Would I be happy in the UK?
Jun 6th 2015, 5:45 am
#46
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 429
Re: Would I be happy in the UK?
Surely, you meant North Dakota.
All one needs is a pulse and you'll receive a signing on bonus and you'll be sure to get 40 hours and every county has a nurse to get you your meds.
All one needs is a pulse and you'll receive a signing on bonus and you'll be sure to get 40 hours and every county has a nurse to get you your meds.
Last edited by jeepster; Jun 6th 2015 at 5:48 am. Reason: for the heck of it
Jun 11th 2015, 8:21 pm
#48
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 8
Re: Would I be happy in the UK?
Asperger syndrome and OCD, along with depression and a tic disorder. It makes working retail and food service jobs absolute hell, and unfortunately where I live just about every other line of work wants a degree.
Jun 11th 2015, 9:56 pm
#49
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Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Maine
Posts: 2,043
Re: Would I be happy in the UK?
Jun 11th 2015, 10:16 pm
#50
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: Would I be happy in the UK?
What line of work matches your skill set?
Jun 15th 2015, 5:43 pm
#51
MODERATOR
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Hong Kong, mostly.
Posts: 5,214
Re: Would I be happy in the UK?
I've read your post before, almost word for word. From the flaky friends to the hateful society to the elimination of benefits, I've seen the same comments made on another message board.
Hard Times in the UK
That's the 'Hard Times in the UK' message board for Americans living in the UK. The post wasn't about why they moved to the UK, but was rather why they didn't like living in the UK--the fake people they met, the harsh society that was extremely judgemental, the government cutting benefits. It's all there, and it *can* apply to the UK just as much as the US -- it just depends on your own situation.
The point I'm trying to make is that being an expat can be rough--very rough--and thinking that 'things will be better if only I was somewhere else' frequently isn't the right answer. Sure, you might find some better holidays or a better friend in a new place, but you might also (more than likely) find the same problems in another place that you are currently experiencing here.
I'm not about to say "don't move"--far from it. I am going to say "don't think moving is going to solve all the problems you have listed." You may come to find that moving is not the answer you hope it is.
Good luck with your decision.
Hard Times in the UK
That's the 'Hard Times in the UK' message board for Americans living in the UK. The post wasn't about why they moved to the UK, but was rather why they didn't like living in the UK--the fake people they met, the harsh society that was extremely judgemental, the government cutting benefits. It's all there, and it *can* apply to the UK just as much as the US -- it just depends on your own situation.
The point I'm trying to make is that being an expat can be rough--very rough--and thinking that 'things will be better if only I was somewhere else' frequently isn't the right answer. Sure, you might find some better holidays or a better friend in a new place, but you might also (more than likely) find the same problems in another place that you are currently experiencing here.
I'm not about to say "don't move"--far from it. I am going to say "don't think moving is going to solve all the problems you have listed." You may come to find that moving is not the answer you hope it is.
Good luck with your decision.
Jun 20th 2015, 3:43 pm
#52
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 41
Re: Would I be happy in the UK?
UK with be different and interesting. As an American you will stand out a little more as a Brit stands out over here. You may get some good nautred ribbing for politics and gun worship but Brits are usually frienddly and curious about life in USA.
Women may be more interested in you as again you are diffrent.
There are things I hate about UK and the USA, but overall I think I am better off here in USA for the time being.
If you ar enot happy where you are MOVE, if it is not better in UK then MOVE again.
Women may be more interested in you as again you are diffrent.
There are things I hate about UK and the USA, but overall I think I am better off here in USA for the time being.
If you ar enot happy where you are MOVE, if it is not better in UK then MOVE again.
Jun 20th 2015, 8:16 pm
#53
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 53
Re: Would I be happy in the UK?
This is my experience as an American in the UK:
Costs of living in the UK vary from city to city (with London being the most expensive) as well as food and other things. Rent isnt cheap and buying is out of most peoples reach of theyre earning under £16K per year (or about $26,000) even where I live.
Most Brits are friendly, but not your friend - if that makes sense. Its about getting to know someone before theyre given the title of a "friend".
If you come over you have to pay a NHS surcharge on top of our visa fees for the first 5 years. Without any skills, you will find it hard to get here. Even going down the family route (marriage) the person sponsoring you needs to be earning at least £18,600 per year. This doesnt include their savings.
The benefits system that has helped and supported soo many people is being stripped away little by little. You think people hate those on benefits in the US, you aint seen nothing yet until you get here. Under any visa, you would not be eligible for any benefits until you have obtained Further Leave to Remain (2 years) This includes education and disability benefits.
Immigration is a hot topic.
People arent keen on newcomers coming in to take their jobs. You will be told constantly not to worry about the anti-immigration backlash against Americans, because we're "the good kind" At the same time, people also arent afraid to throw anti-American statements at you..
I wish you nothing but luck on your journey to where you need to be to get happy, but moving location doesnt always do it.
