Moving to the US?

daft · 06-03-17, 04:43 AM

Hey all. At the ripe old age of 40, I visited the US for the first time back in April. Spent a week in sunny San Diego and absolutely fell in love with the city, the country and most of the people I had the pleasure to meet. I've been mulling a move from Sweden over for many years now, and I came back home, talked to my wife, and we both felt that this might be the time. So preparations are underway, I'm constantly checking the job listings all over the US (I'm a software developer and team lead for a consulting company), but as you probably know it's quite hard to get a US work permit (I'm in no hurry, this is a long term play) so I just thought I'd post here and ask for any hints or tips from anyone that's already made the move or if any of the US forum members might have any helpful ideas or thoughts they'd like to share?

Jimbuna · 06-03-17, 05:39 AM

Only ever been to the US on a tourist basis but the majority of my family have emigrated to Australia and New Zealand so I have a feel for how big a life-changing move you are contemplating.

I wish you and yours every success for the future

Onkel Neal · 06-03-17, 07:01 AM

Welcome to the US, San Diego is a lovely city, is that where you will be working? I think you will find life here pretty easy. A lot warmer too

daft · 06-03-17, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Onkel Neal

Welcome to the US, San Diego is a lovely city, is that where you will be working? I think you will find life here pretty easy. A lot warmer too

Nothing is decided yet! Can be anywhere as long as it seems to be a good fit for me and the family as I'm currently looking for opportunities. San Diego would indeed be a bit of a dream move to be honest, but I've also looked at Austin, Boston, Denver and a host of other cities. It's a goal, not yet a reality, but it's really something I would like to try before it's too late!

daft · 06-03-17, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbuna

Only ever been to the US on a tourist basis but the majority of my family have emigrated to Australia and New Zealand so I have a feel for how big a life-changing move you are contemplating.

I wish you and yours every success for the future

Indeed, and it's sort of what we're looking for in terms of our future. A proper change, and a feeling of going outside our comfort zone. See where it takes us!

Commander Wallace · 06-03-17, 07:29 AM

It must be difficult to consider leaving one's homeland. Even so, being a software developer, I don't think you will have any issues or problems in finding a position. If you get in with a good company, they will most likely pay to send you for further education if you want that or the company deems it to be necessary.

Good luck with everything.

vienna · 06-03-17, 08:54 AM

Welcome to the US!

You may want to move a little more quickly on the work visa situation since the requirements and/or availability may be subject to unexpected change and further difficulties under Trump's immigration schemes; sooner may be better than later...

Have you looked at the San Francisco Bay Area for open positions or the Seattle area, since both are hotbeds of tech activity? The downside is the cost of living is a bit steep in those areas, so be prepared for 'sticker shock'...

Good luck to you and your wife and I hope you have a smooth transition...

<O>

daft · 06-03-17, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Commander Wallace

It must be difficult to consider leaving one's homeland. Even so, being a software developer, I don't think you will have any issues or problems in finding a position. If you get in with a good company, they will most likely pay to send you for further education if you want that or the company deems it to be necessary.

Good luck with everything.

Not really, at least not in theory. Sweden's... different now and I'm growing more and more foreign in my own country for various reasons. And one can always move back if things doesn't work out!

daft · 06-03-17, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vienna

Welcome to the US!

You may want to move a little more quickly on the work visa situation since the requirements and/or availability may be subject to unexpected change and further difficulties under Trump's immigration schemes; sooner may be better than later...

Have you looked at the San Francisco Bay Area for open positions or the Seattle area, since both are hotbeds of tech activity? The downside is the cost of living is a bit steep in those areas, so be prepared for 'sticker shock'...

Good luck to you and your wife and I hope you have a smooth transition...

<O>

Indeed, the Bay Area is very tempting! I've looked at quite a few listings and the prices are indeed steep, so that has to be taken into consideration when negotianing salary.

Thanks!

Eichhörnchen · 06-03-17, 09:15 AM

Jeff-Groves is always asking us to go over and help him knock down walls

August · 06-03-17, 10:46 AM

California, land of wildfires, mudslides, earthquakes and high prices.

Bostons high tech sector might be a better alternative for you. Better weather too.

daft · 06-03-17, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by August

California, land of wildfires, mudslides, earthquakes and high prices.

