An American who made the leap and moved to Lithuania back in 2012 has shared his perspective on life there, highlighting how earning less money translates to higher happiness. Bernard Meyer, who relocated when he was just 27, believes the sacrifices are worth it for better healthcare, safety, and quality of life.
Meyer’s story begins when he took on teaching English abroad after graduating during the Great Recession. After spending some time teaching English in Mongolia and visiting relatives, he found himself drawn to the charming capital, Vilnius, where he eventually met the woman who would become his wife.
Reflecting on Lithuania’s reputation, Meyer once found it puzzling when people would comment on it being the happiest country for young people. He even humorously noted the old saying about Lithuanians, claiming they only feel joy when their neighbor’s house is burning.
Life as an American expat in Lithuania feels drastically different for Meyer compared to his previous experiences back home. The relaxed lifestyle, free healthcare, and general safety make Lithuania’s slower pace enjoyable, especially for his young family.
“I cannot begin to describe how stressed out I would be in the U.S., especially because I have kids,” Meyer stated. He spent enough time managing anxieties over unpredictable healthcare costs, which can be exorbitant, especially for families.
Indeed, he noted, gathering similar stories about the heavy financial burdens citizens often face when they seek treatment—like bills racking up to $25,000 for minor procedures. The perception of healthcare back home looms large, and he appreciates the relief he feels knowing medical services are just around the corner without worrying about crippling debt.
Meyer found himself not just living, but thriving with his family. Over the years he transitioned from teaching to building his career as the senior communications and creative director at marketing automation platform Omnisend, all the way from Vilnius.
His life isn’t just about work, though; the work-life balance is what stands out. Meyer mentioned how after the workday, his neighbors often unwind at cafes or take leisurely strolls—a stark divergence from the hustle-and-bustle mentality common among many Americans.
According to recent findings from the World Happiness Report 2024, Lithuania has emerged as the number one country for happiness among young people. Meyer attributes this not only to the natural beauty of the region but also to the collective approach to life shared among its citizens.
Years ago, he would never have predicted Lithuania to rise from its troubled financial past—indeed, it was once laden with issues hailing from previous economic crises. Now, Meyer sees the humble country flourishing, revealed by its ability to attract skilled workers through incentives like visa assistance and periodic financial support for expats starting new jobs.
Admittedly, he has endured some lifestyle adjustments, from living on lower salaries to managing family expenditures. Based on data from Numbeo, the cost of living, including rent, is about 41% cheaper than living in the U.S.—a statistic that's heartening for expats like Meyer.
While he acknowledges the discrepancy between his earnings and those of his American counterparts, he emphasizes happiness and family well-being outweighs financial competition. Meyer relishes the significant savings he garners, allowing him to manage the essentials comfortably.
His wife and children also help sustain his contentment, as they all enjoy the simple pleasures of life together. Meyer notes, “Even when I need the services of private doctors, the costs are reasonable compared to the U.S.”
One might think of work as simply earning, but for Meyer, it seamlessly blends with living. He finds joy not only from the work he does but also from the enriching nature of his environment, where work isn’t all-consuming.
Meanwhile, Meyer draws attention to Vilnius’s emerging tech scene, spurred by its favorable environment. With hundreds of startups and several notable tech “unicorns,” the capital is on its way to becoming Europe’s next significant tech hub.
For those wanting to see the growth, the construction of the largest startup campus holding 5,000 workers stands on the horizon. Meyer notes the essence of the bubbling tech culture lies not just within high productivity but also within personal connection and collective motivation.
His experiences led him to reflect on the softer hustle culture present among workers in Vilnius—people pursuing side projects more leisurely rather than burning themselves out. “You have this nice switch where they work hard here, but within this time period,” he adds, appreciating the conscious effort made to avoid overextending themselves.
Living here, Meyer feels the freedom to take vacations and enjoy life outside of work commitments—something he rarely witnessed back home. He expressed, “I never had vacation, nor did I know anyone who took vacation willingly.”
This newfound mindset allowed him to be flexible as he emphasizes, “We don’t work in the emergency department. There’s fires, but there’s always fires, it doesn’t mean you need to give up your vacation.”
Aside from the cultural differences, safety manifests itself as one of the most compelling aspects of life as an expat. Meyer feels secure raising his children away from the often violent backdrop of American news.
He reflected on the persistent societal issues like violence and racism he would often navigate living back home. Contrasted with his life in Vilnius as a Black man, he appreciates how integration occurs without always being recalled to his race.
“Here sometimes I forget I’m not white,” he admitted, appreciating how it translates to daily life devoid of underlying tensions surrounding discussions of race. “It doesn’t feel like it’s integral to my position here.”
Meanwhile, his experience echoes those of many expats who sought refuge and connection beyond borders. Reflecting on the global dialogue, he serves as one of many new voices who call Lithuania home, living proof of how much can change when one decides to explore life outside the confines of their homeland.
Bernard Meyer’s story enlightens the realities of expatriate life and sheds light on the beautiful surprises of choosing to embrace the unknown. Life is often more significant than solely work, and sometimes the best decisions lie beyond comfort zones.
