Re: Pros/ Cons
 

We've been here 6 years now...here's my $0.02. Move over here for love, move over here for career growth, move because you have itchy feet and a sense of adventure. Don't move with expectations of "a better life" unless the "better life" is love, career related, or rising to meet a challenge. The USA may very well promise life, liberty, and the freedom to pursue happiness but its not the end of a bloody rainbow.

Don't get me wrong - after the initial settling in and WTF period (about a year in my case), I like it here just fine. We've been fortunate to find a friendly neighbourhood, good schooling and to make some lovely friends. Mr Redglade has a good job* and we enjoy a comfortable standard of living. We are able to travel back to the UK to visit family on a regular basis and have enjoyed trips within the US too - we like visiting National and State parks and taking the children camping. We enjoy good health*. Not everyone is so lucky.

*good job - this means qualifications. At least a bachelors, preferably a masters. Preferably in something in science, engineering or technology.
*good health - despite the good job and good health, hubby still pays a fortune every month for health insurance for me and the children.

Re: Pros/ Cons
 

he must have thought he was posting in the crabby board members thread :p

Re: Pros/ Cons
 

Maybe his crabby member's playing him up and affecting his mood.

Re: Pros/ Cons
 

Harry's got crabs? :eek:

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It's just hearsay.

Re: Pros/ Cons
 

Thanks for clearing that up...I wouldn't like to start any rumours. :angel:






BTW is he having treatment for it? :sneaky:

Re: Pros/ Cons
 

or take another thread off topic

:focus:

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:ban:

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:getcoat:

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You need to stop nagging, but rather make him think it's his idea to live in America. :lol:

Re: Pros/ Cons
 

I dunno the relative expensiveness of the UK vs the US is a debate that we've had on here before. To work it out properly would be hideously complicated. Something I was thinking about the other day is taxes, sure you might pay less here (depending on who you are - e.g there was some rich guy from New Jersey on the telegraph the other day complaining he was getting shafted for $66,000 in property taxes) however healthcare is included in UK general taxation which is huge. There is an argument the UK is a better deal - US works out better for me at the moment but it would only take a loss of employer healthcare to turn that on its head.

I will say, as a totally unscientific test, that despite my wife and I's collective income taking a bit of a hit coming over here, we do seem to now own a hell of a lot more stuff. True some of it is shite stuff - like the plastic 'antique clock' I got from Target a few weeks ago - but more stuff nonetheless.

Re: Pros/ Cons
 

That's a lot, but many Americans pay a lot more than that.

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'tis the American way

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Owning stuff is a big problem long term.. Eventually you have to rent a dumpster to throw it out. I've belatedly realized it is best to avoid the temptation in the first place and just never buy anything unless you really need it.

Re: Pros/ Cons
 

I emigrated with one small suitcase and now I have a house stuffed with Lord knows what.