Bostons high tech sector might be a better alternative for you. Better weather too.

Also, turns out I have distant relatives in Boston.

One of which was a US Marine that died on Iwo Jima.

Platapus · 06-03-17, 12:22 PM

I hope you enjoy your stay in our country. Like other countries the US has its problems. Some of the problems are common among other countries and some may be unique to the US. But overall, the US is still a pretty good place to live.

The US is big. Not just geographically big, but big culturally. These days there is really no such thing as "an American" meaning someone that personifies the culture of the nation. Depending on where you live we can have drastically different cultures and customs.

We have over 300,000,000 people here. In some places it is really crowded, but in other places the density of people is pretty low. and we have everything in the middle. Having so many people, we have large numbers of jerks, idiots, bigots, and pretty much any other non-desirable group you can imagine, and probably a few you can't imagine. However, those numbers only represent a small percentage of our people. Overall, you will find that Americans are pretty nice, tolerant, accepting and friendly.

Don't judge our country or its people by what you read in the news (they only publish bad news as good news does not sell) or what you read on the Internets Tubes. Our country is a pretty safe and happy society and life is pretty good.

Since you are wanting to work here, I presume you wish to integrate into our business culture as smoothly as possible. If so I would like to recommend two books for you that will help explain our business and to some extent social culture:

American Cultural Patterns: A cross-Cultural Perspective by Edward C. Steward and Milton J. Bennett

Americans at work: A guide to the Can-do People by Craig Storti

Good luck with it. I hope it works our well for you.

daft · 06-03-17, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platapus

I hope you enjoy your stay in our country. Like other countries the US has its problems. Some of the problems are common among other countries and some may be unique to the US. But overall, the US is still a pretty good place to live.

The US is big. Not just geographically big, but big culturally. These days there is really no such thing as "an American" meaning someone that personifies the culture of the nation. Depending on where you live we can have drastically different cultures and customs.

We have over 300,000,000 people here. In some places it is really crowded, but in other places the density of people is pretty low. and we have everything in the middle. Having so many people, we have large numbers of jerks, idiots, bigots, and pretty much any other non-desirable group you can imagine, and probably a few you can't imagine. However, those numbers only represent a small percentage of our people. Overall, you will find that Americans are pretty nice, tolerant, accepting and friendly.

Don't judge our country or its people by what you read in the news (they only publish bad news as good news does not sell) or what you read on the Internets Tubes. Our country is a pretty safe and happy society and life is pretty good.

Since you are wanting to work here, I presume you wish to integrate into our business culture as smoothly as possible. If so I would like to recommend two books for you that will help explain our business and to some extent social culture:

American Cultural Patterns: A cross-Cultural Perspective by Edward C. Steward and Milton J. Bennett

Americans at work: A guide to the Can-do People by Craig Storti

Good luck with it. I hope it works our well for you.

Many thanks for the very helpful reading tips and your own view of what America is! I think that fits my perception of the country and its people quite well. It's also a big reason why I want to make a proper effort of trying life in the US. Sweden is so much smaller by comparison, not just in size, but also in many other ways. As I mentioned earlier, I am feeling less and less at home in the country in which I was born and raised, and few options can be found here in terms of finding a new place for myself here in Sweden, and the sheer breadth of the "American culture" appeals to us, not as much as an escape from what we currently have, but as a foundation upon which we can build a future more in line with what I want for myself and my family. And in a sense I suppose that is the "American way" (or dream). I want that. Warts and all.

em2nought · 06-03-17, 06:57 PM

Boston has always struck me as a place I wouldn't mind living for awhile at least. So many "history" things to do and see there. ...and Faneuil Hall for eating.

