SouthernWorldwide.com – A growing number of Americans are choosing to leave their jobs in the United States to pursue employment opportunities overseas.
Recent findings from a study conducted by workforce intelligence firm Revelio indicate a significant increase in this trend. The proportion of employees departing their U.S. positions for roles abroad has more than doubled over the past five years. This figure rose from 2.7% at the close of 2021 to 6% by the end of 2025.
The study’s data encompasses both U.S.-born and foreign-born workers. It includes individuals employed by non-U.S. companies, as well as those who continue to work remotely for American firms while residing abroad.
“We are observing a labor market that is increasingly globalized, where individuals have the flexibility to work from virtually any location,” stated Ege Aksu, an economist at Revelio, in an interview with CBS News.
The technology sector appears to be at the forefront of this exodus. Revelio’s data reveals that in IT consulting, almost 16% of individuals who changed jobs in December 2025 accepted new positions outside of the United States.
Read more : Kidulting: The Fun Way to Exercise?
This surge coincides with increased investment in technology sectors such as artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure in Europe. Aksu explained that this translates to a greater number of high-quality job openings, more ambitious startups, and heightened competition for talent beyond U.S. borders.
Since the beginning of last year, Revelio has observed that the number of U.S. tech workers relocating to Europe now surpasses the number of European tech workers moving in the opposite direction. This marks a reversal of previous migration patterns.
“Talent is not an unlimited resource,” Aksu emphasized, adding that American workers are seeking more than just substantial salaries.
Reasons Behind the Migration
According to Aksu, approximately 2,000 to 2,500 U.S.-based workers have been leaving the country each month since 2025 to accept jobs internationally. Europe, with France being a particularly popular destination, along with the United Kingdom, are the primary locations for these moves.
It is important to note that a substantial portion of this outmigration is driven by foreign-born workers departing the U.S. Revelio’s data indicates that as of December 2025, 30% of foreign-born job switchers left the U.S., in contrast to less than 1% of U.S.-born switchers.
Nevertheless, the data points to a discernible shift in labor dynamics, suggesting that workers are less tethered to geographical locations compared to the pre-pandemic era.
The availability of remote work opportunities is identified as a significant catalyst for U.S.-based employees relocating abroad, according to Revelio. While many workers adapted to flexible work arrangements during the pandemic, a considerable number of American companies have since reinstated mandatory return-to-office policies.
“If an employer overseas offers hybrid work, more favorable hours, and a comparable role, it presents a very attractive alternative,” Aksu commented.
The prospect of living in a location where their earnings can extend further also holds appeal for U.S. workers. Many Americans report feeling financial strain, with over half indicating that their finances are deteriorating, as per a recent Gallup poll. This represents the highest figure recorded since 2001.
“It is more about the value proposition for individuals,” Aksu shared with CBS News. “Enhanced public services, healthcare, transportation, childcare, and a more robust work-life balance can collectively make the overall package more appealing, even if the nominal salary is lower.”
Edited by Alain Sherter
© 2026 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved.
