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Old 20 May 2003, 01:29 PM
  #31  
Turbosnow
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Well, I didn't mention the black angus cattle that live next door and the flies, constant mooing and smell of cow waste. Nor did I mention the utter lack of any interesting women, which is a major concern. I think this woudl be a great place to live when you are ready to settle down and have a family, and I would definitely consider moving (mooooving?) back here when that time comes. But in terms of a place to enjoy a stimulatiing social life...It blows......

[Edited by Turbosnow - 5/20/2003 1:30:22 PM]
Old 20 May 2003, 01:37 PM
  #32  
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Jack, you see where my mind is @

Jasey, in the US you are much more likely to be shot by a criminal than in the UK. How many of you folks in the UK have actually had a gun pointed at them? I have, it's not fun......

If you think that we don't have frivolous lawsuits , then you are sorely mistaken, this is the country where a woman wins a million dollars for spilling hot coffee on herself and blaming MCdonalds for not warning her that it was hot. Criminals sue here if they trip on a misplaced skateboard when breaking into your home. The USA is not the "wild west" anymore, especially in our current times, it is a ridiculously over-regulated beaurocracy run by idiots.

A great illustration of this is the proliferation of "track days" in the UK. These will never ever happen in the US. Why? Because the possibility for massive lawsuit scares everyone horribly.
Old 20 May 2003, 02:28 PM
  #33  
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Someone here can do the maths better, but from 40k pa, knock off up to 40% for taxes etc that will be taken out of your pay packet. You will then get what goes into your bank account per year - divide by 12 to get monthly takehome. Then start looking at food and rent prices.

If you get an expat deal or self employed, the above figures (estimates anyway) will change again.
Old 20 May 2003, 04:23 PM
  #34  
Sennadog 93
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Interesting replies. Turbosnow, one thing you will notice is that the British are unbelievably negative which will take some getting used and I also wonder how many posters have actually lived in other countries?

What does London have to offer you? Well, heaps of culture if you're into that sort of thing with some great architecture, art galleries, restaurants etc in a similar way to NY. Compared to a lot of other cities it's relatively easy to get about with the tube (metro) and good bus links. However, everyone moans about it but believe me - it isn't that bad.

Apart from (typically) 5 weeks holiday per annum, we do tend to have a more "American" work ethic than other European countries but as a tourist you will have the opportunity and the will to go and see things that we all take for granted. Additionally, whilst you're here you've got the opportunity to explore the rest of Europe and Africa at what are still favourable exchange rates.

If city living is not for you, then it's an easy commute (less than an hour) from some of the counties such as Surrey, Berkshire, Hertfordshire and others. Again, people bitch about the trains which can go wrong but they're no worse than many other countries. The other advantage of living slightly away from London is that rental/property prices are more reasonable.

Cars - yes we have quite a few that you won't find in the US but if you've already got a Scoob, why change?

To summarise, you'll probably find things a bit expensive to begin with but once you're earning it evens out. Service levels may seem a bit slack to you but by comparison sometimes the American level of service can seem a little "in your face" to us Brits. You'll also develop a good sense of humour (everyone takes the **** out of everyone else here), some of the television will bowl you over and the radio broadcasting is second to none.

Negative aspects may include dodgy weather - it rains a lot here, people tend to be highly insular until you get to know them, taxation is slightly higher over here also but I guess you'll be able to reclaim most of that if you're only here for a short time.

You only live once, so why not give it a try?
Old 20 May 2003, 04:30 PM
  #35  
Turbosnow
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Sennadog, thanks for the honest reply.
Weather wise, it couldn't get much worse then Upstate Ny Syracuse sees an average for 130 inches of snow per year and an average of just 64 sunny days per year. So It doesn't get much more depressing than that. Plus I can run off to the south of france on one of my 5 weeks of holiday. (i'll just tell them I'm canadian).
Old 20 May 2003, 06:26 PM
  #36  
jasey
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64 sunny days per year. So It doesn't get much more depressing than that
Oh yes it does

take my earlier advice - if you're young go for it - if not don't !
Old 20 May 2003, 06:35 PM
  #37  
merkin
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I thought what Sennadog wrote was a very fair and accurate description.

