During my recent job search I realized that if I wasn't on an H1B I probably would have quit and then started looking for a job after taking some time off. Has anyone else felt the same way? What are the ways your life would be different if you weren't constrained by the visa restrictions?
I would try few domains different from my defined area of expertise which I can’t do on H-1B.
This is a big one! I think being on a visa doesn't let one explore different options.
No need to be afraid to go to startups for work No worrying about h1b transfers
A couple millions? Visa fucked me up twice. I couldve joined Uber much earlier and got substantially more equity if I didnt have to wait for my h1b. I also had to turn down an amazing offer - tech lead position, and great SV pay in a low expense location - just because of visa. At least I got it better than my Chinese ex gf who always had to worry about her H1B, because green card is just too hard for Chinese, unless you got a top PhD and qualify for EB1?
Same! A couple million and counting. I could’ve joined a high growth company 18 months ago had it not been for visa delays. The stock there has since soared 2.6x Also lost another amazing offer cos got an RFE and they couldn’t hold the req longer
I would quit my job and not do anything for 6 months.
Most importantly. No exploitation by the employer. No Arm twisting.
"Can I travel outside the country? Is my Visa sorted? Where's my document? Is there any other document I need? I need to inform the immigration team at my company". These would not have been the questions in mind when I had a family emergency and had to fly home taking the next flight.
That's such a sad state to be in. I think it's harder knowing that it'll take a long time before there's a way out of this position
Yeah life is great for locals, just look at all the options in the job market. I would go to a top company is I was not a visa slave.
Switch jobs after a 2 week notice, rather than all the visa transfer bullshit, and nowadays replying to RFE
Omg! This one is so annoying. I have a teammate and we both got offers on the same day at different companies. But he's an American so he quit two weeks ago and I'm just waiting for my Visa transfer for a month.
I just received GC after being on H1B. Tbh I don’t see much of difference yet. Probably the feeling hasn’t sunk in yet. Maybe when I am looking for new opportunities in future things will feel different.
oh yeah, this would be a completely different life the queue in the airport would become much smaller