’ve never been truly settled since I moved back. Would go back in a heartbeat.

[Skittles]

49. curious if you or any of your boys served in the military

just wondering

[Silent Type]

50. Do foreign country need our graduates, now that so few are coming here? Honestly, I still remember

discussing getting nuked in the 1950s/60s. Can't get much more dystopian than that.

Hopefully, they'll find their way too.

[NJCher]

53. Surveys show this is true

However, their actual leaving is a lot easier said than done.

Furthermore, this situation can turn on a dime. Get rid of trump and re-build our government and you will see plenty of them staying or returning.

[getagrip_already]

54. One of my sons is moving to an eastern european EU country

My wife and my kids are all dual ctizens us/germany, so he can get a residency and work permit fairly easily.

While this makes living and working easy, it doesn't explain his move. He has a high paying job as an electrician apprentice and would have his license in 1 year if he stayed. His company loves him and offered him a raise and bonus to stay. He has enough in savings to do or buy anything he wants (a multiple of six figures). He isn't even 30 yet.

He is giving up a great job and solid future to move without a job or even speaking the language.

He just doesn't want to live in this country any more.

[Renew Deal]

55. I think younger people these days expect to be able to move around somewhat freely

And they see governments as entities meant to serve them without with room to debate the details. Many younger people have chosen to work for companies that share their values. It wouldn't surprise me if they felt the same way about where they choose to reside.

[twodogsbarking]

68. As a young person I agree. Age 73.

[Glaisne]

70. A brain drain

in America thanks to Trump and MAGA. A nation of uneducated, propagandized, compliant, minimally competent drones, just the way the fascist oligarchs like it.

[pamdb]

71. I agree

If I was 40 years younger (I'm 74) I'd be clutching my degrees and resumes and looking towards Canada. It's only 3 hours away. But we're too old and no one wants old people anymore. Which I understand. If we were millionaires that would be fine but not just an average middle class couple. We're stuck.

[Sky Jewels]

74. Both my Gen Z kids got out of the USA.

Thank goodness for texting and FaceTime.

[Crowman2009]

75. Sort of like the UK in the throes of Thatcherism.

[LittleGirl]

76. The common term is "brain drain"

Some of the red states also have this problem where the youngsters are moving out of the red state in order to live in a place with opportunities. I say go for it.

Moving abroad is easier when you're young but if you're going to a non-english speaking country, you must learn the language. Good luck youngsters!

[NEOH]

79. Unfortunately, this will only make the 'Bro culture more concentrated.

Unfortunately, this will only make the ‘Bro culture more concentrated. We need this like a big fat hole in the head.

[republianmushroom]

80. Good luck finding a better country.

[Sky Jewels]

88. It's not hard if you're young. Both my kids emigrated to more civilized, less violent countries

that offer affordable healthcare and affordable higher education and value science over lunacy. These countries do not have an outdated constitution with a fucking 2A and the ensuing mass shootings. Nor do they have a ridiculous electoral college and a broken, inflexible two-party system where politicians are completely bought by corporations and so is the news media.

[Mblaze]

82. I wonder how welcomed

The American diaspora will be in other countries? I can only hope that good Americans can counteract Trump's animosity and the irony of Americans seeking sanctuary.

[Martin68]

83. If more young people had voted for Kamala Harris, we would have a brighter future.

[Karasu]

86. Anyone who values their health or future prospects should feel the same.