Europeans who are now in the USA, do you like your new home?

[FromCzechia 0]

My girlfriend and I have been living in Prague now for a few years and it's an absolutely lovely city. However, recently we have began to think about moving to the USA (I am American, she is Ukranian) 

 

However, the one thing that scares her the most is not having vacation time and issues in finding a job (she is a QA tester). She has read forums of Czechs living in the USA and the biggest complaints are always the working culture as working here in Czech Republic is a very easy life. You work usually around 37 hours a week and have usually 5 weeks off (sometimes more)

 

For me I have worked in the USA before so while I don't like the American working culture so much it's not a shock to me but it will be to her. 

 

So my questions for other Europeans with similar feelings, was it really hard to adjust to? I don't want to put her though anything that she may really hate. Also is there anything I should warn her about that is weird to you (but maybe not to me since I grew up in the USA and don't realize)

 

We plan on moving to Philadelphia as I have family there and there is a big Ukrainian community with churches and other cultural events for her. 

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

26 minutes ago, FromCzechia said:

My girlfriend and I have been living in Prague now for a few years and it's an absolutely lovely city. However, recently we have began to think about moving to the USA (I am American, she is Ukranian) 

 

However, the one thing that scares her the most is not having vacation time and issues in finding a job (she is a QA tester). She has read forums of Czechs living in the USA and the biggest complaints are always the working culture as working here in Czech Republic is a very easy life. You work usually around 37 hours a week and have usually 5 weeks off (sometimes more)

 

For me I have worked in the USA before so while I don't like the American working culture so much it's not a shock to me but it will be to her. 

 

So my questions for other Europeans with similar feelings, was it really hard to adjust to? I don't want to put her though anything that she may really hate. Also is there anything I should warn her about that is weird to you (but maybe not to me since I grew up in the USA and don't realize)

 

We plan on moving to Philadelphia as I have family there and there is a big Ukrainian community with churches and other cultural events for her. 

She should get used to that people talk a lot more about each other behind eachother's backs in the workplace. That is the one thing,  other than what you're already stating, that I find really appalling. 

I'm still getting used to things and I can't really answer you yet on if I'm okay with how it works here. Jury is still out - but I suppose you could at least say I don't love it.. What kind of QA does she do? I'm in QC/QA right now. 

 

Oh and ppl suck at introducing you to ppl.. that's sort of up to you... they are also not really good at making the new person feel included... but who knows maybe it's just my job.

Edited July 30, 2017 by Suss&Camm

[-Trinity- 513]

I'm from Europe and what I personally find difficult is the work culture. I'm used to a more laid-back culture with lots of benefits and rights. Is hard to find in the US from what I've seen and experienced.

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

Every company and situation is different. Even for me, I am the USC, but have a over all laid back job and all (i tend to work the 50-60 hours a week on my own choosing because doesn't bother me); but if I moved to a different company within same field it could be completely different. You have to just find the best situation for you.

 

As for my partner, he also was adjusting, even though he had worked in the US previously twice on internships, he adjusted after a few weeks in his job, it's not just about how the company/work place is, it's also about you changing your own personal views and mind set to get used to the system/work/hours/people ect..

 

There is no 'perfect' situation I wouldn't think.

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

1 minute ago, Ben&Zian said:

it's not just about how the company/work place is, it's also about you changing your own personal views and mind set to get used to the system/work/hours/people ect..

Well that would be the adjustment part - when you have lived another, to your opinion better, work situation, it's harder to adjust to something that takes away many things that you used to have.

 

It's either accept it or as you say look for a different situation. I've heard from many VJers with similar complaints... I'm sure there are many that also adjust fine,  but we tend to have more to say when we don't like something

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

Just now, Suss&Camm said:

Well that would be the adjustment part - when you have lived another, to your opinion better, work situation, it's harder to adjust to something that takes away many things that you used to have.

 

It's either accept it or as you say look for a different situation. I've heard from many VJers with similar complaints... I'm sure there are many that also adjust fine,  but we tend to have more to say when we don't like something

 

Naturally. European work standards and Philippines work standards are completely different and naturally different entirely from the US. I work for a Danish based company, so I see what they get and have especially when it comes to vacation time and I'm a bit jealous of course haha.

