It’s been 7 years since I moved to Chile, and looking at the state of the country now versus when I arrived is a complete trip. I see things with a different set of eyes after being out of the , and honestly, the frustration is real. I’ve watched this country go through a massive social explosion, a pandemic, and now a complete shift in the political landscape, which I am trying to learn.
The economy is stable but it feels sluggish. Unemployment is hanging around 8% or 9%, and even though Chile is technically cheaper than the , the cost of groceries and basic living has climbed so high that it’s starting to bridge that gap. And let's not mention gasoline prices. We are one of the most expensive spots in South America, and when you see the average salary here compared to the price of milk or eggs, the math just doesn't feel like it’s in favor of the people.
Then you have the government and the immigration situation. We just had a major shift to the right with the new administration, and the focus is now entirely on order and security. The northern borders are a mess, and the link between immigration and public safety is the only thing anyone is talking about. It feels like the country is constantly trying to find its footing, but the ground keeps shifting, which includes me more as a foreigner. I have started to understand how some immigrants feel; the only difference is that I will always have the US to fall back on if needed. But that is not my intention or goal.
I get frustrated because I’ve seen so much change in such a short window of time, but at the end of the day, I left the , and this is where my life is now. Since I made this choice, I try to stop looking back and just learn how to navigate the reality of Chile as it is today. It’s a mix of a beautiful landscape and a complicated political reality, but it’s home. At least for now.
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