In a growing trend on social media platform TikTok, Americans are sharing their emigration stories and encouraging others to leave the United States in search of a better quality of life. Hashtags such as #expatlife, #digitalnomad, and #leavingtheusa have gained popularity in the past year, signaling a shift in the perception of the American dream. These online influencers, who now reside in various countries around the world, are documenting their stress-free lifestyles and explaining why they believe the American dream has evolved.

One such influencer is Andrea Elliott, a 37-year-old woman who had lived in Houston, Texas, her entire life until she made the life-changing decision to move to Indonesia in January. Elliott's journey to becoming a digital nomad began after her divorce in 2019. She started traveling with friends and eventually embarked on solo trips, discovering a newfound love for exploring the world on her own. This experience ignited a desire within her to move out of the U.S. and seek a different way of life.

Initially, Elliott planned to wait until her two sons, aged 12 and 16, turned 18 before selling her home in Houston and moving abroad. However, after returning from a summer trip to Bali in 2022, her sons expressed their wish to live with their father. Despite this unexpected development, Elliott remains positive and maintains a strong bond with her children, who join her on her travels whenever possible.

The belief that hard work guarantees success in America, regardless of one's background, is fading among its citizens. Instead of aspiring to upward mobility, Americans are increasingly yearning for a less stressful lifestyle that allows them to prioritize quality time with their families. A recent survey conducted by the Wall Street Journal and NORC, an independent research organization, revealed that only 36% of respondents still believed in the traditional American dream of "if you work hard, you'll get ahead." This percentage has significantly declined from 53% in 2012. Furthermore, 45% of individuals surveyed acknowledged that this belief no longer holds true.

Elliott, in an interview with Fox News Digital, expressed her perspective on the shifting American dream. She stated, "The new American dream is to leave America." Elliott blames the fast-paced and demanding work culture in the country, which often leaves individuals feeling burnt out. Moreover, the high cost of living adds to the financial stress that many Americans experience, forcing them to live paycheck to paycheck and accumulate debt. Elliott believes that true living entails being able to take breaks from work, enjoy leisure activities, and lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Having spent 15 years in the U.S. energy sector, Elliott now appreciates the significant difference in her expenses since moving to Bali. The lower cost of living allows her to support herself through content creation on social media and hosting spiritual retreats for women. The COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted a shift to remote work for many Americans, enabled them to experience a healthier work-life balance. The growth of platforms like TikTok also played a role in exposing individuals to alternative lifestyles and the idea that they are not bound to a place they do not wish to live in.

While Elliott enjoys the perks of U.S. citizenship and acknowledges the government's support from overseas, she has no intentions of returning to America. She views her decision to leave as a one-way street, emphasizing that there is no turning back for her.

Andrea Elliott's story is just one example of how more Americans are realizing that a better quality of life exists beyond U.S. borders. As this trend continues to gain momentum on TikTok and other social media platforms, the concept of the American dream is undergoing a profound transformation.