Ask Lemmy

If your SO thinks it's a joke, then I think the very first thing you need to do is consider whether you're 100% serious about it or not. And then you need to discuss it with them as a serious topic, so they know you're not kidding. And then take it from there based on whatever they say, bearing in mind that they may be 100% against it.

Also agree with the comment about potentially having to move back closer to family in future, if health situations deteriorate.

None of which is to say don't do it. But it's a major life change, so lots to consider.

I made the move to the Netherlands with my family last year. Definitely worth it.

We downsized from a 1400 sq ft house to a 75 m² apartment. We've made it work and we're pretty happy about it, with some caveats about what we want our next place to have.

Getting a visa will be your hardest problem. Countries don't just let people in for funsies, you have to have a visa path.

If you're young and your parents aren't old, it's doable.

It's also doable when you have siblings to take care of older parents. I know you say "Most of our families will be gone in a few years." But what if in less than that time they need care?

Relocating back to where your elderly parents are, especially if you're older can be a hassle. For example, if you are 50 years old and your parents are 75 years old, and they need a caretaker, you would need to relocate, and get a new job later in life (often at a pay decrease).

I have lived in a couple of different countries and in total moved about 20 times or so. It's really not that big a deal, but I do recommend throwing away most of your stuff. Most of what we have fits in a few boxes, aside from some cheap furniture.

Now is a good time to move away from the US because you are ahead of the large refugee waves that will come if and when things get really bad (but even if they don't, it's unlikely the US is going to catch up to Northern Europe economically any time soon). You do need to have a job lined up though, no Nordic country is going to give you a residence permit just because your grandparents were from there.

Moving to a new country is a big change in so many ways. You probably shouldn’t do it for the lulz. Do you have a good reason to move to a specific place? Is there a unique career opportunity, a unique natural resource or community for one of your hobbies, a very important friend or family member living there? Those could be good reasons.
If you have your reasons, bite the bullet, rent a container, and take your stuff with you. Even better if your new employer covers relocation expenses.

Oh boy. You don't have kids so that's a plus. It sounds like you have a min max mentality. Your SO you need to confirm it but it's not crazy so long you guys are fully on board for the ride.

If you say I wanna move 2000 miles out, if she picked 2000 miles north would you be fine with that?

Sounds like you and your SO need to have a long, serious talk about how you see the next 20 years playing out.

You don't need a month by month schedule, but you should be on the same page about what is and isn't something you'd both want.