26 | OCTOBER 12 • 2023 J
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the UK. We have a generous allocation of 
holidays here; I personally get around 25 
days by default. Plus, being located centrally 
allows me to travel to fabulous places like 
Spain or Italy within a few hours. It’s much 
more convenient compared to the U.S.,
” 
Feczko observes. 
 Feczko notes that this emphasis on work 
in the U.S. also influences social interac-
tions, with most interactions feeling like an 
interrogation about one’s profession. “Here 
in the UK, the approach is more relaxed, 
with casual starters such as comments on 
the weather. It fosters a slower, more natural 
development of relationships.
”
He remains undecided about the possi-
bility of returning to the U.S. in the future. 
Being content in the UK and holding 
German citizenship, which grants him 
the freedom to reside in any EU country, 
broadens his residential options. While 
acknowledging the hardship of being sepa-
rated from friends and family, he has found 
considerable advantages in living abroad. 
“My time overseas has revealed how 
American-centric my understanding used 
to be, to the point that I failed to fully 
appreciate the rich diversity of people and 
cultures,
” he shares. “Residing in London 
has allowed me to recognize the privileges I 
had back home while also valuing the work-
life balance and multicultural environment 
that the city offers, particularly given its 
historic role as a focal point in the English-
speaking world.
” 

DOWN UNDER
Another favored destination for Americans 
is Australia. Phillip Yip, a seasoned immi-
gration attorney based in Sydney, notes the 

complexities of the nation’s immigration 
framework. 
“Our immigration system is managed 
by the Department of Home Affairs, and 
we usually have about 190,000 migrants 
each year. Roughly 70% of these are skilled 
workers, and the other 30% come for family 
reasons,
” he says.
Yip adds that Australia is ideally looking 
for immigrants younger than 45, with good 
education, strong English and at least two 
years of relevant work experience after their 
education. 
Ian Rathmell, 34, was born to a 
multi-generational Southern Jewish family 
in Birmingham, Alabama. “Growing up, I 
never really envisioned living outside of the 
U.S. In the South, international perspectives 
weren’t readily accessible,
” he recalls. 
Despite feeling grounded in the region, 
the allure of experiencing more of the world 
led him to seek opportunities abroad. While 
working in finance in Austin, Texas, he 
pushed for a transfer to a global office. In 
2016, his request was granted, offering him 
a chance to move to the company’s Sydney, 
Australia, branch.
“There was a deeper desire to explore and 
see more, driven partially by Sydney’s pro-
gressive landscape. Being a gay Jew, I was 
also drawn to the open-minded approach to 
the LGBT community in Sydney,
” Rathmell 
shares, highlighting the importance of 
inclusivity in his decision to relocate.
In Australia, Rathmell finds a political cli-
mate more in tune with his personal values, 
appreciating the universal healthcare system 
and a heightened sense of safety compared 
to the U.S. “The safety here is notable. Yes, 
we have guns, but they are regulated appro-
priately, avoiding the extreme scenarios 

witnessed in the U.S.,
” he observes.
Furthermore, Rathmell praises the 
Australian lifestyle that aligns well with his 
preferences, “In America, it’s hard to find 
a city that ticks all my boxes — being near 
a beach and the mountains, having public 
transportation, walkable and great weather. 
Sydney checks so many boxes, and Australia 
just has so much outdoor adventure and so 
much to explore and see,
” he adds.
As more Americans entertain the idea 
of relocating, their choices are motivated 
by a complex interplay of factors including 
work-life balance, safety and a desire for 
broader cultural experiences. For American 
Jewish millennials like Rathmell and 
Feczko, it is evident that the move abroad 
has ushered in a period of self-discovery, 
offering a refreshing deviation from the 
expectations set in the U.S. They have found 
countries that align more closely with their 
individual values, where the approach to 
work, politics, and even casual interactions 
offers a breath of fresh air.
Moving abroad is a significant step, filled 
with complexities such as ever-changing 
immigration laws and the inherent chal-
lenges of building a life in a new country. 
Many Americans contemplating this path 
might feel overwhelmed by the hurdles that 
lie ahead and ultimately decide not to follow 
through with an international move. Yet, for 
a considerable number, the prospect of a life 
more aligned with their personal values and 
aspirations, coupled with enhanced safety, 
might very well outweigh the challenges. 

Dan Brotman is the executive director of the Windsor 

Jewish Federation and oversees its J Welcome Home 

immigration program. In addition to this role, he is the 

founder of Rootless Mobility, a consultancy that guides 

clients who are unsure about their emigration options.

continued from page 24

Author Dan Brotman 
in front of Canada’s 
Parliament in Ottawa 

Ian Rathmell with his 
Australian partner, 
Brando, in front of the 
Sydney Opera House

OUR COMMUNITY

