When trying to categorise and group the reasons people move, I realised I was falling into the trap of oversimplifying complex stories into labels like “moving for a job.” By grouping motivations, I risk losing the richness of each person’s experience. Well, I shall try
Keep reading to learn:
- 3 main insights from my expat research about why people move
- 10+ main reasons
- why I think curiosity is the main one.
1. There are many different reasons why people move abroad
Among the most common reasons people named for moving abroad from their home country were, of course, money and relationships.
2. There are additional reasons to move "back" (which is also an international move)
I will share more separately about the reasons why people move back, as I find this a very interesting topic. Among them are caring for aging parents, visa constraints, and a new understanding of life and oneself (e.g., “Now I know what I want and where I want to live”).
3. Often there is more than one reason
Many people said there were a few reasons to move (aka multi-factor decision), usually combine two or even three reasons rather just one.
“I was working in that industry where my country simply didn’t have many interesting job opportunities. I knew that if I’m serious about my career I’d need to move. Plus, my best friends already left my town, so I followed them”
”I moved with my partner, but we both knew the home country was too small for us, and we were talking about it for some time”
1. Career or job opportunities
One of the most dominant reasons. Participants often mentioned:
- higher salaries
- better professional growth
- international experience
- stronger labour markets
"I wanted to work abroad and build my career"
"I moved because there were better professional opportunities"
2. Economic stability or better financial prospects
Closely related to career, but distinct.
Motivations included:
- higher income potential
- financial security
- supporting family
- currency differences
- sending money "back home".
"I wanted to send money back to help my family"
3. Moving for a partner or relationship
A major driver across many interviews.
- following a spouse’s job relocation
- moving to live with a partner
- meeting a partner abroad and staying
- moving to find a partner
"We decided to move together and start a new chapter"
Sometimes the move was primarily relational, with career decisions adapting afterward, due to relationship changes (breakups or divorce):
“I’ve got a new job in another city and also wanted to be further away from my ex”
4. Desire for personal growth and independence
Very common in first-time movers. Typical motivations:
- “see the world”
- independence from family / parents
- leaving familiar environments
- Several participants explicitly described the move as a developmental milestone.
"I needed to get out and see what I could do on my own"
5. Searching for a better cultural or social fit
- looking for a place where the culture, values, and way of life feel more aligned with who they are
- where they feel more comfortable, accepted
- able to live in a way that suits them better.
"I didn’t feel I belonged there anymore"
6. Education and academic opportunities
Common among participants' early (or first from many) moves. Motivations included:
- better education quality
- free or subsidised study
- stepping stone to future migration
“I moved to study, but I was interested in living abroad in the future and thought this would be my first attempt so I can see how it goes”.
7. Lifestyle improvements
Common motivations:
- better climate, weather
- safer cities
- slower pace of life
- higher quality public services
"After I lived there, I realised I want to live where it's actually sunny"
8. Curiosity and exploration
Some participants moved without a strong "external" push. Often seen in people who later became serial movers. Typical themes:
- curiosity about another culture
- travel mindset
- testing a new country
- adventure
"I couldn’t see myself in one place forever"
9. Escape from political or social conditions
- leaving restrictive environments
- safety concerns
- escaping social pressure or discrimination
Often described by participants as forced or semi-forced relocation due to political or social conditions, but not legally classified as refugee migration, since the decision to move remained intentional and self-initiated.
10. Legal status, citizenship, or mobility strategy
Several participants were very strategic. Some explicitly framed moves as mobility planning.
- moving to countries with easier residency
- pursuing passports or long-term legalisation
- planning multi-country migration paths
11. Family and Children’s Future
- better education systems for children
- safer environments
- different social values
These moves often involved a very high level of planning, with decisions and preparations made years in advance. More about “How long it takes to move abroad” in my next article.
Curiosity is the main factor. My POV and personal reflections
As I have been listening to my participants’ stories, I cannot help but notice how many times people say they wanted to see the world.
As much as money, love, and safety are reasons people move, something kept making me wonder whether people also need to be ready to move abroad. To me, it feels like a sign of courage — and of qualities such as a passion for adventure, curiosity, open-mindedness, and strength.
These qualities may not be the main reason or the final push for the move, such as a better job or more money. But after talking to my participants, I kept wondering whether somewhere at the core there is this curiosity and sense of adventure that makes the decision to move abroad real.
This might be the foundational motivation behind many other reasons.
I'm very interested to know your thoughts on this.
What was the main reason that made you move abroad?
Did curiosity play a role in your decision to move?
Do you think your reasons would be different if you moved today?
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