Should I Move to Luxembourg?
By [Your Name] | April 4, 2025
It’s a dilemma many expats or ambitious professionals face at some point: when your career is thriving, but your personal life feels flat, is it time to move on — or dig deeper?
That was the heartfelt question posed to counsellor and mindfulness specialist Laura Fox in a recent "Ask the Expert" column. A reader who has spent six years living in Luxembourg, earning a solid salary and enjoying career success, confessed to struggling with the lack of exciting leisure activities. In bigger capitals, they argued, there are concerts, culture, nightlife. By the sea or the mountains, there’s adventure and natural beauty. But Luxembourg? It feels like it’s missing both.
So, should they leave for a more "exciting" life, or stay put for the sake of financial stability?
The short answer: it’s complicated.
The Myth of the "Perfect Place"
Laura Fox cautions against what she calls the “perfect destination fallacy.” It’s easy to assume there’s a magical city out there that will tick all the boxes — great job, vibrant culture, beautiful surroundings, affordable living, and a welcoming community. The reality? Every place comes with trade-offs.
Big cities often mean better nightlife or cultural events, yes — but they also come with high living costs, long commutes, and often stressful work cultures. Seaside towns might offer nature and serenity, but they may lack professional opportunities or a dynamic social scene.
As Laura wisely points out: “We often overestimate the impact a location has on our long-term happiness, while underestimating our ability to adapt to wherever we live.”
The Power of Experimentation
The good news is that the reader is in a strong position — early 30s, earning well, and not stuck. Laura suggests small experiments before big decisions. Try remote working if possible. Use weekends to travel to cities you’re curious about. Test how it feels to live elsewhere — not just through Instagram-worthy vacations, but real, everyday experiences.
Sometimes, the problem isn’t the place — it’s the routine. Adding travel, hobbies, or new social circles can revitalize your experience of where you are.
What Are You Really Missing?
A crucial part of Laura’s advice is this: identify what’s actually lacking. Is it excitement? Community? Romance? A sense of meaning?
Financial security, she reminds us, is key to wellbeing — but only up to a point. Beyond that, purpose, relationships, and alignment with your values start to matter more. Ask yourself: what do I need more of in my life right now? And can I get that without leaving my current setup?
Should You Move?
Maybe. If you’ve explored your options and still feel unfulfilled, Laura says it’s worth looking into internal transfers within your company — a great way to change your environment without risking financial stability. If that’s not an option, you can start researching roles elsewhere, but with a clear idea of what lifestyle you’re aiming for.
Crucially, practical things matter. For example, being close to your workplace, having time for hobbies, or even access to nature. These might weigh just as much as nightlife or museums in the long run.
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — and that’s the beauty of it. As Laura puts it, “The thought and consideration you’re giving this shows that you are already on the right path toward clarifying your desires and honouring your values and priorities.”
Whether you stay in Luxembourg or explore new horizons, the goal isn’t a perfect life — it’s a life that feels right to you.
Have your own question for an expert?
The Ask the Expert column invites readers to submit questions on careers, personal finance, relationships, and more. Submissions are anonymous — and just might help someone else wondering the same thing.
Read more from the ‘Ask the Expert’ series here
Comments
Post a Comment