US Job Offer... so much to consider, where to start?!

US Job Offer... so much to consider, where to start?!

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UpTheIron

Original Poster:

3,992 posts

267 months

Thursday 6th August 2015
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So... I'm an IT contractor and I've just been made an offer out of the blue by a client. I've got no real details, but it's a large, prestigious global outfit, a reasonably senior role and probably up there with any offer I'm likely to get in my career.

I don't *need* the role as such, if I carry on as I am for another few years that will do me and I could theoretically retire in my mid/late 40's with a small but adequate income. Or I could go for it, and have a possibly life changing experience for all involved.

The big decision is that it is based in the US. They are talking about relocation for the whole family (two school aged children) and have asked I talk it over with the family before we get into any detail. The expectation is that it would be a permanent move, but whether that would by 1 year, 5 years or permanently I've no idea.

Ultimately the decision will be down to the OH and the kids, but if it is a yes then I need to be making sure I'm getting what I need out of the move financially, so what do I need to be thinking about?

How do salaries compare? Say £100k - £150k-ish as a perm in the UK, what would be a US equivalent to have a similar quality of life?
What do IT guys in the US earn compared to the UK?
Has anyone done it with a family? Schools, property purchase/rental, medical, visits back to the UK, etc?
Obviously can't take the TVR, the SP2 would probably need to go into storage too, but what are the other downsides, pitfalls etc?

AClownsPocket

899 posts

158 months

Thursday 6th August 2015
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I can't help with the financial stuff. All I can say is, if you've never done it before, then do it. Life is too short, and you'll end up feeling like you sucked lemons when you look back on it and think what if.

The Moose

22,820 posts

208 months

Thursday 6th August 2015
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To what part of the USA?

dcb

5,833 posts

264 months

Thursday 6th August 2015
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UpTheIron said:
The big decision is that it is based in the US. They are talking about relocation for the whole family (two school aged children) and have asked I talk it over with the family before we get into any detail. The expectation is that it would be a permanent move, but whether that would by 1 year, 5 years or permanently I've no idea.
Never mind the money, do you want your kids turning into little Americans ?

Do you want to live in a place where two weeks holiday per year is
the standard ?

Various mates of mine have done time in the US and Canada and while
they were quite happy, there are *considerable* changes for wives and children.

Most of the mates have returned to the UK, usually within a few years.
Some glad of the experience, some glad to get back home.


UpTheIron

Original Poster:

3,992 posts

267 months

Thursday 6th August 2015
quotequote all
The Moose said:
To what part of the USA?
North Carolina most likely.

sicasey

637 posts

160 months

Thursday 6th August 2015
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Suggest you head out there for two weeks "vacation" and live the life of a resident....rent in suburbia, shop in the local supermarket and hang out like a true local.

Then decide.

UpTheIron

Original Poster:

3,992 posts

267 months

Thursday 6th August 2015
quotequote all
dcb said:
Never mind the money, do you want your kids turning into little Americans ?
I can think of worse things... maybe! But they are also probably old enough for that not to happen.
dcb said:
Do you want to live in a place where two weeks holiday per year is
the standard ?
I'll negotiate what works for me, not too worried about the "standard"... and certainly that isn't the standard for this organisation, but I understand your point and aware of what is often the norm over there. Obviously a consideration should they sponsor me for a GC and then I wanted to work elsewhere.
dcb said:
Most of the mates have returned to the UK, usually within a few years.
I suspect that would be our plan, unless we like it enough not to return.

UpTheIron

Original Poster:

3,992 posts

267 months

Thursday 6th August 2015
quotequote all
sicasey said:
Suggest you head out there for two weeks "vacation" and live the life of a resident....rent in suburbia, shop in the local supermarket and hang out like a true local.

Then decide.
They have suggested something not dissimilar to that, and it would certainly be part of the decision making process... and probably a real eye opener!

Sheepshanks

32,519 posts

118 months

Thursday 6th August 2015
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UpTheIron said:
They are talking about relocation for the whole family (two school aged children) and have asked I talk it over with the family before we get into any detail. The expectation is that it would be a permanent move, but whether that would by 1 year, 5 years or permanently I've no idea.
Someone more up to date will probably be along in a moment, but if you're granted a work visa it doesn't automatically extend to your wife and kids.

sicasey

637 posts

160 months

Thursday 6th August 2015
quotequote all
UpTheIron said:
hey have suggested something not dissimilar to that, and it would certainly be part of the decision making process... and probably a real eye opener!
I frequently work for small periods of time in the US (L1 work visa) and my experience of the real USA often makes me glad to get back to the UK.

For all the downsides of the UK at least you know that chances are the guy at the traffic lights next to you probably doesn't have a concealed weapon.

The office working mentality and lack of holiday days is a big turn off.

