Why I Left the UK: The Journey to California

I didn't want to live in a country that had voted for what I perceived as a course full of short-sighted individuals, ultimately leading to Brexit. The UK, once my home, became a distant memory as the reasons for my departure grew deeper.

The Trigger: Brexit

As an EU citizen married to another European with two children, the thought of navigating the "Settled Status scheme" was daunting. My decision to relocate was not one made lightly. I regret the events that led to this choice, yet remain convinced that we made the right decision overall.

Strands of Fate

The fabric of my life in England was woven from threads of destiny. My mother was German and my father English; I was conceived in Berlin, but born in Lancashire by divine providence. This glimpse into my origins underscores the European roots that eventually pulled me away from my native soil.

The Path to California

I left the UK for California in April 2006, a journey that was as much a promise to keep as it was a leap of fate. In late 2002, I met my wife during a six-week vacation in the US. We tied the knot in June 2004, and a year later she moved to England to join me. We had a solemn agreement that she would stay in Britain as long as my widowed mother lived. Given that I was an only child, we both felt it was important not to leave my mother behind as she aged.

Life, however, had different plans. Just one week after our wedding, my mother passed away. I found myself organizing her funeral while clearing up her estate, liquidating assets, and managing investments. All of this was compounded by the arduous process of applying for a spousal visa. This visa, which took about six months to process, was granted in late March 2006.

On April 26th, 2006, we crossed the Atlantic and the North American continent, forever settling in California.

Regret and Reflection

Though the transition was complex and required significant effort, I do not regret the move. Relocation, especially across an ocean and a continent, is never easy. It involves an endless array of form filling and ensuring that every piece of paperwork fits together correctly.

While there are certain aspects of my former life in the UK that I miss, particularly the food and cultural experiences, I find solace in the present. California offers its own unique charm and opportunities, making every day a fresh start.