From Colorado to Seoul: How a layoff reshaped one family's expat dream
Two years ago, a journalist and their family left Colorado for South Korea after landing a job at a top news organisation. The move promised adventure and a fresh start. But in February, a sudden layoff from The Washington Post—part of a wider cut that saw over 300 journalists lose their roles—left them rethinking their choices.
Now, the author sees this setback as a chance to reset. With more time for their daughter and less stress, they're weighing what comes next while reflecting on the highs and lows of life abroad.
The decision to relocate wasn't made lightly. The family had a stable life in Colorado—a house, steady jobs, and a routine. Yet they craved something more, trading what they called a 'boring heaven' for an 'exciting hell' in Seoul.
Once settled, the author worked remotely, covering global stories while their mother-in-law looked after their daughter. The child thrived, picking up a new language and enjoying free childcare—something unthinkable back in the US. School life here also meant no active-shooter drills, a relief for the parents. For the author's South Korean wife, the move was a homecoming. She reconnected with family and culture, feeling more rooted than ever. Their daughter adapted quickly, too. But for the author, the transition was harder. Not speaking the language left them feeling isolated, even as their family found belonging. Over time, they built a support network with other expats, sharing advice and looking out for one another. Still, small things nagged—like why they'd shipped certain belongings halfway across the world. Then came the layoff. In a single day, their entire Seoul team was dismantled. The news hit hard, but it also brought unexpected clarity. Freed from the daily grind, the author now has space to reconsider their career—and savour the extra moments with their daughter.
The layoff has forced a pause, but it hasn't erased the positives of their time in South Korea. Their daughter's bilingual skills and stress-free schooling remain lasting gains. For the author, the challenge now is turning this break into a new path—one that balances work, family, and a sense of home, wherever that may be.
