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.

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

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

Harry's got crabs?

It's just hearsay.

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






BTW is he having treatment for it?

or take another thread off topic

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

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.

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

'tis the American way

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.

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