A growing number of U.S.-based workers are saying goodbye to their jobs in America and heading abroad for what they see as greener — and less office-bound — pastures. According to a recent study, the trend of Americans leaving the country for work has more than doubled in the last five years.
A Rising Wave of Workers Moving Abroad
The percentage of U.S. workers leaving their jobs to work overseas has increased dramatically, rising from 2.7% at the end of 2021 to 6% by the end of 2025, based on data from workforce intelligence company Revelio. This data includes both U.S. and foreign-born workers and accounts for those employed by foreign companies as well as Americans working remotely for U.S. companies.
Ege Aksu, an economist at Revelio, explained to CBS News that the shift reflects a global labor market where “everyone can work from anywhere.” While the trend includes a broad range of professionals, the tech sector is leading the charge. For example, nearly 16% of people who switched jobs in IT consulting in December 2025 took roles outside the U.S.
This migration comes as Europe heavily invests in AI, cloud infrastructure, and other tech sectors, creating high-quality job opportunities that are attracting U.S. talent. Aksu also highlighted that this migration trend has now reversed, with more U.S. tech workers moving to Europe than the other way around — a significant change from previous years.
Why Are Americans Leaving for Jobs Abroad?
The number of U.S.-based workers quitting their jobs for overseas opportunities is not just a small uptick; it’s becoming a regular part of the labor landscape. In 2025, roughly 2,000 to 2,500 U.S.-based workers left for jobs abroad each month. France and the United Kingdom have emerged as top destinations for American workers seeking new opportunities.
A significant portion of this outmigration is driven by foreign-born workers leaving the U.S. Revelio’s data shows that 30% of foreign-born job switchers left the U.S. by the end of 2025, compared to less than 1% of U.S.-born workers. Despite this, a larger trend is emerging in which both U.S.-born and foreign-born workers are less tied to physical locations than they were before the pandemic.
The Impact of Remote Work on Job Migration
Remote work has played a crucial role in this shift. Many Americans became accustomed to flexible schedules and remote work during the pandemic, and while some companies have since issued return-to-office mandates, others abroad offer hybrid work arrangements and more flexible hours. This creates a compelling alternative for those seeking a better work-life balance or a more attractive lifestyle abroad.
As Aksu pointed out, “If another employer abroad offers hybrid work, better hours, and a comparable role, that becomes a very real alternative.” For many workers, the appeal of remote job options, better work environments, and improved personal lives outweigh the potential of staying in the U.S.
The Financial Appeal of Living Abroad
Aside from work conditions, many Americans are also attracted to living in countries where their money goes further. With the rising cost of living in the U.S. and the ongoing financial squeeze faced by many workers, moving abroad can seem like a wise financial decision. According to a Gallup poll, more than half of Americans report that their financial situation is worsening, marking the highest level of concern since 2001.
Aksu notes that for many Americans, it’s not just about the salary but the value of the overall package. “Better public services, healthcare, transportation, childcare, and stronger work-life balance” make the total offer more attractive, even if the nominal pay is lower than what workers could earn in the U.S.
