Moving to the US?

[daft]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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!

[daft]

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!