Originally Posted by Sugarmooma

And this conclusion is based from when you lived in Houston/Texas/Gulf Coast?

Originally Posted by MarylandNed

You have to live somewhere to know it's a dive? I've never lived in many places but I've been to plenty of dives and seen enough to know I'd never want to live there.

Originally Posted by RICH

I refer to my post #8 in this thread. Why did you apply for the lottery? From what you have posted, it seems like you applied, never expected to win, and now you hit the jackpot, you have no clue what to do? Seems like a waste of a ticket, someone who really wants to come could use.
*ducks for cover*

Originally Posted by yellowroom

Well, I hope it works out well for you, as you say you've got to give these things a go if you get a chance.

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

However, it's not like picking a holiday destination, which is what some of your post reads like.

It may seem initially like that but there is a method to this madness. Im sure we will arrive at a destination soon.

Is your OH familiar with the USA? If neither of you are, then one of the main pitfalls when coming here is thinking that you are familiar with the place from what you see on tv and films, and then finding it's not what you think at all and really struggling psychologically.

Never claimed to be familiar with the US. Taking a realistic approach which does have some pitfalls.


In some ways its better to prepare yourself by thinking you are coming to an exotic and alien country, and then be pleasantly surprised at the parts that you don't have to struggle with.

Totally agree.

In your situation I would be tempted to say advise you to prioritise the job first, wherever it is in the country. That will get you feet on the ground, healthcare (hopefully) and a feel for the place. Then after a year-18 months on your CV you can look around for a better fit job in the location you want to be in.

You may have to take baby steps - ie a job with less responsibility and salary than you're used to and maybe even in a job that is completely unrelated to your career to date, renting not buying property, older car etc., while you get orientated with both the job market and the way of living.

Originally Posted by SpiderMum

I would highly recommend visiting the US first and check some of these places out. Is it really absolutely not possible to take a one week break at the least and go out there?

Unfortuntely not as I have yet to narrow down which city to go. In ideal circumstances it would be great to have the benefit of an east coast / west coast holiday to get a feel. Though not sure how much it would help.