US Job Offer... so much to consider, where to start?!
Discussion
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?
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?
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.the standard ?
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.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!Then decide.
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.
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.
bridgdav said:
NC you say... I'm here in Raleigh.
I moved here 5 years ago as an L1 inter company Visa employee.
There are several visa types, which will allow you to work freely for up to 7 years.
After this point you wil generally need a green card and with that is sponsorship from your employer.
Raleigh or research riangle is a great place to live, weather, social, good living and V8's.
PM me for any specific questions, happy to oblige.
Next step is to understand some of the details of the offer, but if the numbers start to stack up I dare say I'll be pestering you... I'd be based in Cary.I moved here 5 years ago as an L1 inter company Visa employee.
There are several visa types, which will allow you to work freely for up to 7 years.
After this point you wil generally need a green card and with that is sponsorship from your employer.
Raleigh or research riangle is a great place to live, weather, social, good living and V8's.
PM me for any specific questions, happy to oblige.
Matt Harper said:
I would suggest that there is a lot of "cart before horse" in a lot of the responses to this.
By FAR the most important consideration at this stage of the process is the means by which they employ you.
Are you currently employed by (vs contracted by) the UK entity of the organisation that has made the offer? Have you been so for 12 consecutive months? Search L1-A/L1-B visa.
Thanks Matt.By FAR the most important consideration at this stage of the process is the means by which they employ you.
Are you currently employed by (vs contracted by) the UK entity of the organisation that has made the offer? Have you been so for 12 consecutive months? Search L1-A/L1-B visa.
Am I right in thinking I will want/need an L1A given that a) I have no degree and b) Otherwise the other half can't work (if she wants to that is)
If so I don't yet have a years service but potentially would by the time this happened...
Thank you again Matt.
Hopefully I'll get some more details of the offer over the next few days. Overall package, visa, green card sponsorship and relocation package are top my list currently.
The approach was totally unexpected and I was also told that if I turn it down it won't affect my current contract and that they want to find a way to keep me long term if they can. All very flattering but ultimately I'm not reliant on them as a client so if necessary I can negotiate hard and walk away if it all turns sour.
On the face of it there is a great opportunity for some life experience - I just need to understand the numbers and ensure the package offers the right longer term options (GC and ability for spouse to work for example... and no we aren't married yet but it I'm told by SWMBO that particular thing needs to happen anyway!!!)
The 12 month service thing is interesting. They are well aware I don't have it so I guess the plan would be in to get that first and then start the process.
The client is a huge global employer and they have done this exact move before for people with similar skills to me, so they know the ins and outs... it may come down to whether they are willing to me enough as I suspect it would be over and abobr some of peers, given that they approached me they might. Knowing what to ask for is so valuable, so thanks again to those who have contributed to this thread.
Hopefully I'll get some more details of the offer over the next few days. Overall package, visa, green card sponsorship and relocation package are top my list currently.
The approach was totally unexpected and I was also told that if I turn it down it won't affect my current contract and that they want to find a way to keep me long term if they can. All very flattering but ultimately I'm not reliant on them as a client so if necessary I can negotiate hard and walk away if it all turns sour.
On the face of it there is a great opportunity for some life experience - I just need to understand the numbers and ensure the package offers the right longer term options (GC and ability for spouse to work for example... and no we aren't married yet but it I'm told by SWMBO that particular thing needs to happen anyway!!!)
The 12 month service thing is interesting. They are well aware I don't have it so I guess the plan would be in to get that first and then start the process.
The client is a huge global employer and they have done this exact move before for people with similar skills to me, so they know the ins and outs... it may come down to whether they are willing to me enough as I suspect it would be over and abobr some of peers, given that they approached me they might. Knowing what to ask for is so valuable, so thanks again to those who have contributed to this thread.
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