I know Jow Forums will call me a larper, but all of this is true. I hope this does not come across as braggy. I know I am fortunate might be retarded for what I am about to write:
I worked hard my entire life, did the hardest degree at my university, got top marks, did 2 years of internships, and eventually made my way to [Google/Microsoft/Amazon]. I've been there since 2016, got 2 promotions, and make more money now than I dreamed of back in school.
I come from Canada, where if you are getting a CS/Engineering job, you will be lucky to get anywhere near 90-100k CAD a couple years out of school. Now here in the US, I am making $180k USD (130k base, plus stock and bonus). More than double I could make back in Canada. Despite all of this, I am more depressed and lonely now than I have ever been in my life.
The past few months have been unbearable, I feel dread every morning when I wake up. I think a lot of these feelings are a result of not having a relationship, but for some reason I have a mental block for dating girls around here since I know I plan to go back to Canada eventually.
I have been seriously considering trying to find a somewhat similar job in Canada and breaking my lease and just leaving in the hopes of starting a new life back in my hometown and hopefully finding a girl to settle down with/have kids with.
I would be 1) taking at least a 50% pay cut if you factor in USD->CAD, 2) likely be doing far less interesting work compared to what I do at a BigN here, 3) leaving a fairly good group of friends here behind, and essentially be starting from scratch again
I'm 26 years old and feel like my life is passing me by. I have about 300k net worth if you factor in 401k, stock, HSA, savings, car+electronics, etc. I would delay retirement by at least 10 years moving back to Canada.
Anyway sorry for the wall of text, just wanted to see if any other Jow Forumsers have given up a prestigious career to try to "settle down" and find a girl/build a family...