Recently I’m seeing more and more posts about people wanting to move to US. I’ve been thinking about it, too. Here’s my line of thought, so if you have something to add, jump in and let’s discuss. First, I’m a single woman already working at FANG Europe and making around $100k TC. I live a pretty comfortable life with my boyfriend. I love my career as a software engineer, and I know the central place that would allow me to grow the most is Silicon Valley or perhaps Seattle. However, European countries are also pretty good - Zurich and London pay well for local standards of living. My boyfriend is a chemist, and for him finding a place to work in the US (SV for example) would be a challenge. So far I’ve only managed to find 2 reasons to go to US: - higher TC that leads to higher savings - maybe faster promotions? but not sure All my friends are here, family is 3h by train and Europe still offers OK benefits. The two cities I mentioned are also family friendly, depending on the neighborhoods. So, only opportunistic, career-oriented, single people are moving there?
The exposure that you get in US in Tech cannot be compared to any other country (even India). For a lot of folks, it is about moving to a country with more opportunities and better standard of living
'even India' haha lol
If you want to live life - stay in Europe. It has by far great living standards, happiest countries in top 3, best health care and education systems in the world. If you want to earn money, come to US. It’s a rat race but, you will earn a ton.
Thanks. Yeah, my thinking is about the same
If you are from India/China, it's almost impossible to get a green card now. If you are from any other nation, it's a lot faster and would recommend coming here. Remember though the savings here may not be as high as you think due to healthcare and general expensiveness of the two places you mention (Bay area and Seattle). You need to weigh if living away from family is going to be worth those minor additional savings. I would suggest don't come with the intention of settling down, maybe try it for a year or two then decide. Also, I would also suggest looking at other places apart from Seattle/Bay area, like Austin, NYC, Boston all have a decent tech scene.
Thanks for the insights. Yeah, I am not Indian nor Chinese and would like to experience the American culture. However, I’m not sure it’s worth it. Traveling for a month would maybe do it
As of now, you have everythig you need. Good life , boyfriend etc. Dont let money be the only reason in life to live for. The higher TC and promotion is meaningless without a good life.
Hey thanks for that. I’m not leaving for sure. Just wanted to ask what you guys/gals think
Anytime. I just wanted to let you know that i moved into the US and made good money, but lost how to live life. Now, everything i wanted to do as young kid, i cant do anymore.
I’ll be the in the minority to say, I would stay. Europe has a higher quality of life and better standards and that alone is priceless. Higher TC is not everything contrary to what Blind will tell you! The west coast will swallow a huge chunk of your money in living costs alone, health care and little things that are just over inflated here in the US. Don’t even think about settling in those west coast cities with a family, that area is best suited for single people looking to make a buck and live with roommates! If you must come here, keep your options open and research other tech hubs that provide a compromise between career opportunities and cost/quality of life!
Going from Europe (especially Western part) to US doesn't make sense, unless one wants to go very high in career/income ladder. You have to leave your family and friends. Going from developing countries to US makes more sense for a better life. Western Europe has everything to offer to make a good life. Note - I am living in Europe (7+ years) as an expat.
Agreed. I love it here.
If you are an engineer with higher education MS/PhD, US has lot to offer. The quantity and quality of some positions is generally high with cutting edge technology. Lot of my friends who got the Canadian PR actually came back to US on h1b Visa because of the same reason.
Better boyfriends? ;-)
As an engineer looking to move out of US into Europe, I wouldn't do it solely for higher TC
To expand your horizons. New cultures, new technologies, better food, better education.
What are you taking about, Europe is the best place in the world for education, food and culture.
European food sucks, education is meh and Europeans are close minded. Culture is subjective, European cultures are pretty new, if you want culture go to Asia. They have the oldest and most refined culture.