Costs of living in the UK vary from city to city (with London being the most expensive) as well as food and other things. Rent isnt cheap and buying is out of most peoples reach of theyre earning under £16K per year (or about $26,000) even where I live.
Most Brits are friendly, but not your friend - if that makes sense. Its about getting to know someone before theyre given the title of a "friend".
If you come over you have to pay a NHS surcharge on top of our visa fees for the first 5 years. Without any skills, you will find it hard to get here. Even going down the family route (marriage) the person sponsoring you needs to be earning at least £18,600 per year. This doesnt include their savings.
The benefits system that has helped and supported soo many people is being stripped away little by little. You think people hate those on benefits in the US, you aint seen nothing yet until you get here. Under any visa, you would not be eligible for any benefits until you have obtained Further Leave to Remain (2 years) This includes education and disability benefits.
Immigration is a hot topic.
People arent keen on newcomers coming in to take their jobs. You will be told constantly not to worry about the anti-immigration backlash against Americans, because we're "the good kind" At the same time, people also arent afraid to throw anti-American statements at you..
I wish you nothing but luck on your journey to where you need to be to get happy, but moving location doesnt always do it.
Jun 20th 2015, 9:32 pm
#54
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 8
Re: Would I be happy in the UK?
This is my experience as an American in the UK:
Costs of living in the UK vary from city to city (with London being the most expensive) as well as food and other things. Rent isnt cheap and buying is out of most peoples reach of theyre earning under £16K per year (or about $26,000) even where I live.
Most Brits are friendly, but not your friend - if that makes sense. Its about getting to know someone before theyre given the title of a "friend".
If you come over you have to pay a NHS surcharge on top of our visa fees for the first 5 years. Without any skills, you will find it hard to get here. Even going down the family route (marriage) the person sponsoring you needs to be earning at least £18,600 per year. This doesnt include their savings.
The benefits system that has helped and supported soo many people is being stripped away little by little. You think people hate those on benefits in the US, you aint seen nothing yet until you get here. Under any visa, you would not be eligible for any benefits until you have obtained Further Leave to Remain (2 years) This includes education and disability benefits.
Immigration is a hot topic.
People arent keen on newcomers coming in to take their jobs. You will be told constantly not to worry about the anti-immigration backlash against Americans, because we're "the good kind" At the same time, people also arent afraid to throw anti-American statements at you..
I wish you nothing but luck on your journey to where you need to be to get happy, but moving location doesnt always do it.
Costs of living in the UK vary from city to city (with London being the most expensive) as well as food and other things. Rent isnt cheap and buying is out of most peoples reach of theyre earning under £16K per year (or about $26,000) even where I live.
Most Brits are friendly, but not your friend - if that makes sense. Its about getting to know someone before theyre given the title of a "friend".
If you come over you have to pay a NHS surcharge on top of our visa fees for the first 5 years. Without any skills, you will find it hard to get here. Even going down the family route (marriage) the person sponsoring you needs to be earning at least £18,600 per year. This doesnt include their savings.
The benefits system that has helped and supported soo many people is being stripped away little by little. You think people hate those on benefits in the US, you aint seen nothing yet until you get here. Under any visa, you would not be eligible for any benefits until you have obtained Further Leave to Remain (2 years) This includes education and disability benefits.
Immigration is a hot topic.
People arent keen on newcomers coming in to take their jobs. You will be told constantly not to worry about the anti-immigration backlash against Americans, because we're "the good kind" At the same time, people also arent afraid to throw anti-American statements at you..
I wish you nothing but luck on your journey to where you need to be to get happy, but moving location doesnt always do it.
Yikes. Should I just stay in America then, or is there a country you'd counter-propose? I do think Mexico sounds kind of cool, but the crime rate there is very high and I'm not particularly fond of the Spanish language, the grammar is insanely difficult. Maybe Eastern Europe?
There's really nowhere in the United States that is both friendly and progressive. It's either ignorant and conservative as hell, or liberal in a very arrogant and narrow sort of way. Even decent states like Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin seem to be getting taken over by right-wing politics and unfriendly hipsters.
Jun 20th 2015, 10:23 pm
#55
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 417
Re: Would I be happy in the UK?
Yikes. Should I just stay in America then, or is there a country you'd counter-propose? I do think Mexico sounds kind of cool, but the crime rate there is very high and I'm not particularly fond of the Spanish language, the grammar is insanely difficult. Maybe Eastern Europe?
There's really nowhere in the United States that is both friendly and progressive. It's either ignorant and conservative as hell, or liberal in a very arrogant and narrow sort of way. Even decent states like Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin seem to be getting taken over by right-wing politics and unfriendly hipsters.
There's really nowhere in the United States that is both friendly and progressive. It's either ignorant and conservative as hell, or liberal in a very arrogant and narrow sort of way. Even decent states like Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin seem to be getting taken over by right-wing politics and unfriendly hipsters.
