I built a life in LA and became a US citizen. Then I moved back to Taipei to be closer to my aging parents.
A US citizen shares his personal journey of moving from Los Angeles back to Taipei to care for his aging parents. The essay reflects on the trade-offs between building a successful career abroad and the cultural importance of family duty.
Why it matters
This story highlights the 'reverse migration' trend among expatriates balancing professional success in the West with familial obligations in their home countries.
Dean Chou moved to LA for college in the '90s. In 2025, he decided to move back to be closer to his aging parents. Provided by Dean Chou. Dean Chou moved from Taiwan to Los Angeles for college in the '90s and built a life there. As his parents got older, he worried about being so far away and decided it was time to move home. Now he lives near Taipei 101, spends under $2,500 a month, and can see his parents whenever he wants. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Dean Chou, a 53-year-old US citizen who moved back to Taiwan to be closer to his aging parents. It's been edited for length and clarity. I was born in Taiwan , and moved to Los Angeles in 1999 for college. After graduation, I got hired as a product coordinator for a lighting fixture company.
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