An American expat who used to make $80,000 in New York City has revealed how moving to Europe gave her a “much higher quality of life”.
TikTok user Soldana took to the video-sharing platform to reveal how her lifestyle has improved dramatically since moving to Paris.
The singer-songwriter listed a whole host of benefits that came with moving, including a lower cost of living, more paid vacation time, and more opportunities to make friends.
Social media users were quick to praise Soldana for taking this step.
TikTok user Soldana took to the video-sharing platform to reveal how her lifestyle has improved dramatically since moving to Paris
The singer-songwriter listed a whole host of benefits that came with moving, including a lower cost of living, more paid vacation time, and more opportunities to make friends.
In the clip, which has now been viewed more than 614,000 times, Soldana speaks to the camera as she reveals: “Moving to Europe has given me a significantly higher quality of life.”
She continued, “About three years ago, I was a college graduate, making about $80,000 in base salary in New York City.
I lived in a four-bedroom apartment in midtown Manhattan that I shared with three other strangers.
I had the opportunity to move to Paris which I was very hesitant at first because if you know anything about the European labor market, if you compare it to New York, the salaries are a huge cut.
“But I said it and took the job even though it paid less and it was probably the best decision I ever made.”
Revealing the reason for this, Soldana said: ‘The cost of living is much lower in Europe, and despite the lower salary, I was able to move from a four-bedroom apartment to my own one-bedroom apartment in central Paris.
On top of that, the extra paid vacation time is just insane. I went from three weeks of paid vacation in New York City to a minimum of seven weeks of statutory leave in Paris.
And with the proximity to all other European countries, it is very easy to go on endless weekend trips around Europe at your leisure.
The American expat, who was earning $80,000 in New York City, said moving to Europe gave her a “much higher quality of life”.
She candidly revealed that moving to Europe was “probably the best decision I’ve ever made.”
But the creativity didn’t stop there, adding, “Also if you’re a foodie and love to go out to eat — going out to eat just wasn’t feasible for me when I was a fresh grad in New York.” It was very expensive, and I would limit it to weekends.
But going out to eat in Paris is something you can do a few times a week at an affordable cost. On average, a nice meal with your friends will cost you €30 (about $32) including a cocktail.
“And remember, there is no tipping here, so the 20 percent tip required in the US makes a huge difference to the total price you pay at the end of your meal.”
Concluding her list of notes, she said: ‘Last but not least, I think it was easier for me to make friends in Paris as an American than it was to move to New York from California.
It may sound counterintuitive, but being a foreigner and moving to Europe made it a lot easier to strike up a conversation and made it easier for me to meet new friends.
And she issued some final words of advice, concluding, “So if you’re hesitant, I highly recommend you make the move.”
Dozens of social media users flooded comments praising Soldana for making the move before revealing they were also inspired.
“Also when you’re a foreigner, the expat community is very strong and once you’ve infiltrated it, it’s very easy to make friends because you have that common point.”
She issued some final words of advice, concluding, “So if you’re hesitant, I highly recommend you make the move.”
Dozens of social media users flooded the comments with praise for Soldana’s move before revealing that they were also inspired.
One wrote: “You are so lucky! Not often do these opportunities come across so well for you to take the leap.
Another added: ‘Quality of life is very important! Good for you!’
A third said simply: “This is my sign.”