Jun 20th 2015, 10:28 pm
#56
Deep in the woods of CT
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 7,002
Re: Would I be happy in the UK?
Yikes. Should I just stay in America then, or is there a country you'd counter-propose? I do think Mexico sounds kind of cool, but the crime rate there is very high and I'm not particularly fond of the Spanish language, the grammar is insanely difficult. Maybe Eastern Europe?
There's really nowhere in the United States that is both friendly and progressive. It's either ignorant and conservative as hell, or liberal in a very arrogant and narrow sort of way. Even decent states like Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin seem to be getting taken over by right-wing politics and unfriendly hipsters.
There's really nowhere in the United States that is both friendly and progressive. It's either ignorant and conservative as hell, or liberal in a very arrogant and narrow sort of way. Even decent states like Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin seem to be getting taken over by right-wing politics and unfriendly hipsters.
Jun 20th 2015, 10:57 pm
#57
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,903
Re: Would I be happy in the UK?
Yikes. Should I just stay in America then, or is there a country you'd counter-propose? I do think Mexico sounds kind of cool, but the crime rate there is very high and I'm not particularly fond of the Spanish language, the grammar is insanely difficult. Maybe Eastern Europe?
There's really nowhere in the United States that is both friendly and progressive. It's either ignorant and conservative as hell, or liberal in a very arrogant and narrow sort of way. Even decent states like Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin seem to be getting taken over by right-wing politics and unfriendly hipsters.
There's really nowhere in the United States that is both friendly and progressive. It's either ignorant and conservative as hell, or liberal in a very arrogant and narrow sort of way. Even decent states like Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin seem to be getting taken over by right-wing politics and unfriendly hipsters.
Either that or we've discovered the REAL reason you have difficulty making friends or even just relating to others!
Jun 21st 2015, 12:35 pm
#58
Forum Regular
Joined: Jun 2015
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 53
Re: Would I be happy in the UK?
Yikes. Should I just stay in America then, or is there a country you'd counter-propose? I do think Mexico sounds kind of cool, but the crime rate there is very high and I'm not particularly fond of the Spanish language, the grammar is insanely difficult. Maybe Eastern Europe?
There's really nowhere in the United States that is both friendly and progressive. It's either ignorant and conservative as hell, or liberal in a very arrogant and narrow sort of way. Even decent states like Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin seem to be getting taken over by right-wing politics and unfriendly hipsters.
There's really nowhere in the United States that is both friendly and progressive. It's either ignorant and conservative as hell, or liberal in a very arrogant and narrow sort of way. Even decent states like Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin seem to be getting taken over by right-wing politics and unfriendly hipsters.
I do love living here in England, I really wouldnt want to be anywhere else in this world. The friends Ive made - theyre my family. What I posted have been the downside to my ten years here. Its not all rainbows and buttercups here. I dont want to tell you its a magical fairy tale either.
Before you jump ship to any country or even state, you need to really spend time there. Especially if youre going at it alone.
I'm originally from NY (Long Island) and found it very friendly. Not progressive, but it was nice. Its also stupidly expensive to live there. I lived in Philly as well, for two years, love it there. Ideally, if I were to return to anywhere, it would be Philadelphia.
Have you thought about Seattle/Tacoma areas of Washington? My sister lives there and loves it. Shes a huge ass hippy and has a small farm on her property, where allows them to live sustainably.
Mexico could be an option for you.
Mexico Immigration Guide visas, work, Temporary Resident, Permanent Resident, FM2, FM3, Mexican Citizenship
Though you would still need to qualify for the correct visas to be there.
Good luck on your journey.
Jun 21st 2015, 5:13 pm
#59
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,448
Re: Would I be happy in the UK?
The politics of NC are peculiar, to say the least, as it was probably the last state to be run by Dixiecrats. To suggest that the Republican take over of the legislature and governorship was a move to the right fails to understand the realities of who was running NC prior to 2008, because they bore little resemblance to the party whose name they used.
Last edited by Pulaski; Jun 21st 2015 at 5:29 pm.
Jun 21st 2015, 5:21 pm
#60
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: May 2010
Location: San Diego, California
Posts: 9,662
Re: Would I be happy in the UK?
Yikes. Should I just stay in America then, or is there a country you'd counter-propose? I do think Mexico sounds kind of cool, but the crime rate there is very high and I'm not particularly fond of the Spanish language, the grammar is insanely difficult. Maybe Eastern Europe?
There's really nowhere in the United States that is both friendly and progressive. It's either ignorant and conservative as hell, or liberal in a very arrogant and narrow sort of way. Even decent states like Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin seem to be getting taken over by right-wing politics and unfriendly hipsters.
There's really nowhere in the United States that is both friendly and progressive. It's either ignorant and conservative as hell, or liberal in a very arrogant and narrow sort of way. Even decent states like Minnesota, North Carolina and Wisconsin seem to be getting taken over by right-wing politics and unfriendly hipsters.
