Are you talking about the US though? How did you get on a plane and go?

Plus that's all very well when you have just graduated and have no ties. It's a different scenario if you are older, have a wife and family and a current job.

True.

But you must appreciate what a sweeping comment that is...how do you know? How could you possibly know that?

Yes, some good points are being made here about how moving to another country and adjusting once there isn't always easy.

Cliffhanger, people have indeed been a bit hard on you, and I feel sorry about that. But you do need, in my opinion, to think very carefully before the move.

Not to be a dream-squasher, but I think you should take a look at some of the threads on the "moving back to the UK" forum. Especially perhaps the ones where people over 40 or more moved abroad in a fit of youthful enthusiasm and now, years later, find themselves increasingly longing to go back to the UK...many of these people have been living in the US.

I am not saying this is inevitable--obviously all the happy Brits in the US are getting on with life and not posting here!!! So it can work wonderfully.

But as you read about what Brits in the US find themselves missing, you and wife should perhaps think about whether you'd miss those things too.

Do you have a strong desire to live in the US? and if so, why, specifically?
Or is it just a vague dissatisfaction with things that aren't perfect in the UK?

I think you said you like where you are living in the UK now?

I think from a personal experience .... I chose to move to europe (Spain). Our second choice was Florida.

We chose Europe because we were able to be back in the UK in 3 hours, and that was important as we still had friends and family in the UK. Because of location we were back in the UK on trips fairly regularly as it required little planning and flights were cheap.

Had we gone to Florida then it would have been more permanent as we wouldnt have been flitting back and forwards .... and in most cases, whatever people think, you WILL miss seeing your friends and family and to some extent you will lose touch.

Having said all that we didn't move because we were fed up with Britain, we did it for a change of lifestyle. Many will find that most countries have their own set of challenges, and if you leave because you are fed up with the UK, you will find things to be fed up of where you relocate to.

It's an important part of the whole thing, taking into account if you will be able to cope easily with being cut off from family and friends.

The problem is with a holiday is that it won't be like living in reality. Living here is ok, could be better but just ok. My wife and I like America although she has never been. Like you say sharing the english language is better and I don't think I could learn another one now.

I am in my mid thirties and we haven't had kids yet so it would be nice to start again somewhere else. The job I do now is more exciting than I have ever done so doing it in a country that supports it more sounds amazing. Engineering is dying in the UK and the US seems to be backing it more. I guess part of moving is to progress my career more in a country that needs/wants it.

Speaking to the agency he says that it may happen around easter time. So have plenty of time yet. Lets just say though most of what I have heard and read hasn't put us off.

I guess if I took a step back, then yes I would like to choose where I would like to live. But for a time being its where the work is. We have lived in three separate houses and although we are happy now its not the perfect location, its the best of what we can afford.

I thank you all for all your info some good and bad, its best to have mixed comments though so I can get a general feeling if the country you live in. Then perhaps one day I'll be joining you lot telling the good and bad points on relocating to the US.

Cliffhanger79

Sure there is a little more to it, you need to find a job get the correct work authorization/visa etc. my point is if you go with the right attitude and are excited about your new experience being different it will work out well.

I'm an engineer too. I'm moving to head R+D at a company in Pa. in a couple of months. I agree with you that the skill of engineering is definitely more appreciated in the US than the UK, but that isn't saying much really.

Yes my first move was easy in that I was 22 and had no one else to worry about. My last move I was 42 with a wife and three kids and we went with the same attitude and it has been a good move. We are however way beyond thinking of the UK as home, it seems very foreign when I am there now.

Yes engineering is far more valued in the US. Both financially and culturally.

I'm not convinced that's a general phenomenon, but it certainly looks like it will be for me where I'm going. If it was really valued, they wouldn't do their best to get as many H1-b's as possible.

Steve

May I ask what she likes about it? Living here can be particularly hard on the spouse, in my experience.

A little simplistic.

Of course holidays aren't like living there but it's all that you have to go on. Your wife, in particular, never having been to the US might be wise to have a look before you commit.

I agree that a positive attitude is important but what I'm saying is, if you get the chance to interview in person then take it. There are plenty of places in the US that I would not relocate to, having spent time in that particular city or state. There are plent of places in the Bay Area that I wouldn't relocate to!

You've no kids, young enough but old enough to know yourselves. That your wife can't work might be a problem for her. Maybe not but work can give you a good social life and without it, you can feel a bit isolated. Puts pressure on your relationship too. That's the main thing I'd be concerned about.