Left the U.S. for Spain: "I Came Here to Reclaim the Joy I Lost Chasing the 'American Dream'"

Camille, a popular TikTok creator, recently revealed why she decided to leave the United States and relocate to Spain. Her story struck a chord, sparking thousands of reactions and reigniting the conversation about migration and quality of life. "I once heard that people go to the U.S. to make money and to Spain to live, and that's exactly what I intended. I came to Spain to live, to find the joy I lost in the hustle while chasing the American dream."

This statement is how the Puerto Rican creator @camilleenespana begins her viral TikTok video. She elaborates on how her time in the U.S. taught her "to survive, to sacrifice, and to work hard," but at a significant cost: "It cost me my best years, always rushing, reaching one goal and chasing another. Now it's time for me to rest, enjoy, and simply be."

Camille chose Spain for its "high quality of life, rich culture, healthcare system, public transportation, cuisine, and endless beauty."

The TikTok Debate Ignites

Her testimony unleashed a flood of comments. Many praised her bravery: "I admire your courage. The best decision is to be at peace," one user commented. Others questioned the move: "While pursuing a goal in Spain with the salaries there, you lose another part of life." Some agreed with her sentiment: "I'm eager to leave. Here, life is just about work."

Practical questions were abundant: "How did you find an apartment?" "How much did it all cost?" "How did you bring your pet?" Camille shared that she traveled with her dog on a direct flight from Chicago to Madrid and secured housing through a real estate agency after unsuccessful attempts on digital platforms.

"7 Tips for Moving to Spain"

Due to the influx of inquiries, the creator released a follow-up video, explaining her arrival with a non-lucrative visa and offering essential advice: "Firstly, if you don't watch any other part of this video, remember this—consult an immigration lawyer, and that lawyer should specialize in Spanish immigration law."

Her tips included thorough research on social media and forums, organizing each step with tools like Google Sheets, saving money from the start, and adjusting expectations: "It's vital not to arrive in this country or any country expecting to recreate your previous life... You must adapt to the culture rather than expecting the local culture to adapt to you."

She also emphasized considering the impact of tourism: "Spain has more cities than just Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Málaga... I didn't want to be part of the problem."

The video prompted further reactions: congratulations, warnings about bureaucracy and taxes, and numerous requests for a breakdown of expenses.

An Ongoing Conversation

Camille's experience adds to an increasingly visible discussion on social media. Recently, a young Spaniard who moved to Texas claimed, "This is not a country to enjoy; it's a place to earn money," in another viral TikTok.

Similarly, a Cuban who left Spain for the U.S. admitted, "Yes, you earn more here, but you live worse... I wish I hadn't decided to come," in a video that garnered thousands of responses.

Another creator, now in Miami, explained why he returned after seven years in Spain, stating, "Spain started to smell like Cuba," a comment that sparked heated debate among migrants.