Comment by danielrpa | Hacker News Reader

Comment by danielrpa | Hacker News Reader

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There are many contract opportunities in the US, often paying more than in Europe, sometimes a LOT more. You didn't provide details about what you do and how much you make, so it's hard to be sure in your particular case. You will be close to NYC, which also opens many opportunities. You could use some job search engine like Indeed to look around a little in your area of expertise.

This said, the visa issue could be a major hurdle and it's important to do your homework about this work visa that will be given to you.

Regarding the negativity about living in the USA... I immigrated to this country 20 years ago and I love it. I would never trade the US for Europe, despite Europe being an interesting place. It's not fun being poor in the US, like in most of the world, but I think overall it's an amazing country with lots of opportunities, great quality of life and wonderful people.

How hard would you say it is to get one's foot in the door as a newcomer?

My experience servicing US clients from Europe has been great so far. Most clients are easygoing and communicate really well. Also, it seems to me that most care more about what you can do for them as opposed to random credentials and whatnot. In parts of Europe, and especially in Germany, there's still this obsession with having the right degree, and people would proudly feature all their degrees in their email signature :D

Anyways, I'm close to OP's age and will be coming to NYC later this year to open an app dev shop. I'm working on getting a few contracts going before I land but I suppose it should get easier when I can start pounding the pavement, right?

I think I’m in your camp, but unfortunately stuck in Europe. Does it make sense to vote with your feet when you’re 44?

If you line up a good opportunity in the US, it could. At 44 you probably made decisions based on the expectations for Europe's safety net when you get older. This would be reset when coming to the US. But depending on what you do, it's possible to command enormous salaries in the US, in which case this move would make a lot of sense.

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