Sounds like you've made your mind up already, I reckon the worst thing in the world will be to sit there in 20 years time and think "I didn't give it a shot"

Old 20 May 2003, 06:39 PM
  #38  
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Merkin that's exactly what I was thinking. I still don't even have an offer yet, so y'all (americanism) cross your fingers for me, I have an interview tomorrow.
Old 20 May 2003, 07:50 PM
  #39  
Markus
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Ahh, Upsate NY! cool!

I've done the reverse, gone from the UK to Toronto.

Can you make it? Well, possibly, but London is not cheap compared to NY, house prices are stupid, as are gas prices.

I moved to Toronto as I am part of an intra-company transfer, plus it made sense, a country where it's cheaper to live, I could buy a nice house, if I wanted to, gas prices are really great. In other words, a way better deal than in the UK.

There are quite a lot of people jumping from the UK as it's just gone mad at the moment.

I do not wish to put a downer on things for you, it is a nice place, providing you can get a nice place to live.
Old 20 May 2003, 07:59 PM
  #40  
Turbosnow
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Well sometimes it's good to swim against the tide, if others are leaving london, then housing prices will fall. Plus honestly, there aint much good about upstate NY except for the cost of living. Although I do have a sizeable number of cool friends, just no good women......
Old 20 May 2003, 08:07 PM
  #41  
Markus
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30 - 40k a year, well, depending on where you exactly are going, should be pretty good. I lived at home with my parents, and if I had got a flat, a one bedroom place would be aprox 500 pounds upwards. As for purchasing a house, well, I'd always wanted to purchase the home I've lived in all my life, but I can't afford to, simply cannot get a mortgage for 200k. Here in Toronto, I've a nice rented appt for 600 quid, it's only one bedroom, but it's fairly big, has a huge balcony, oh yeah, and it;s on the shore of lake ontario, and it's 10 mins from work and 10 mins from the center of Toronto. To find somewhere like that in London you're probably looking at docklands, and probably at least 1000 pounds a month rent, maybe more.

As some have said, give it a go! Go over for say six months, see how things go. That's why I'm here in Canada, it's an opportunity that I could not really pass up. I'm very lucky to have the option of being able to work and live in Canada, and at the moment, I don't see any reason, apart from my family, to come back to the UK.
Old 20 May 2003, 09:52 PM
  #42  
Sennadog 93
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Markus. Talk about going native. It's petrol FFS! :P
Old 20 May 2003, 10:26 PM
  #43  
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It will be a brilliant experience, but you need to do a few things to make the South East bearable...

I think the main one of these is get a motorbike - this phenomenally decreases stress & hassle and saves you hours a week. Get a place that is maybe in Surrey (some greenery and a bit friendlier) or definitely out of Central London and a 20 min zip up with yer knee down!

Try and get paid offshore if you can, and brink some nice steaks with you cos the food is generally lower quality with less choice, poorly prepared and poorly presented here. The portions however make much more sense! Ohh and no need to tip everything that moves, then add service, handling and gratuity!

Good luck

D



Old 20 May 2003, 10:30 PM
  #44  
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Where do you get your info on food?

Having been to the US several times I'd say it was the direct opposite. Unless you dine out at dodgy kebab houses every night

Old 20 May 2003, 11:29 PM
  #45  
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We looked into moving to the USA but found out that you have to have a blood relative living over there for X amount of years plus need someone to sponsor you so don't claim money off the state (if things go **** up-loose job etc). This still the same now as it was a good few years ago???

If you don't like New York what about another part of the US?

As said above just about everything over here will cost you more - House (can get 2 or 3 times the size of house in the US for what you would get here in the UK for same money), Cars, Food, Clothes, only thing I think that is probably cheaper over here is the health care (unless go private). General cost of living is higher here

Hey you could always come over as an asylum seeker then you will get given a free house, car, regular money, free health care, clothes

Seriously though only thing you can do is give it a go to see for yourself as everyone has their own opinion. Just make sure you leave yourself the option to go back if need be.


Old 21 May 2003, 01:39 AM
  #46  
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Three and bit years ago I did the reverse, moved from the UK to California. Both palces have their pros and cons. I have lived in both for some time now, and on balance the US is the better place to live. I would think very, very carefully about moving into London.

