Giantaxe

Here's a thought. Instead of resorting to your normal pathetic one-liners why not try and explain why I'm wrong about social mobility in the US?

Fortunately, I didn't need social mobility to get where I am. I got a first class college education in the UK at essentially zero direct cost. I also benefited from great NHS healthcare when I was sick a couple of years after I graduated. As for leaving the US, I think the probability is that I will do so within the next few years regardless of the economy.

Nice attempt to divert the thread into another rathole btw.

Bob

Because that's still not really the norm is it, a couple of industries, and not necessarily all within those industries requiring it.

Mummy in the foothills

I didn't book a year in advance but I worked at a private hospital not the NHS

Dh has to book his in advance, well he's supposed to, but he waits till everyone is done (they take turns booking a week at a time) so if he wants more than a week off he waits and then books himself two week plus floaters and is off for nearly three weeks, he's on week one now. fixing up the house, now thats what i call a holiday

chrisfromusa

Can you take me with you when you go Giantaxe?

md95065

Webb is only partially correct - it helps even more to think of the United States (which is what I assume he really means when he says "America") as being 50 different foreign countries which happen to have a common currency and most of which speak a language which is just about recognizable as once having been English but which are otherwise almost completely different...

christmasoompa

I was intrigued by this as I've never heard of anybody in the UK having to book holidays far in advance, so I asked my neighbour yesterday - their daughter works on a Sainsbury's check out part-time. Apparently there is no requirement that she books holiday far in advance, so perhaps it's changed since you left? She loves the job, does it when not at uni and gets reasonable pay plus they get a huge deduction on any groceries they buy there. She said the only holiday they usually book far in advance is Boxing Day, because obviously that's the day everybody wants off!

My husband can book any holiday with no notice, unless he is taking 3 weeks or more in one go, in which case he has to give two weeks notice. He gets 6 weeks in total, so a 3 week holiday wouldn't be unusual, but that's the only time he has to give notice.

StaryandStripey

Okay.....Hmmmm *rubs chin*

So...if you met someone from the UK looking to emigrate to the US as they see it as a (possibly) better life, would you advise for or against?

Would you say "Give it a few years and then review your ideas".

In terms of problems related to healthcare, education, employment, expectations and general day to day living, is anyone contemplating a new life in the US simply 'jumping out of the frying pan into the fire'?

Is it something that only the foolhardy and adventurous should seriously consider these days?

Englishtart

I would say it is something only the ones that are moving over through employers should do. Those that have a secure paycheck coming in, or those that are moving over with or for a USC spouse.

Otherwise stay put and sit tight for a few years, see how things look then.

There are other Countries to chose from the USA is not the only choice.

helwardman

I worked for several companies in the UK engineering sector over a span of nearly 20 years and I have never come across this level of ruthlessness in booking time off. Most large companies will have a rule whereby a certain percentage of any section can't be off at the same time but that's about it.

Jerseygirl

Exactly...so many will try to book their holidays as early as possible in the year. Especially those who wish to take holiday at peek times ie during school holidays. I'm wondering if this practise is being confused with mandatory rules.

AmerLisa

I didn't say that.....but it isn't always doom and gloom. Surely you can find happiness or something positive to say about the place.....

AmerLisa

Being constantly negative makes for a sad person. I feel bad for you.

AmerLisa

Maybe it has changed, it has been over 5 years, almost 6 since we've been back. However, that doesn't explain my mil's need to book in advance, or her employers need I should say. Perhaps it has to do with getting a prime day off.

Sally Redux

So when the OP asks whther she should change her life and move over at a time of economic upheaval, we should all tell her only that it's a lovely happy place

Sally Redux

So maybe, once again, you're talking a load of bollocks.