The right salary could soon change my opinion on the above though.

davepoth

29,395 posts

198 months

Thursday 6th August 2015
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Also muscle cars. I think that's important.

smile

Mandalore

4,165 posts

112 months

Friday 7th August 2015
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Make sure that there are other similar companies that you could work for - should you find the role to be different in reality.

Cost of living seems to be around $1 to £1 with a £100 UK item costing about $100 in the states. So a $100k salary plus benefits to cover loss of NHS cover - will give you an £100k equivalent lifestyle.

But, as soon as you travel abroad, say back to the UK on holiday, your money will not go as far.

smack

9,727 posts

190 months

Friday 7th August 2015
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I am in the same boat as the OP, though without the wife/children element. I have spent a lot of the last 2 years out there for work, so I know what I am getting myself into, the good and bad (if I go), but as I got back from another 3 week trip, there is so much I appricate about living in England.

But I look at what Tonks said about regret, and this is in my mind whether I take the plunge. After all, my mates are not going anywhere, and I will be back for regular work trips to the UK when I can see them, and get my cars/bikes out for short trips around the UK and Europe.

anonymous-user

53 months

Friday 7th August 2015
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You only live once - go do it!

I had 2 years out in California and had a great time.
You should be able to live like a king in NC on £150k!

Muzzer79

9,805 posts

186 months

Friday 7th August 2015
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You will want certain guarantees from the company you're going to work for as if they drop you after you've moved your entire family and life over there, you're on the first plane home.....

Aswell as 'living' out there for a few weeks to see what it's like, go to where you'll be working - meet and talk to some of the people.

An ex-colleague made her 'dream' move to California some time ago. Whilst she loved L.A and the social scene, she said that she'd never worked with such a group of wkers congregated in such a Hole in her life. She was soon coming back....

Try and visit at the 'worst' possible time. i.e don't go when it's 25 degrees and you're spending half your time deciding what size pool to have.
Go when it's pissing down with rain and like home without the creature comforts or, indeed, when it's 38 degrees in the shade and 95% humidity and you'll kill for some British drizzle.

If you do all that and like it, go for it. I'd love to have the opportunity.

markiii

3,560 posts

193 months

Friday 7th August 2015
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location is good from what I've heard. If all the financials make sense go for it

One thing I would say is don't sell your house in the UK, makes getting back on the ladder much easier if/when you come back

The jiffle king

6,894 posts

257 months

Friday 7th August 2015
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I've just moved to Georgia having lived in Spain before and it's different, but great. How you react to living in the US is more about your attitude and mentality rather than the lack of things to do/people to meet and opportunity.

Living costs are typically cheaper, houses are bigger and it's an easy way of life
We are the only family on our sub division which does not have 2+ cars as I cycle to work which people find strange. People get in the car for everything. They are friendly though

Credit ratings are tough to get, local government strange, but it's just one of those things you need to get on with.

I love it here, my wife loves it and has set up a business. Make sure that they pay you 2-3 months salary on top of all of your moving costs as things will be more expensive when you start e.g. insurance etc

Make sure they hire you a car and pay for driving tests etc

These are opportunities not to be missed in life for me. They are not for everyone and some people do not like to be uncomfortable..... And guarantee a return plane ticket and moving costs.... and get them to support you with tax advice on both sides of the pond.

PM me if you want more detail (I'm away for a week, but should pick up some mails)




Steve7777

235 posts

148 months

Friday 7th August 2015
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Just do it. It'll probably only be for 2-3 years but will give you so many opportunities to do and see things you'd never d otherwise. You only get ~90 years. Do you want to spend every single one of them living in the same place?

UpTheIron

Original Poster:

3,992 posts

267 months

Friday 7th August 2015
quotequote all
Thank you everyone so far... much appreciated. Have to admit I'm excited and scared at the prospect but only if pretty much everything stacks up. If it doesn't then it isn't going to happen and it won't be the end of the world... has to be right for the family first and foremost.

We haven't even discussed "details" like money / relocation / timescales... so everything is up for discussion. This thread has given me plenty to think about, thank you PH.

Decent cars look a tad pricey over there too :-), but like TJK I'll most likely cycle / run to work.

Brother D

3,698 posts

175 months

Friday 7th August 2015
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anonymous said:
[redacted]
(What are these loads of long weekends you talk of...)? I get about 8 bank holiday equivalents vs the same in UK (no boxing day here - and if a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, well that's tough also). My first year my holiday went from 5 to 10 days (up to 12 after 5 years)...

The Americans also 'love' working so it seems, no lunches to speak of, certainly no nipping down for couple of beers at lunch, and generally working a few more hours extra a day than you would be used to in the UK.

It is a great to work/live in a different country as it is the only way to get an inking of how people think and how they actually are.

The standard of living is 25/30% higher I would say, and you get so much more for your money. Whilst people (especially outside NY) are very friendly, it is tough to make friends you can hang out with - (I'm sure that's to do with the lack of drinking) so you need to be out going and willing to get involved in clubs/community so you don't feel isolated.

Totally do it, you'd be crazy not to.