After 14 years abroad, I moved back to my home state of California. I'm happier now than I've been in years.
I built a life abroad, but something was missing. Moving back to California helped me realize what I really needed.
Rebecca Mendoza lived abroad for 14 years, building a successful life there, but returned to California after caring for her ailing aunt, discovering that she missed her home state and felt happier now than in years. Mendoza and her dog, Troy, moved back to her hometown in California from the north of England in October 2025, filled with a mix of emotions including exhaustion, relief, excitement, heartbreak, and hope.
She had experienced a range of personal growth and hard choices, including earning a master's degree, getting married, and finding a job she loved. However, she also felt lonelier due to always being on the outside despite working hard to build a life abroad. After a few years of struggling with her identity and purpose, Mendoza spent time in Wales before returning to her hometown.
She found solace in hiking, reconnecting with friends and family, and pursuing her passions. Despite the challenges of starting anew in the US job market and dealing with personal losses, Mendoza finds happiness in being back home, hiking, watching sunsets, and building new friendships. She acknowledges that the journey has been difficult, but she is content with her decision to return to California, feeling like she has found her true home.
Written by urgent.news from Business Insider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
