Our Relocation to Puerto Rico: The Challenges and Return to Pennsylvania

In 2015, a job offer from a medical technology company gave us the chance to relocate from Pennsylvania to Puerto Rico. The thought of living on an island with perpetual sunshine and the ocean close by was appealing to my wife and two young daughters.

I had spent part of my youth in Puerto Rico, so I embraced the idea and accepted the position, making the move in early April. Once the school year concluded in June, my family joined me.

Initial Adaptation Issues

Although we were put up in a comfortable hotel while awaiting the arrival of our possessions, the space felt unfamiliar and quite different from our home back in Pennsylvania. The delay in the arrival of my wife's vehicle further complicated matters, leaving her stranded at the hotel during the day.

Our new house in a gated community in Cataño was finally ready by late July, yet the car had not arrived. We had to car-share, which uprooted daily routines and sparked frustrations.

Unexpected Challenges with Basic Resources

Shortly after settling into our new home, we faced an unexpected hurdle: a severe drought had led to island-wide water rationing. This meant we often had to manage without water, a scenario we had never encountered before, adding to the adjustment difficulties.

Social Strain and Family Impact

The move significantly impacted our social interactions, especially for my youngest daughter, who struggled with online schooling because she didn’t know Spanish, leading to isolation and academic struggles. Her older sister's departure for college compounded her loneliness.

With our nearest relatives now a lengthy plane journey away, the once close-knit family support system had vanished. Though I connected with colleagues at the office, the relationships remained professional.

Return to Familiar Grounds

After nearly 12 months of mounting stress and discontent, my family returned to Pennsylvania. I followed four months later after securing new employment.

Despite enjoying Puerto Rico's natural beauty, the move lacked the thorough consideration it deserved. The critical importance of community and how we underestimated cultural differences became evident.

Looking back, a more balanced evaluation of the pros and cons, along with thorough research into the region's current conditions, would have guided us toward a more informed decision.