[Suss&Camm 2,213]

Indeed. Vacation time is valuable.

 

I also want to say to the OP that it surely will depend a lot on the kind of support system you guys will have around you. It's easier to take work place changes if the other parts of your life are full of meaning and good ppl.

[TabeaK 517]

Sort of. I have been here for almost two years now, it was straightforward finding a good job in my field and my husband and I are building a life together. 

I enjoy all the different cultures and the great food here in NYC/NJ. I do not enjoy the high cost of living, the constant pressure from the job side (lack of worker's rights, decent vacation etc - and I have a very good contract by American standards), the rabid capitalism and of course the completely bonkers politics.

 

I still miss Europe like crazy, my work-life balance was way better, my family was close. If it wasn't for my husband, I would never ever have moved to the US. I would love to move back to Europe in a heart-beat, but my husband has zero job prospects there, so sadly, no dice. Those are the prices you have to pay in an international relationship.

 

If you have a good life together in Prague and you can see yourself living there long-term,  why not stay? Life in Europe is definitely easier than in the US, in my opinion. Alternatively, keep the door to return to Prague open and try stateside living for a few years.

Edited August 2, 2017 by TabeaK

[Diamond507 10]

I'm from a European Union country. I moved here on a K1 visa to live with my American husband in December 2014.

 

My personal biggest issue was the lack of public transportation. Back in Europe, I lived in a big city of 2 million people and I had access to buses, trolleybuses, subways, trams, etc - even night service. Also, I used to walk a lot. Now I live in a big Midwestern city and even though there are a few bus lines, the whole metro is so spread out that it's very hard to get from point A to B without a car. A lot of people drive even for very short distances like a few blocks away. Many streets don't even have sidewalks and I find this to be quite disappointing. I still walk a lot but a lot of times cars have stopped next to me and people thought that I was lost or that I was thrown out of a car or something. I just like to walk, plus it is very healthy. Also, I take the bus to work and I hate this stereotype that only poor people use the public transit.  I use it mainly because it reminds me of Europe. I hope to live in a city with better public transit and more walkable areas one day. 

 

The other thing I will probably never understand is how Americans call everybody a "friend". Even people they barely know and the ones that are acquaintances at best. Basically to say that "you are not my friend" would mean that "you are my enemy". To me, a friend means someone very close that I have known for years and shared every secret with.

 

To sum it up, I enjoy living in the US but I doubt I will ever get used to the two things above.  

Edited August 4, 2017 by Diamond507

[Catalina Cuqui 17]

On 3/8/2017 at 8:51 PM, Diamond507 said:

 

 

My personal biggest issue was the lack of public transportation. Back in Europe, I lived in a big city of 2 million people and I had access to buses, trolleybuses, subways, trams, etc - even night service. Also, I used to walk a lot. Now I live in a big Midwestern city and even though there are a few bus lines, the whole metro is so spread out that it's very hard to get from point A to B without a car. A lot of people drive even for very short distances like a few blocks away. Many streets don't even have sidewalks and I find this to be quite disappointing. I still walk a lot but a lot of times cars have stopped next to me and people thought that I was lost or that I was thrown out of a car or something. I just like to walk, plus it is very healthy. Also, I take the bus to work and I hate this stereotype that only poor people use the public transit.  I use it mainly because it reminds me of Europe. I hope to live in a city with better public transit and more walkable areas one day. 

 

 

OMG, I agree with this 1,000%!! I hate the lack of public transportation. I feel so self-conscious when I walk around, because I'm ususally the only one walking down the street. Also, drivers tend not to look out for pedestrians because they aren't used to people walking around. 

I also dislike the lack of benefits, the work culture, the lack of free healthcare and vacation time... Work-life balance in Europe is SO MUCH better. In Europe, people work to live; in the USA people live to work. I don't understand how Americans pay the same percentage of taxes as Europeans do, but lack basic services like reliable public transportation or healthcare. Where does all that tax money go?

