Do employers discriminate against immigrants?

[Brian&Bethy 0]

Congrats, reading this thread can be a bit depressing, and has made me think about the change in QoL for me, once I move to the US, seeing how hard you guys say it is to get a job, even with a degree and masters + certifications as a new immigrant, hopefully I can start my own business, either way I wish everyone luck with their job hunt.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Congrats, reading this thread can be a bit depressing, and has made me think about the change in QoL for me, once I move to the US, seeing how hard you guys say it is to get a job, even with a degree and masters + certifications as a new immigrant, hopefully I can start my own business, either way I wish everyone luck with their job hunt.

It really depends on the field and how well the qualifications transfer, and the area the person moves to. My husband got a job in his field straight away. Had we lived in my home state, he would probably not find work (hardly anyone can find work there). So don't decide that your life will change so much before you are sure.

People have different opinions on this and different experiences. Some people say you need a low level job in the US to get experience, but I think most often it's best to try to find a similar job and use your foreign experience. But with some fields, admittedly, it can't work. I saw someone who was a research librarian in Germany or something and they moved to a small town in Iowa. They were not going to find a job as a librarian in their town no matter how hard they tried. They didn't want to move either. They were sort of indignant, like "why can't I work in this very special field in every town in the USA?!?"

[Cheezees 1,514]

People have different opinions on this and different experiences. Some people say you need a low level job in the US to get experience, but I think most often it's best to try to find a similar job and use your foreign experience. But with some fields, admittedly, it can't work. I saw someone who was a research librarian in Germany or something and they moved to a small town in Iowa. They were not going to find a job as a librarian in their town no matter how hard they tried. They didn't want to move either. They were sort of indignant, like "why can't I work in this very special field in every town in the USA?!?"

This^^^

I've seen so much of this. "I only take high-paying jobs. Low-paying jobs are not for people like me." The fact of the matter is that many people have low-paying jobs and perform "unskilled" tasks. The "People like me" kind of people are the same ones who say "there's no shame in a hard day's work" as long as they are not the ones who have to work hard in what they apparently think is "shameful" work.

[Marrienne 113]

I agree.

Is it the job I wanted to do?

No. Even the guys doing my interview after talking to me and going over my degrees were like "why would you work here?"

Did I adjust my expectations?

Yes but you kmow what? It is FINE!! It is honest work and will keep my kids fed!! I am happy!!

That said and after talking to my FB mom friends (we have a Greek immigrant mom group) I realized that you cannot pick up from where you left off in your home country. Even doctors need to spend a lot of money and time coming here and start lower in order to practice.

If you get a job in your field depends on a lot of things including timing and circumstances and even a little luck.

WillI be slicing cheese forever? I can tellyou right now that no. It will not be given to me but I will work to move up the ladder and that is something I like about the US. That you CAN get ahead if you work hard.

Did I want to start over at 38 with 3 small kids in tow?

Of course not! But I am grateful for the opportunity and I will make the most of it.

Btw you guys were asking: the twins are 11 next month.