06-03-17, 04:43 AM	#1
daft Captain Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sweden Posts: 493 Downloads: 15 Uploads: 0	Moving to the US? Hey all. At the ripe old age of 40, I visited the US for the first time back in April. Spent a week in sunny San Diego and absolutely fell in love with the city, the country and most of the people I had the pleasure to meet. I've been mulling a move from Sweden over for many years now, and I came back home, talked to my wife, and we both felt that this might be the time. So preparations are underway, I'm constantly checking the job listings all over the US (I'm a software developer and team lead for a consulting company), but as you probably know it's quite hard to get a US work permit (I'm in no hurry, this is a long term play) so I just thought I'd post here and ask for any hints or tips from anyone that's already made the move or if any of the US forum members might have any helpful ideas or thoughts they'd like to share? __________________ And God said: \"Let there be Narrowband!\"

06-03-17, 05:39 AM	#2
Jimbuna Chief of the Boat Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: 250 metres below the surface Posts: 190,712 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 13	Only ever been to the US on a tourist basis but the majority of my family have emigrated to Australia and New Zealand so I have a feel for how big a life-changing move you are contemplating. I wish you and yours every success for the future __________________ Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. Oh my God, not again!!

06-03-17, 07:01 AM	#3
Onkel Neal Born to Run Silent Join Date: Jan 1997 Location: Cougar Trap, Texas Posts: 21,385 Downloads: 541 Uploads: 224	Welcome to the US, San Diego is a lovely city, is that where you will be working? I think you will find life here pretty easy. A lot warmer too __________________ SUBSIM - 26 Years on the Web

06-03-17, 08:54 AM	#7
vienna Navy Seal Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Anywhere but the here & now... Posts: 7,718 Downloads: 85 Uploads: 0	Welcome to the US! You may want to move a little more quickly on the work visa situation since the requirements and/or availability may be subject to unexpected change and further difficulties under Trump's immigration schemes; sooner may be better than later... Have you looked at the San Francisco Bay Area for open positions or the Seattle area, since both are hotbeds of tech activity? The downside is the cost of living is a bit steep in those areas, so be prepared for 'sticker shock'... Good luck to you and your wife and I hope you have a smooth transition... <O> __________________ __________________________________________________ __

06-03-17, 09:15 AM	#10
Eichhörnchen Starte das Auto Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: The Fens Posts: 17,417 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	Jeff-Groves is always asking us to go over and help him knock down walls __________________

06-03-17, 07:29 AM	#6
Commander Wallace Navy Seal Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Under the sea in an Octupus garden in the shade Posts: 5,316 Downloads: 366 Uploads: 0	It must be difficult to consider leaving one's homeland. Even so, being a software developer, I don't think you will have any issues or problems in finding a position. If you get in with a good company, they will most likely pay to send you for further education if you want that or the company deems it to be necessary. Good luck with everything.

06-03-17, 10:46 AM	#11
August Wayfaring Stranger Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 23,217 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	California, land of wildfires, mudslides, earthquakes and high prices. Bostons high tech sector might be a better alternative for you. Better weather too. __________________ Flanked by life and the funeral pyre. Putting on a show for you to see.

06-03-17, 12:22 PM	#13
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,381 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	I hope you enjoy your stay in our country. Like other countries the US has its problems. Some of the problems are common among other countries and some may be unique to the US. But overall, the US is still a pretty good place to live. The US is big. Not just geographically big, but big culturally. These days there is really no such thing as "an American" meaning someone that personifies the culture of the nation. Depending on where you live we can have drastically different cultures and customs. We have over 300,000,000 people here. In some places it is really crowded, but in other places the density of people is pretty low. and we have everything in the middle. Having so many people, we have large numbers of jerks, idiots, bigots, and pretty much any other non-desirable group you can imagine, and probably a few you can't imagine. However, those numbers only represent a small percentage of our people. Overall, you will find that Americans are pretty nice, tolerant, accepting and friendly. Don't judge our country or its people by what you read in the news (they only publish bad news as good news does not sell) or what you read on the Internets Tubes. Our country is a pretty safe and happy society and life is pretty good. Since you are wanting to work here, I presume you wish to integrate into our business culture as smoothly as possible. If so I would like to recommend two books for you that will help explain our business and to some extent social culture: American Cultural Patterns: A cross-Cultural Perspective by Edward C. Steward and Milton J. Bennett Americans at work: A guide to the Can-do People by Craig Storti Good luck with it. I hope it works our well for you. __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

06-03-17, 06:57 PM	#15
em2nought Ocean Warrior Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 3,485 Downloads: 0 Uploads: 0	Boston has always struck me as a place I wouldn't mind living for awhile at least. So many "history" things to do and see there. ...and Faneuil Hall for eating. __________________ em2nought is ecstatic garbage!