Stay in Spain or go back to the US?
I’ve talked about this with some friends but figured it’d be nice to get some additional advice from internet strangers.
So I’m a US citizen living in Spain for about 7 years working as a freelance translator for a company in the US and just completed a masters in localization project management. As you may know translation is one of the top industries affected by AI and while my company deals with immigration (documents still have to be translated by human to be submitted to the immigration office) things have been really slow lately due to stricter immigration laws (like 2-3 hours a week of work) which makes me extremely stressed and anxious. I have had really good weeks this year but it’s pretty clear to me that I should reinvent my career before it’s too late and just translate to make extra money.
You may also know that the job market in Spain is really bad even for locals, I’ve been applying for positions that I could possibly do since January but not even an interview. I live in a major city so the best place for job opportunities. I know the job market in the US is not good atm but it would still be a lot easier for me to reinvent my career than here especially since I have US education and work experience but was hoping to wait to see if things calm down in the country before coming back. Unfortunately I haven’t lived here long enough to apply for citizenship nor do I have an in-demand job to be able to move somewhere else in Europe.
I love my life here and have friends, the walk ability, not having to worry about healthcare, the travel opportunities… but I’m scared of work completely drying up and I don’t wanna use up all my savings waiting for a job that most likely will never come.
My family has been talking about visiting me later this year so I’m thinking of taking advantage of them being here to help me move back. Thankfully they’re supportive and my cats and I would have a place to stay while I find a job. I know my mental health would be affected going from what I have here from going back to my hometown living with my parents but at least I’d be “safe” while there’s a lot of uncertainty going on right now.
TL;DR: should I stay in Spain for my happiness trying to make things in the hope work will pick up again/I find a job here or return to the US to reinvent my career and have my family’s support?
Thank you in advance.