Should You Move to the US as a European Software Engineer? Some Considerations
As European software engineers, the allure of moving to the US for work is strong, given the significant differences in career opportunities, salaries, and professional growth prospects. However, this decision should not be made lightly, as there are several pros and cons to consider. Pros: - Career Opportunities: The US tech sector is vast, offering a multitude of roles across various projects and companies, especially in tech hubs like California, New York, and Seattle. This environment can accelerate your career trajectory. - Financial Benefits: Salaries in the US tech industry are generally higher, with many roles offering six-figure salaries. This can significantly enhance your ability to save and invest. - Skill Development: The dynamic and innovative US tech scene provides ample opportunities to grow your skills, especially in product companies where tech is a priority and engineers are highly valued. - Networking: The US is a melting pot of tech professionals, startups, and academics, offering unparalleled networking opportunities that can propel your career forward. Cons: - Visa Challenges: Obtaining a work visa in the US can be complex and time-consuming, involving multiple steps and uncertainties. - Job Security: The US job market can be volatile, with less employment protection compared to Europe, which can be particularly challenging during economic downturns. - Work-Life Balance: The work culture in the US is often more demanding, with a greater emphasis on performance, which could lead to a less favorable work-life balance. - Living Conditions: European cities are generally considered more livable in terms of safety, amenities, and community life, aspects that might not be as pronounced in many US cities. Before making a move, weigh these considerations carefully against your personal and professional goals. Maybe you seeking rapid career growth and financial gains, maybe you value stability, social welfare, and work-life balance more... Each path has its own set of trade-offs. For a deeper dive into these considerations and to help you make a more informed decision, check the full article: https://theeuropeanengineer.substack.com/p/should-you-move-to-the-us-as-an-european
The European Engineer
As a European who has worked at companies like Amazon and Microsoft, the WLB is actually worse here as I have half a dozen meetings after 6 meaning I get to have no social life. My US coworkers tune out after 5. If you want to stay in the EU but not work in big tech for better WLB, your compensation might take a hit. Living conditions are generally better in Europe, but the US isn’t far behind and there are some nice and safe cities and neighborhoods to settle in. You’ll also have more money at the end of the day in the US, and I’d argue its future prospects are looking brighter than Europe’s.
yeah if you want a faang career and don't hate the US as a country itself, it could make sense moving there since you could end up having similar wlb than people in the US and saving much less. but then also look at how many big tech folks have been laid off in the US in the past couple of years... it's higher pressure environment. and as a country it is also quite tense now, considering the big divide and the culture war currently happening.
There are no places in the US that are even close to as safe as Europe .
Some spammy spam about your blog?
Easy to get gc if you’re from Europe
That's not true, you still need to get a visa to come, get someone to sponsor you, etc We don't have the country cap but everything else is the same.
If you're a native European you should move. The US has a strong social hierarchy that favors people with European ancestry regardless of skills. So fast promos and career growth are guaranteed by default.
Uh no that is not true at Google.
Lol you lost your mind
One con in the USA is home quality. In the bay area people pay 2m for a shack.
Don't move to a HCOL area
I think when you're young and single US is generally better, but as you get older and have a family Europe is where it's at.