emmigrating: is the grass always greener??

OpenToSuggestions · 11 Apr 2008 at 18:51

So last year I went to texas to see a friend who's family moved out there.

They had a huge house (4bedroom but probs the same total size as a generous 6bed house here), with swimming pool and electric double garage. All this costing 200k dollars.

When he was 18 he was driving a chevy 5.7 v8, with premium fuel $3 a gallon.

Now I am an engineer at a big name uni, and plan to move to the usa, but people say the grass isnt always greener, but as engineers get paid more over there, and you get MUCH more life for your money, how can it be anything but a better life?
I realise tax isnt added until you get to the checkout, in stores but tax on jobs is less (iirc) and so is VAT (8-9% typically) on stuff you buy.
You have to pay for health cover but that would not bother me as then all the spongers arent getting it for free.

My dad is an engineer here and he gets his ass taxed off, really he does. He also has to fork out several thousand a year to help me go uni (but thats another story).

What are OCUKs general thoughts on all this? Any of you considering to go to the USA (or elsewhere in fact?) Some of you already headed for 'the better life'??

Vanilla · 11 Apr 2008 at 18:53

Yes, I honestly believe it is. I lived in New Hampshire USA for a year and loved it. Much better way of life.

Later this year I will be emigrating to NZ or Australia. I make the point schemes easily and i've already informed my emoloyers of my intentions.

I know many people who have made the move and they all loved it. The only regrets are leaving friends and family so far behind.

Le_Petit_Lapin · 11 Apr 2008 at 18:54

IIRC the last time a firend of mine was in America, she had to pay $1500 in medical bills, due to having an allergic reaction to being bitten by a spider.

Matt · 11 Apr 2008 at 18:55

I wouldn't move to the US, but am tempted by Canada

One annoying thing is holiday... in the US i think 10 days is average!

Kristoph · 11 Apr 2008 at 19:01

The grass is definetely greener in NZ.

Off next december, looking forward to the lifestyle changes and the fact the immigrants are skilled..

You only get what you put into it... You sit on your arse out there in the new country and you'll soon get bored...

Make the most of things around you that you wouldn't have in the UK.

I'm gonna make the most of the ski slopes, mountain biking tracks, rivers and beaches + the pubs...

Most important thing is to settle in and get a good circle of friends soon as pos.

sidthesexist · 11 Apr 2008 at 19:05

Would emigrate in a shot if i had a chance unfortunately i doubt i would pass the points test most countries seem to use now :x

tigerstyle · 11 Apr 2008 at 19:05

mp3kla said:
Most important thing is to settle in and get a good circle of friends soon as pos.

Neighbours and locals for the win! NOT fellow ex-pats, well only nice ones!

OpenToSuggestions · 11 Apr 2008 at 19:10

The whole emmigrating thing to me is because of the weather (a bit) and the amount of taxes and the shear cost of living.
I honestly have no idea where all the tax money goes. Moving to north america with some money saved up in pounds means big $$$ and buy a house outright??

<30 years old with no mortgage =Huge win for life

my mates 5.7chevy taho cost LESS to fill up than my 1 litre micra. I mean seriously, WTF?!

slambo69 · 11 Apr 2008 at 19:11

sidthesexist said:
Would emigrate in a shot if i had a chance unfortunately i doubt i would pass the points test most countries seem to use now :x

How do you get points?

ste_bla · 11 Apr 2008 at 19:12

mp3kla said:
The grass is definetely greener in NZ.

Not really

tigerstyle · 11 Apr 2008 at 19:12

mglover070588 said:
my mates 5.7chevy taho cost LESS to fill up than my 1 litre micra. I mean seriously, WTF?!

LOVE stuff like this! You do know the size of the fuel tank is not directly linked to the capacity of the engine? Or are you like the 'fabled blonde girl' in your office who thinks the engine size actually means fuel tank size! We've all heard that joke right?

tigerstyle · 11 Apr 2008 at 19:13

slambo69 said:
How do you get points?

Age
Marital status
Degree's
Education

OpenToSuggestions · 11 Apr 2008 at 19:14

thepedster said:
LOVE stuff like this! You do know the size of the fuel tank is not directly linked to the capacity of the engine?

Not exactly, but is kind of in the way big engine usually means big tank

Just an idea of running costs as they got similar mileage per full tank.

Killa_ken · 11 Apr 2008 at 19:15

The grass is definitely greener here, My lawn is VERY green, none of that crap stuff you get in england.

But yes, life is much better here, girls are hotter, just everything is better. I would NEVER go back to live in England.

You'll most likely have a hard time getting any sort of visa to live here, I know of people who spent 8 years trying to get a green card and they were professional workers too.

As a holiday maker though you have not seen the hidden costs, theres lots of little things that add up such as having to pay to have your trash collected, ad paying for health care and Rx.

but yes. America ROCKS

OpenToSuggestions · 11 Apr 2008 at 19:16

thepedster said:
Age
Marital status
Degree's
Education

particularly for australia you have to be under 40 iirc and have a useful trade, IE a degree at a big name uni in a needed subject is required IE maths, engineer, medicine, accountant etc etc

OpenToSuggestions · 11 Apr 2008 at 19:17

Killa_ken said:
As a holiday maker though you have not seen the hidden costs, theres lots of little things that add up such as having to pay to have your trash collected, ad paying for health care and Rx.

true, but I bet it all costs peanuts compared to taxes here?

Le_Petit_Lapin · 11 Apr 2008 at 19:37

thepedster said:
LOVE stuff like this! You do know the size of the fuel tank is not directly linked to the capacity of the engine? Or are you like the 'fabled blonde girl' in your office who thinks the engine size actually means fuel tank size!

Chevy Tahoe fuel tank size: 98L
Nissan Micra fuel tanks size: 46L

jas72 · 11 Apr 2008 at 19:40

thepedster said:
Neighbours and locals for the win! NOT fellow ex-pats, well only nice ones!

unless they resent you for stealing their jobs.

N9ne · 11 Apr 2008 at 19:40

Killa_ken said:
As a holiday maker though you have not seen the hidden costs, theres lots of little things that add up such as having to pay to have your trash collected, ad paying for health care and Rx.

but yes. America ROCKS

We pay council tax in UK. That's paying for the trash collection indirectly. I would prefer to pay for it directly to know that I'm getting my money's worth.

Dreadi · 11 Apr 2008 at 19:49

I'd kill to emigrate but i doubt it would happen, would jump at the chance though