Additional Coverage:
- After 14 years abroad, I moved back to my home state of California. I’m happier now than I’ve been in years. (businessinsider.com)
After 14 years abroad, a California native returns home and rediscovers happiness
In October 2025, Rebecca Mendoza made the significant decision to leave her life in northern England and return to her hometown in California. Accompanied by her small, hairless Xoloitzcuintli dog, Troy, she embarked on a journey filled with mixed emotions-exhaustion, relief, excitement, heartbreak, and hope.
Rebecca spent over a decade living outside the United States, initially teaching English in Taiwan for a year, then settling in York, England, for 13 years. During that time, she pursued a master’s degree, married a local, held various jobs, and engaged deeply with her community through work, rugby, and volunteering.
Though she built a full life among the medieval streets of York, she often felt like an outsider, repeatedly confronted with questions about her origins and plans to return home. This persistent sense of otherness gradually led to loneliness.
Between 2023 and 2024, Rebecca faced several personal challenges, including the end of her marriage and the loss of four family members. Just as she was preparing to move to Wales, she learned her aunt was seriously ill, prompting her to return to California to provide care.
What was meant to be a temporary stay became an extended period of reflection. She reconnected with family and friends, embraced the natural beauty of her home state, and rediscovered her passion for writing.
Although initially resistant to the idea of resettling in the U.S., Rebecca ultimately realized that while she could create a home anywhere, what she truly sought was to be “home home.” After wrapping up her life in Europe with a farewell party and travels across the UK and continental Europe, she committed to starting fresh in California.
The transition has presented its own difficulties, from navigating a competitive job market to adjusting to systems that differ from those abroad. Yet Rebecca has found joy in hiking, learning to camp solo, and reconnecting with loved ones. She’s also embraced new friendships through creative outlets and rugby, and is exploring the American West with Troy by her side.
Though the path hasn’t been exactly what she expected, Rebecca says she has never been happier. When asked why she returned, her honest answer is simple: she just knew it was where she needed to be-at least for now.