Another thing is that, as a historian and art-lover, I really miss the beauty and cultural-richness of Europe. In Europe, most places you go have buildings that are hundreds or thousands of years old. There's art and beauty everywhere. Every corner is worthy of a picture. There's a lot more visual variety. In America, most places look sort of the same, at least to the European eye. I also sometimes miss the hustle and bustle of European cities: they feel alive. American towns may seem a little boring to Europeans, because there aren't as many interesting places to visit.

Or course, you eventually sort of get used to all of this. But I cannot deny I would never have moved to the USA if it wasn't for love. And although I am happy here, my husband and I do not rule out the possibility of moving back to Spain one day.

To sum up, in your case I don't think I'd personally change Prague for the USA. Of course, it would always be an experience, and ultimately it's up to you.  

Edited August 12, 2017 by agnesita84

[Dianalorena 1,153]

On 8/3/2017 at 8:51 PM, Diamond507 said:

I'm from a European Union country. I moved here on a K1 visa to live with my American husband in December 2014.

 

My personal biggest issue was the lack of public transportation. Back in Europe, I lived in a big city of 2 million people and I had access to buses, trolleybuses, subways, trams, etc - even night service. Also, I used to walk a lot. Now I live in a big Midwestern city and even though there are a few bus lines, the whole metro is so spread out that it's very hard to get from point A to B without a car. A lot of people drive even for very short distances like a few blocks away. Many streets don't even have sidewalks and I find this to be quite disappointing. I still walk a lot but a lot of times cars have stopped next to me and people thought that I was lost or that I was thrown out of a car or something. I just like to walk, plus it is very healthy. Also, I take the bus to work and I hate this stereotype that only poor people use the public transit.  I use it mainly because it reminds me of Europe. I hope to live in a city with better public transit and more walkable areas one day. 

 

The other thing I will probably never understand is how Americans call everybody a "friend". Even people they barely know and the ones that are acquaintances at best. Basically to say that "you are not my friend" would mean that "you are my enemy". To me, a friend means someone very close that I have known for years and shared every secret with.

 

To sum it up, I enjoy living in the US but I doubt I will ever get used to the two things above.  

I laughed so hard at the ''are you lost or thrown out of a car or something'' as it is more believable to them than ''No, I just felt like walking'' This is also one of my biggest issues, but it's at least slightly better in some cities. For instance, they walk a lot in New York, and they use the subway a lot. I also noticed that San Francisco had a lot of people walking and running. 

When I lived in the Texas for six months I didn't have a car, my only form of transportation were my feet, and a bicycle. I was always so scared because cars don't tend to respect you, even in places with bike lanes I was always afraid and cautious. I get it, Texas is hot and no one wants to exercise, but the driving for 2-3 blocks is just crazy!

 

[charmander 692]

On 7/30/2017 at 0:30 PM, FromCzechia said:

My girlfriend and I have been living in Prague now for a few years and it's an absolutely lovely city. However, recently we have began to think about moving to the USA (I am American, she is Ukranian) 

 

However, the one thing that scares her the most is not having vacation time and issues in finding a job (she is a QA tester). She has read forums of Czechs living in the USA and the biggest complaints are always the working culture as working here in Czech Republic is a very easy life. You work usually around 37 hours a week and have usually 5 weeks off (sometimes more)

 

For me I have worked in the USA before so while I don't like the American working culture so much it's not a shock to me but it will be to her. 

 

So my questions for other Europeans with similar feelings, was it really hard to adjust to? I don't want to put her though anything that she may really hate. Also is there anything I should warn her about that is weird to you (but maybe not to me since I grew up in the USA and don't realize)

 

We plan on moving to Philadelphia as I have family there and there is a big Ukrainian community with churches and other cultural events for her. 

I don't think it was easy for any immigrant when they first move. I've known many Europeans who love it here, then I've known some that hated it and moved back. I guess given that she is already living away from her country in a different culture, the transition may not be that difficult. Philly is a good, close to DC&NYC, being AA hub; lots of non-stop flights available within US and to Europe (they just announced Prague service starting next summer). Good luck with the decision!