Better bacon though
Old 21 May 2003, 02:19 AM
  #47  
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The thing is, in my industry (IT) the job market is completely dismal in the US right now with at least 5 qualified people for every job, so finding another job in the US isn't really an option. I think you also have to compare apples and big apples. I don't think that London is really any more expensive than NYC to live in, and from my limited experience london is cleaner and less violent. You cannot really touch any house in NYC for less than a million dollars, my sister just bought an apartment in an OK neighborhood for $365k which would buy you a mansion in upstate NY. If I wanted to buy a house I would definitely be more likely to stay here, but what I want is to get some more experience in the larger world. I'm withering a bit here in the middle of nowhere. I've pretty much decided that I'm going to try as hard as I can to get the job, if they make me an offer, then I will decide about the move.


I like the motorbike idea as it would be a lot of fun and save on petrol.
Old 21 May 2003, 04:08 AM
  #48  
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The IT industry isnt too great here either

Have a look around the rest of the country, London's a nice place to visit, but I can't say I'd particularly like to live there..
Old 21 May 2003, 04:22 AM
  #49  
Danbo
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Make the move, London is not as bad to live in as a lot of people are making out......

Im a Police officer working in London and I see the worst side of things and yet would still live there. As it is I live down in Surrey and travel in to work, but I cant afford to live up town on my pay.

If you want a good social life then it is definitely one of the places to be.

Hope all goes well.
Old 21 May 2003, 11:30 AM
  #50  
Diesel
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Dear Father!

Well we have different views on the food issue then! I'd rather have lunch at a Jewish Deli (like Jerry's in South Beach or a any of the million in NY) than go to virtually any cafe or sandwich show I can think of around Putney!

Pizza Express or any old Pizza house on Lincoln in Miami - NO contest compared to NO toppings

I had Thai in LA once - so much better than here with decent meat and lovely bits of juicy steak in my Pad Bai Krapao!!!!!

Once you've been to Houstons (for the ribs or Chilli) or Ruth Cris's Steakhouse you just laugth at UK steakouses (and cross your fingers as you eat...)

I could go on, but I'm making myself VERY hungry. There is just no contest in my bellys humble opinion

D

Old 21 May 2003, 01:33 PM
  #51  
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Beleive me STAY WHERE YOU ARE, unless this job offers you 7 figures.

London is a nice place to visit on holiday, lots of places to see and visit, shops, long history with plenty of culture and diversity, etc etc etc.

However most people I know that moved to London for jobs after leaving University, thinking that the streets are paved with gold have all left.

You can't afford to buy a cardboard box under Putny Bridge unless you are earning about 250 grand a year. Also, London is full of weirdo's but I guess most big cities are, lol.

A mate of mine lived 3 miles as the crow flies from work, it took him 1 to 1.5 hours per day, each way, to get to work on over crowded, smelly, dirty unreliable public transport and driving was out of the question.

Crime and vice is also ridiculously high, however I don't know compared with other big cities across the world and London may look all sweat and cuddly but it has the same **** and problems as any other large major city.

I now live in Germany and the first thing I notice when I step off the plane in Heathrow and start putting my hand in my pocket, is how much more expensive it is for just about everything you would do or buy on a daily/weekly basis, they don't all it rip-off Britian for nothing. Its Euro's for pounds basically.

I forgot a few things:

Petrol (gas) 3.80GBP a gallon, which I know is more than a US gallon but even still, makes motoring very very expensive, especially as London is the highest rated for car insurance as well and would cost the GDP of small African nation to insure a top spec scooby, apart from the fact that it has about a 1 in 2 chance of being pinched, so don't expect to have it very long.

Recent information I have heard suggest that the Cat 1 alarm systems and Trackers fitted as standard to STI8 etc just mean that it takes about 2 minutes to get your car pinched instead of 1 minute and that includes disabling the tracker. However even if they don't disable the tracker and you get your pride and joy back completely intact it doesn't matter as its not worth f@ck all, as it will be stamped on the records as 'stolen and recovered' and no dealer will touch it unless you pay them to take it away.


