Why do so many people talk about moving abroad like it’s just a matter of getting up and leaving?

Probably the same people who say LTB, or ‘Why are you still with him?’ - as if it’s all so easy….

I see a lot of "if you're not happy why don't you leave" which also assumes that anyone who expresses the slightest concern about the way the country is going can just up sticks and go somewhere else.
I am Irish living in the UK and while I could leave if there was danger to life, actually moving back to Ireland, leaving my job, DH leaving job, finding schools for DCs would take a great deal of planning (and a lot more money than we actually have).
I do dream of moving somewhere more hopeful and I hope my kids get out (but don't go too far!) while they have the flexibility and potential to do so. Have no idea where would actually be better though.

Even for the mega-rich using the Golden Visa route, it takes time. If you speak to them, they might mr tion " we're moving next year," without a flicker of change in their everyday life, but that's because there's a lawyer, tax advisor and specialist agency handling the paperwork in the background.

It's rarely that simple.

I disagree, we know many with second homes, particularly in London - many also have more than one passport. It may be rare for your social group. The issue is of course if those with money, who pay higher taxes decide to emigrate for financial reasons - will the UK be better or worse off?

If you dont have kids, it really is just a matter of moving tbh

Wish I knew that before becoming a mum. No regrets but wish I had been brave

I agree generally it’s not something you can sort overnight but tbh I can’t blame anyone for wanting to up sticks for a better life. The grass might not turn out to be greener but there’s no harm in trying. My son works for a multinational company and went to Oz on a secondment. The company sorted out visas, accommodation etc. Even then it took a few months. 7 years later he’s still there and now has citizenship.

I agree. The reality is that only a tiny minority of people in the UK are able to emigrate to another country, these days. But of course, almost everyone on MN or their partners have high flying jobs paying at least £100k, with companies that have international offices, so that’s why you get so many people here saying they’ll be leaving soon. I’m being a bit tongue in cheek, but you get my point.

Maybe you are misunderstanding the fluidity of others lives? Many we know have multiple passports and homes, so they don’t have the basic set up issues that you may have? That’s notwithstanding that if for example you don’t have assets, savings etc, you are unlikely to be able to move, due to financial restrictions. Council tenants living on UC for example are vastly less fluid than those who own homes in more than one country. Do you see what I mean?

Nobody is specifically mentioning moving overnight though, are they?
To be fair, it wasn't an overnight thing pre-Brexit either. You'd still need to get a job, housing, learn the language of you didn't speak it already.
I'm not sure what your specific grievance is, really.

A lot of people I know (me included) have another passport - EU, US. Part of long-term EU freedom of movement + big Irish diaspora… I’m sure about 80% ot people I know have this option.

If you work for a big company at a relatively senior level, moving to another country can be straightforward.

Most people I know that have left have done it via the above - there are connections with where they are going already.

Not sure I understand your post/rant. If someone wants to better their life, why not? Just because you can’t move quickly doesn’t mean it’s not a worthy plan. Is that you Rachel Reeves?