DH has been offered a job in US ~ WWYD

[ablemable]

Sorry if this is in the wrong place, but didn't know where else to put it!

DH is away working this week in US. He got asked to consider working in the US on a permanent basis doing a different job to his current one.

Good pay (substantial amount more than he currently earns) and a decent re-location package.

The thing is he is happy doing the job that he is already doing and its about to take off globally, he will soon start to have more people work for him and gradually over the next 2 yrs he will earn the kind of money that he has been offered for the other job. Plus there is also a strong possibility that he could end up in the US anyway (but not for about 2 yrs!) Also this job has good prospects.

The crunch being -

Does DH take the job in the US now and have the money and life style but not the prospects etc.... And keep his fingers crossed he carries on moving up the ladder.

OR

Does DH wait and see what the job he is currently doing has to offer.

Obviously there are no guarantees that his current job will pan out how he would like/hope to but equally its a huge step/gamble to up sticks and move to the US.

We have 3DC - 16, 12 and 10 ~ they are really excited at the thought of a move etc... so at the moment thats not a problem.

Oh god, go go go! I would love that!!!

(No common sense reasoning to that post!)

Yousaidit - that is my opinion but I often jump in quickly and then think afterwards! I am trying to be sensible and level headed.

IME moving simply for money is never a good idea.
Is the new job a challenge he is after but not getting in his current job? If not, what is the point in moving? Do the benefits outweigh the fact that it is an unknown quantity and could turn out to be less secure etc?

Actually, I'd qualify that first sentence by adding "unless it is so much money that it will set you up within a relatively short period".

You need to do your research and work out where you would be living and where your DC would be going to school, and how many cars you will need etc. Add it all up and see whether you will all be better off both financially and long-term prospects-wise.

Relatives of mine moved to states for a job about six years ago. He and his job parted company last year - they are now back in britain with a house in the US they cannot sell, and with no way of buying over here because all of their money is wrapped up in house in florida. They have a large family ranging from 18 to 4 who have been moved from english school system, to us system and now to scottish. Hate to pour cold water but think about it really really carefully. He also had a really good relocation package but I think there were a lot of hidden costs once they were out there, esp health care.

The new job will be a challenge, but his current job is also a challenge! Dh needs to challenged to be happy IYKWIM!

Haliborange, don't think its that much money as such!! But we would also have to take into consideration my little part time job too! (have just thought about that!!!) Luckily thou I don't earn that much!!!!

What a decision - have the money and a new job (with uncertainties) now or wait and hope that current jobs goes that way in 2yrs time!

Would you have to jump completely? Could you not let your house here until you know for sure how it's going to pan out over there?
This is what our friends did; they then sold up after a couple of years and are completely settled over there with a fantastic way of life.

We would def do homework before we decide anything - if you knew my DH, we cant even do a day trip to France unless he has thoroughly researched all the ins and outs etc....

DH knows the area well, travels there frequently and we already have 3 sets of friends out there all ready from the same company. Two of the couples have been there at least 15 yrs.(they too have children)

It is a huge decision and one part of me is desperate to go, but the other part is saying slow down and think.

I'd be on the plane now, waiting for take off.

Go - what are you waiting for woman? Agree with renting out your house, just in case, but honestly - GO!!!

Clam, we would never cover our mortgage with rent sadly. Otherwise that could be a possibility.

A bird in the hand....

Go, once you're outside the UK looking in you'll be relieved.

Where in the US?

Would you be able to put a lump sum aside in case you wanted to return to UK in a couple of years?

Which part of US is it going to be?

What would happen Visa wise if your dh got there and didn't like the job and left - would you have to return to UK?

DH has been with this firm since he left sch, over 25 yrs!!! Its the same kind of work - engineering but a different project IYSWIM.

It's not just about your DH and his job. Do you want an adventure? How will it affect DC schooling? will 16 yo want to go to uni? (you need to be resident in UK for the 3 years prior to get UK resident uni fees), will DC or you miss friends and family? Can you work on the type of Visa you'll be on? etc..

Living costs vary across US and so more money doesn't automatically mean lifestyle will rise. Quality of schooling also varies.

You won't be out of pocket if relocation package is good. We moved to US 8 months ago.

able - WHERE??? makes all the difference

The place where the job has been offered is top right corner quite near to Canada.

6mths of winter (and lots of snow)
and lots of lovely sunshine in the summer

LOVELY!!

Sorry, the reason I asked is that I'd never be able to move to one of the landlocked square states, but somewhere north is amazing :)

DO IT, you'll regret it forever if you don't.

I wouldn't do it.

It will take an unoverestimatable toll on your family life. DH will have work and friends, you will be rebuilding everything.

If you return in a few years, your children will be considered foreign students - will have to have 3 years residency in the UK to get local rates at uni. Also implications for NHS treatment AFAIK, despite your citizenship.

What kind of health insurance has he been offered? What about pre-existing conditions?

Do you mind driving everywhere (or are you moving to Boston?)

I wouldn't do it, but I'm an expat and kind of over culture shocks for now.

Sorry to be a downer, lol

Slouching - I don't look at as a downer - this is what I need! I need to have pro's and cons for it all.

I really appreciate all the advice I have been given, and when Dh gets back from the US on Monday and we can sit down face to face and discuss it, I can give these valid points.

Thanks

Riven - do you regret it???