[Edited by ScoobyDooMe - 5/21/2003 1:45:26 PM]
Old 21 May 2003, 01:46 PM
  #52  
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Turbosnow
I have worked in Colorado Springs and San Jose, both locations for extended periods > 6 months. I had a chance to stay working in San Jose with Solectron but the differences were. Money would have been better, hours longer, benefits poorer, holidays less than half in the UK. Would I have brought my kids up there - NO.
I learnt a long time ago in the Army, life and time are precious, you work to live, not live to work. London is a great city, come and enjoy it, life is not a rehearsal. If you bomb out, hey at leats you tried which is more than most do.
Old 21 May 2003, 02:05 PM
  #53  
The Zohan
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Thumbs up

May i suggest you try this for a look at what is about, lots of options for renting, buying and a good property search engine.

http://www.primelocation.com/new/index.cfm

worth registering as you can save properties to your own file to keep a record, maps of areas, etc.

Using it myself at the momnet and found it very good.

As for living in London i am not a city boy and i like to visit not too keen on living there but thats JMHO.

Oh, and welcome on board old chap!
Old 21 May 2003, 02:08 PM
  #54  
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Daiscooby, thanksm, thats pretty much how I feel. My time is very precious to me and the idea of having more of it to myself, while still being productive, is extremely important to me. The attitude in the northeast US is very much live to work and it is driving me nuts. Also I figure, why the hell not at least try to get the job? I f you don't try, you will never know for sure if you could have succeeded. I don't want my life to be about what if's.....

You notice I am starting to ignore the negatives, partially this is becuase I'm tryind to focus on the positives. In addition, I think you all are afraid that this yank is going to steal all your wimmin
Old 21 May 2003, 02:16 PM
  #55  
daiscooby
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Turbosnow
*Ahem*
Sorry but don't come for the babes. Seen a lot better on a slow night in Morgan Hill CA than in most of London. Try Milan or Madrid if your really up for something different and top babes, but try what ever you want to try, go for it. The saddest words in the world are " if only " and " I wish I had ".
Old 21 May 2003, 02:19 PM
  #56  
Turbosnow
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Ahh yes but those california women aren't impressed by my americanness But I bet they loved your britishness, they always dig the different. As for madrid, I've been there and have to agree with you on the babes, but my spanish sucks and getting a job in Spain is near impossible. Also, my mother's entire family lives in london so I have family there, so I wouldn't be totally alone. Oh yeah, since my mom is a brit, I can apply for citizenship.....


[Edited by Turbosnow - 5/21/2003 2:32:45 PM]
Old 21 May 2003, 02:25 PM
  #57  
Diesel
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ScoobyDooMe - are you on a downer maaaaate? You make London sound like its a total hell hole! Granted it has many problems that I winge about too, but I've lived her for many years having left the same city as you, Cardiff, and I cope OK! Salary is about 30% more to help me cope too! Cant imagine car insurance being much cheaper in Splott or Ely either mate! As I say its down to getting 2 wheel transport and you are then free as a bird (you need your numberplate on Velcro when you park though - just to save any additional hassle...

D

[Edited by Diesel - 5/21/2003 2:27:27 PM]
Old 21 May 2003, 02:33 PM
  #58  
daiscooby
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Turbo
Ah yes, especially Shelley from Knoxville ( I know its not CA but her rig was in Oakland dock waiting for a back load ). She was convinced I was Tom Jones' son, mainly because I told her I was . She could suck your eyeballs out through your nose.
Come to London and have a blast. When you get there give me a shout and I'll come up for a beer. Sorry no Sam Adams or Red Witch.
Only crappy Bud and Miller.
Old 21 May 2003, 02:35 PM
  #59  
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If you like city life then you can't get better than London IMHO.
In four years of working there and 8 months of living in central London I had one confrontation with some drunk bums who decided it would be funny to take my mobile (cell) phone out of my hand and pretend to steal it, it is a safe city in comparison to alot of other big cities.
Plenty of decent women there you just have to know where to look.
I've found working in the USA it's very hard to make friends working with people hear they are not sociable compared to the U.K. having a couple of drinks after work is non existent, be prepared for some nice beers after work!
Alot of up front promises but when it comes to the crunch they are false, I know thats not true for everyone but its just my experience living here and it could be to do with living in Texas!
Good luck with the interview I hope you get it.
Old 21 May 2003, 02:40 PM
  #60  
Turbosnow
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Daiscooby and stuckhere, one of the things that i was looking to get from my question is an idea of how friendly folks in the UK would be to outsiders. I'm seeing an encouraging trend right here. If things work out I'm sure I'll be posting on this forum quite a bit, as I will probably try to get an early sti or something in the UK.


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