Hi WG!
I’ve been living in Korea for four years, and I’ve met lots of Americans who are here because they don’t agree with some American policies and are removing themselves and their tax dollars from American soil. There’s a lot to think of when you’re moving abroad.
First, it’s unlikely to be permanent, even with company support. Most countries will welcome you for five years or so, but when it comes time to become permanent they’re not so enthusiastic. In Korea, at least, it’s because they’re trying to protect their homogenous culture. Also, here in Korea it’s not possible for foreign citizens to buy property, so you’d be renting. I’ve heard that’s true in a lot of Asian countries (not sure about Japan).
Second, you’ll never really feel like you’re part of the culture. I can tell you a thousand things about Korean culture. I can recite its history and give you the recipe for a hundred traditional dishes. And every week, I get asked two or three times if I know how to use chopsticks. Every week, someone asks me some ridiculous question that indicates that they expect me to be a stupid foreigner who hasn’t bothered to learn two words of Korean. Even if you’re fluent in the language, people will treat you as if you’re an ignorant outsider, at least here in Asia where you look different from the locals. You get used to it, but I wouldn’t be able to do it forever.
Third, your teenaged kids will attract unwanted attention from older members of the opposite sex. Here in Asia, American culture is taken from movies. They’re going to assume that your kids are a cross between American Pie and Sex and the City. Every obnoxious immoral act on an American TV show or movie is taken as a sample of American life, and people are going to automatically assume that your family is the same. People here figure that extra-marital sex is a way of life in America, that kids start having sex at 15 and change partners weekly, and that advances from drunk strangers would be welcomed. You’re going to have to make sure that your kids are ready to defend themselves from advances, both the unwanted and the flattering kind.
Fourth, everything is harder in a foreign country. If you’re used to doing your grocery shopping in under an hour, it’s going to take three hours. There are lots of things you won’t be able to find, and you’ll need to bring your dictionary to the grocery store, at least for the first few months. Clothing won’t come in your sizes, unless you’re particularly short and skinny. Catching a taxi will take you ages, because many drivers won’t stop if you don’t look like you speak the language. People will offer to help you, of course, but sometimes they make well-meaning mistakes that mess you up even more. You’ll find it difficult to go to restaurants because you can’t read the menu, and even if you can read it you won’t necessarily know what the words mean. Be prepared for the first six months to be incredibly frustrating.
On the positive side, people will be friendly to you as long as you’re open minded. Here in Asia, a western person looking confused (or even waiting on a street corner) will often attract at least three strangers offering to help. Random people will approach you to start conversations and practice their English. You’ll have a few people offer to show you around town in exchange for the chance to speak English with you. You won’t become bosom buddies with anybody right away, but you’ll have lots of close acquaintances who will drop what they’re doing to help you.
Asia is much safer than America. I haven’t heard of many episodes of school violence, other than the usual fistfights over insults. I’ve accepted the hospitality of strangers, and never felt threatened. In most places, it’s safe to walk the streets at night. You don’t see a lot of drunken brawls in Asia either.
People in Asia put a lot of value on education, so your kids will be surrounded by people who care about studying. I’ve never met an Asian kid who didn’t want to go to college.
Most countries have agreements with the US stating that you only need to pay taxes in your country of residence. Of course, that means that you’re paying for taxation without representation, since you won’t be able to vote in your new country.
Your family will learn a new language. Immersion is the best way to learn, although you will want to take language classes as well. Speaking another language will be a great skill for your kids’ careers.
Your eyes will be opened to how the rest of the world lives. America is totally different than most other countries. It will be a great experience if you’re open to it, and it can be horrible if you aren’t sure it’s right. If you go in with an adventurous spirit and an exit strategy in case it doesn’t work out, you’ll probably have a blast.
Good luck, whatever you decide.
It’s not seen as a big deal.
Just depends if you can take the weather (which, to be fair, is getting better each year thanks to global warming).