Is it really reasonnable?

[EasternDE 35]

My man (USC) and I, we're just the average middle class/poor people couple. He makes 23k$ a year and I'll be coming with only like 6K savings.

Once he paid his college and the car loans, even though he has a small rent fee, there's not much left at the end of the month.

My little savings should cover 6 months of basic life needs (and AOS fee) maybe a little more.

But after that point if I can't find a job, we're pretty much doomed...

I do product marketing for an online computer store, I've been hired in the same company for the last 6 years. I'm trying to negociate a part time job on telecommute from the US, so I still could get some income during that time. That's more like the Plan B, it's not what I wish for. I don't think I'll integrate myself working from home. But eh, I know it's a great opportunity, but it's not a done deal yet.

Though I have no degree, I never had troubles finding a job in my entire life. Marketing/Sale in the computer field is usually full of self educated people, well at least here. But in the USA, I'm afraid it might be different. I'm not so sure an employer will think of my sexy french accent as an asset for his company. Plus my English is far from being perfect, and there are some duties that I obviously won't be able to do in English such as writting technical sheets down. Well I actually do a french and an english version of everything I do at my job here, but I know it's not perfect. But most people who will read it aren't english native speakers so it doesn't really matter...

I actually hope to be able to use this time to make a change in my career, maybe use my langage skills for a more "cultural job".

I keept doing calculations all week end, and the more I'd calculate, the more I'd get anxious. What if I can't find a job after the 6 months...

Dark clouds came over the top of my head and I could hear them whispering "Thiz iz not reazonnable!!!" (yes, it was french clouds!)

I feel like it's a very risky bet now. Well when I look back, I've taken some crazy risks in my life that would put this one to a very low level.

But I was younger!

In the same time, I don't think waiting will make it easier. Paris is a very expensive city and I have a crazy rent fee which doesn't allow me to save a lot of money.

Sometimes I try to read between the lines in what the VJ people write here, are they in a better situation than me, are they in a worst situation than me? See they made it still!

I actually don't see a lot of fiasco stories here, at least not on the finance topic.

So tell me people, is this reasonnable?

[canadian_wife 1,822]

I'm not going to lie, the economy here sucks! Lots of people out of work and when I was applying for jobs a lot of employers would say "come back when you are a citizen" or "We're only interviewing US citizens at the moment".

That being said, it was 2.5 months before I found work. So it can be done.

I started applying for jobs before I left Canada (to increase my chances) and I applied for every type of job from 'receptionist' to 'project managers'.

Have a strong resume to send to employers. If you don't have a strong education, make it a skills based resume or an experience based resume.

That being said, plan on being out of work a while (that way you're prepared - or as prepared as you can be) I see you are just 2 months into your journey. Maybe get a 2nd job and start saving more money so you can come to the US more prepared

Good luck.

[trailmix 77]

We moved to Florida in April last year and stayed for 15 months.

My Husband works in IT and has several years of experience. Now this is just Florida, but IT jobs pay particularily badly there. He did get an IT position after 6 months - worked a couple of temp jobs before that.

One of the main reasons we returned to Canada (aside from the fact that we like it here better) is what you are describing, the lack of income means you are drawing on your savings and we didn't want to subsidize our cost of living - so we came back to Canada where the wages and benefits are decent.

That said - it depends where you are moving to, there are more opportunities in some places than others. Also, since you two have decided to stay there for a while (we had no ties there), you will have to make it work regardless of income really (unless you both move to France!) - so if the wages are low - then you have to change your lifestyle to fit in with your budget.

Anyway, good luck!

[rebeccajo 14]

He's making it now on $23K, right?

Why would you coming into the picture change things much? You don't eat THAT much, do you?

[LA80 3]

Nah...you will not be doomed. As long as he has a regular income, and as long as you know how much to expect every month, and as long as you two get along, you will be able to plan how much to spend and on what. It will not be easy, you will probably have to give up certain things, but it is possible to manage. Try to STAY AWAY from BANKS, LOANS, and live cash-only lifestyle. For example, you can save thousands on food if you cook and eat at home. It is also possible to save on bills. Hopefully, this recession thingy will not last forever and you will get a job as well. I do not want to bother you with my life story, but I will just tell you that I worked only for five weeks in 10 months and was looking for jobs every, single day. I volunteered at the animal shelter, I applied at the staffing agency, I got several rejection letters, and a few days ago, I applied for three new positions. Husband was luckier than me, and we are happy that at least he has something. And I came here with under 5K. We are not planning to live like this forever, but yes, it is possible to get by with 23K annually.

"Look for the bare necessities", says Baloo the Bear.

[trillium13 84]

My husband and I lived on just a little more than 23K for nearly a year. It can be done. It's not really fun, but possible. We've put more than I would like on a credit card, but we didn't really have a choice.

It took him forever(well it seemed so, more like 2 months) to find a job, and a pretty crappy one at that. It's still better than nothing. He's one of the smartest people I know, but he has nothing in the way of "formal" higher education. That coupled with the crappy economy and no work history in the US made it difficult for him to even get interviews. He was applying for jobs at least one a day during that 2 months. He had around 3 interviews. He got his current job though a temp agency.

I wish you best of luck. This isn't a good time for anyone to be looking for jobs. You'd be surprised at what you can live on.

Oh, and

I do product marketing for an online computer store, I've been hired in the same company for the last 6 years. I'm trying to negociate a part time job on telecommute from the US, so I still could get some income during that time.

You may want to check on the legality of this before you get here. Someone else could probably provide more insight on this.

Edited September 15, 2009 by trillium13

[EasternDE 35]

You may want to check on the legality of this before you get here. Someone else could probably provide more insight on this.

I'd still be technically employed in France, I've already asked here, I don't really see why it would be a problem. I wouldn't steal anyone job. But not many people replied to my question.

[EasternDE 35]

Sorry, I wrote my last message as I was about to go to work, half awake. After one or two coffee cups, it looks a bit rude to me.

Your replies are much appreciated. It seems that topic is kinda avoided here, I feel it's too bad, I think we all need support for this.

I'm trying to get a second job right now, but in France, there's not a lot of part time or little jobs, as minimum wage is quite high.

The economy is not exactly going well here neither! Until now I had the opportunity to do some overtime, business got slow during the summer and I couldn't do many hours.

I'll probably be able to do some more during the holiday season.

It's actually hard for me to imagine what we're really going to spend as life cost is crazy in France. Let's put it this way, even if I tight my belt up, my food budget is around 500$/month for myself. And no, I'm not eating that much, but HE DOES!!!

I'm moving to Delaware (Philly area, PA is next door), the situation doesn't seem that bad there. I've been reviewing job ads and there are plenty still.

I should be moving in about 6 months if everything goes well, let's say 2 months for AOS. It seems too early to start applying for real.

I work with international suppliers/manufacturers, I already told them I'd be moving and asked them to let me know if they hear about any opportunity in the US.

But they all said it's too soon to put a good word for me to any company yet. Well my horizon isn't totally black.

Well... Yes the horizon is black, but that's the same here too. My company here isn't doing well, and I'm pretty sure the idea of me going part time instead of full time is making them happy. Sigh...