Those who moved to the US - yay/nay?

squerble

squerble

squerble

Soldato
Joined
13 Apr 2009
Posts
6,514
Location
UK
Hey all,

I think we have a few members who moved from the UK to the US, and I wondered how you found the move?

I think the US looks fantastic, and I plan on visiting as soon as possible. Certain things attract me to moving there (amazing variety of scenery, cheaper living, much better salaries in the IT industry), but there are some very big things that put me off. Understandably, those are the absolutely barmy healthcare system and (lack of) workers rights. They put me off so much, I won't allow myself any emotional investment when I do visit, but I can't deny there's still a weird attraction to moving over there.

Those that moved, did they become an issue for you?


Edit: D'oh, I've accidentally a word in the title, if a mod would be so kind as to add, please! Thanks.
 
Healthcare probably isn't that bad. If you've earning enough to afford healthcare (which I assume you would need to be to get a job which allowed you to get a working visa)
 
Dunks said:
In before [TW]Fox commenting on how you have no chance of relocating :p
Click to expand...

Yeah I never understood the negativity about moving there - if someone really wants to and isn't a total **** then they'll find a way. The most obvious one simply being to go work for a big company US or otherwise that has US offices and transfer over there internally.
 
I moved to Florida April 2014, spent a fair amount of time here before that though.

The US is big, you can't just 'move to the US', which state?

Healthcare is interesting, but if you need an MRI they'll get you one booked for tomorrow morning.

Workers rights vary, Florida is an At Will working right, basically my employer can say he doesn't like my face and fire me on the spot, however without a legitimate reason he has to pay me unemployment until i find another job. Likewise, I can just tell him I quit and walk out.

Things are cheaper here, income tax for Florida is roughly 10% with no state tax, that can be a killer, California is 9.85%. Sales tax is 7% here on most things, similar to the UK system of not on certain items.

Very much depends on the state you want to go to!
 
acemastr said:
Things are cheaper here, income tax for Florida is roughly 10% with no state tax, that can be a killer,
Click to expand...

sorry can you clarify that - Florida is a state how can 'income tax for Florida' be 10% and there be no state tax?

Federal tax goes higher than 10% AFAIK so I'm not sure what you're referring to? A city tax?
 
Income/federal tax, sorry wasn't very clear on that.

No city tax or state tax in Florida though (which is why the roads suck)
 
I don't think I could move there. I've seen and heard enough of their basic restrictions, like obamacare, ridiculous internet caps, mobile phone contracts which are stupid, and my pet hate is that the prices in shops are all VAT free, you have to calculate it all.

Yeah, no.
 
My god, seriously? That really puts you off?

I do love the idea of Los Angeles. Summer most of the time. Saw a recording the other day for some of the lovely premises.
 
Obamacare is if you don't take out your own healthcare, you must have healthcare now.

Not heard of any internet caps at all, must be downloading 400gb a month at home without any issues.

Mobile phone contracts are fairly pricey and the data is capped, I myself have 4GB a month for $100. However it is 4G everywhere.

You learn to live with the sales tax, it says $99.99 then it's going to be $106.xx, it's 7%, you hardly need to really worry about calculating it. It's different when you're on vacation over here because you're watching money and paying cash, but when you live here it doesn't even get a thought.
 
Fairy's muff. To be honest I only go by what I hear / read as when I'm there I'm on holiday and don't really look in to those things.

That said, Florida does sound awesome.
 
V F said:
Define roads suck... pot holes/lack of maintenance/traffic?
Click to expand...

Potholes, bad filling in jobs, construction takes years (as it does everywhere). However we had flooding last week and it made some huge holes in the roads, they've already been filled which is pretty good.

Do remember that each state is different, different weather, people, traffic, prices etc
 
Must be the editing once again. Everytime I've seen lovely Florida on TV their roads always look immaculate. That and how freakin wide they are!

I always thought the main roads through New York was rough.
 
V F said:
My god, seriously? That really puts you off?

I do love the idea of Los Angeles. Summer most of the time. Saw a recording the other day for some of the lovely premises.
Click to expand...

The only way LA would be nice is if you don't live in LA! :D if you had a multi million dollar mansion up in the hills or a nice house near the sea in O.C. then it probably would be pretty nice. Living in LA itself, eugh!
 
V F said:
Must be the editing once again. Everytime I've seen lovely Florida on TV their roads always look immaculate. That and how freakin wide they are!

I always thought the main roads through New York was rough.
Click to expand...

The roads I've driven in Florida were fine, but that was the main interstate more often than not, moving between theme parks. They had road works going on during pretty much every holiday I've had there though.

And yes, the roads in New York are horrible, Manhatten especially. I've been in the back of a taxi having my head knocking against the roof on more than one occasion before now.
 
Quick responses :p just to clarify, I'm not actively looking to move. I'm mostly just curious how you moved and found the adjustment.

Those that have moved (acemastr), would you consider it a move for life, or will you move back? I presume you've moved on a H1B like most do? Will you just live on your LPR (green card) or can you see yourself becoming a fully-fledged citizen?
 
dowie said:
The most obvious one simply being to go work for a big company US or otherwise that has US offices and transfer over there internally.
Click to expand...

You make it sound easier than it is. You're not just going to start, then a month later you're in the US.

If you've worked long enough for a company, and are skilled enough that you need to move to the US, rather than that spot being filled by American, and the spot is even available, then yes you might be given a temporary work visa.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom