So DH has finally got a job offer for his dream job in Geneva. I've always said if he ever gets it we'll move because it is an adventure etc. but it was always a slim possibility.
Trouble is we are pretty settled in the UK and have been TTC for a while and about to start fertility treatment (which is what I usually use Mumsnet for, hence the username!). We also have a few other things that have tied us down, house and pets, good friends. My job in the UK is pretty good but couldn't do it there, and would not be entitled to a work visa unless I could find a job there that would sponsor me, which is unlikely. I could live there with DH on his visa but not work. We are both UK citizens.
Contract is only for two years and then we'd need to make a decision about moving back to the UK or not, depending on what other job options open up.
I'm considering keeping my job and UK tax residency and visiting DH for part of the year. My job is remote and I could move to my parents which is closer to an airport in the UK that does cheap flights to Geneva whilst making sure I spend at least 183 days out of the year in the UK. Then we could go between these locations and still keep our cat (who is elderly so moving her would be pretty hard). That way we can still continue fertility treatment in the UK. However might get harder to travel if I actually do get pregnant so I'd probably need to make the move eventually.
Alternatively, we both move straight away and I become a lady of leisure in a foreign city whilst TTC, and possibly have a baby over there. But taking a pretty big career break that could limit my options for the future. And we'd be living on one salary (a pretty good salary mind). Geneva is lovely, and close to my outdoorsy hobbies so wouldn't be too much of a hardship! But I know being a new mum can be lonely and my french is pretty poor so that's a concern.
Guess I'm just looking for some thoughts on these ideas. Things I might need to consider. Like paying taxes etc. Anyone moved to the French suburbs just outside Geneva and got any advice? Are we crazy to do this at this stage in our lives?
Whether you're considering emigrating or an expat abroad, you'll find likeminds on this forum.
Living overseas
Considering moving to France/Geneva for DH's job
CatmumTTC · 01/02/2024 12:32
StandardLFinegan · 01/02/2024 13:51
While it’s a big and serious decision to give up your career, if you are trying for a baby, and you are successful, then you will have to make adjustments and changes, pretty soon anyway op eg maternity leave, nursery hours, school run, illness cover.
I think IVF provision and maternity services are preferable in Switzerland to UK atm if you have good health insurance. And if you have travelled before and are used to living in different countries then I would definitely follow your dh abroad op.
You can always re-think in two years time, and make a commitment to stay in touch with contacts and training opportunities in your current line of work meanwhile, while you are abroad. You are both lucky to have an opportunity come up like this and personally I would make the most of it.
A compromise would be to stall on the decision until you have had your promotion and then make your move either way.
Best of luck.
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LapinR0se · 01/02/2024 17:15
He’s got a role at a UN organisation? There will be health insurance, pension to come out of the salary. Take home might be more like 7000 a month.
Honestly you will need to earn something too to have a high standard of living.
(I have lived in Geneva for 8 years).
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