Moving with a young family - Boards experience

Crybabygeeks

Hi there. Looking to hear boards experience on moving with a young family. Partner and I considering a move to the US with an inter company transfer. We have one young child (<1) so wondering how people have navigated childcare, travel, housing etc when moving? More than likely would move to Colorado but California and new York not out of the equation.
What was hardest? What surprised you along the way? Any major do and don'ts?!

Thanks in advance.

macman501

Going through same move at them moment.
Funny enough, with the same location options

Crybabygeeks

macman501 wrote: »

Going through same move at them moment.
Funny enough, with the same location options

No way! That's mad. How's it going? Are u going with an employer? How is the Visa process?

padger

Hey, you guys are further along than we are on this. We are a young family strongly considering a move to New York, no jobs lined up or major moves made yet. I currently work in tech and am hopeful I could get a job over there, what advise could any of you provide as to the first steps on this? What type of visa etc. Thanks in advance

Crybabygeeks

padger wrote: »

Hey, you guys are further along than we are on this. We are a young family strongly considering a move to New York, no jobs lined up or major moves made yet. I currently work in tech and am hopeful I could get a job over there, what advise could any of you provide as to the first steps on this? What type of visa etc. Thanks in advance

I have no idea yet guess first thing would be to suss out type of visa required. By all accounts, transferring with an employer is the easiest option. That's what I'm looking into. Also maybe meet a recruiter specialising in NY tech jobs to see what's possible.

Fr Tod Umptious

padger wrote: »

Hey, you guys are further along than we are on this. We are a young family strongly considering a move to New York, no jobs lined up or major moves made yet. I currently work in tech and am hopeful I could get a job over there, what advise could any of you provide as to the first steps on this? What type of visa etc. Thanks in advance

Does your company have a US office and would they be willing to send you over there ?
If yes then a L1 transfer might work. I believe it also gives your spouse the right to work.

If no then you could try a H1B.
This is a work permit where a company basically sponsors you.
They were very easy to get years ago for tech jobs but no so much now as many are hoovered up by consulting companies from the subcontinent.
There is a lottery for H1Bs and it's the company that has to apply for them, not the prospective employee.

And I don't believe you can bring a spouse on a H1B.

Did you apply for the recently closed green card lottery?

SweetSand

Crybabygeeks wrote: »

Hi there. Looking to hear boards experience on moving with a young family.

Although we weren’t in exact position as you, here are my few observations:
- first of all, you mentioned that you and your partner are considering the move. Unless you are married - it will be very difficult and time consuming for 3 of you to move together.
- I have no experience with Colorado but we did move temporarily to California for 9 months when our girls were 2 and 4. It was for my husband’s work related training, so we had accommodation and car covered by his work. Even at that we did find it super expensive. And that’s where I felt the most isolated, so much, that I had no one to talk to, except my husband and kids for days. Yes, weather was fab 90% of the time, there was swimming pool in our apt complex, there was 4 playgrounds within walking distance but there was hardly any other families and I only saw nannies or grandparents minding kids (mostly with no English). There was so many things to do but everything cost soooooo much. I used to google free museum days which would happen every so often and take girls to them. We did do a lot of traveling around California and West coast though which was amazing. If moving there, definitely check rental prices and childcare which I believe is very expensive as well. I do know there are home childminding options there same as in Ireland, bit cheaper, check out Irish groups on Facebook.
- We are in Boston suburbs now on L visa, which is a bit more permanent. Rent is crazy so it actually makes sense to buy if you can manage the deposit. Overall I find Boston area so much more family friendly, schools are great, it feels safe and it is cheaper than California and so much closer to Ireland. With Aer Lingus and Norwegian flying to Shannon and Dublin it is just great and with time difference of only 5 hours we can talk to family and friends much more conveniently than from California.
I think Colorado could be the best match for young family. New York is good as it is on East coast but price of accommodation and quality of it might cross out all of the other benefits.
Keep in mind that if you and your other half move on L visa and they want to work - they ll still need to apply and pay for work authorisation permit (around $400, valid 2 years), and at the moment everything takes much longer, so allow 3-6 months for them to get it.
Negtiate the best relocation package you can! Best of luck!
Oh, one final observation if you move - within a short time period you will adjust to most of things. Eventually you ll make friends and etc. But one thing I really miss - is Irish food. Which is so funny as I am not Irish )) But I love the quality of Irish meat, bread, produce and etc. I don’t know what do they do to their meat here but it doesn’t taste the same, even the most expensive steak. First thing I did this August when visiting in-laws in Ireland - went to butchers, got few slices of fresh ham, coleslaw and fresh bread = heaven can still taste it.

Crybabygeeks

SweetSand wrote: »

Crybabygeeks wrote: »

Hi there. Looking to hear boards experience on moving with a young family.

Although we weren’t in exact position as you, here are my few observations:
- first of all, you mentioned that you and your partner are considering the move. Unless you are married - it will be very difficult and time consuming for 3 of you to move together.
- I have no experience with Colorado but we did move temporarily to California for 9 months when our girls were 2 and 4. It was for my husband’s work related training, so we had accommodation and car covered by his work. Even at that we did find it super expensive. And that’s where I felt the most isolated, so much, that I had no one to talk to, except my husband and kids for days. Yes, weather was fab 90% of the time, there was swimming pool in our apt complex, there was 4 playgrounds within walking distance but there was hardly any other families and I only saw nannies or grandparents minding kids (mostly with no English). There was so many things to do but everything cost soooooo much. I used to google free museum days which would happen every so often and take girls to them. We did do a lot of traveling around California and West coast though which was amazing. If moving there, definitely check rental prices and childcare which I believe is very expensive as well. I do know there are home childminding options there same as in Ireland, bit cheaper, check out Irish groups on Facebook.
- We are in Boston suburbs now on L visa, which is a bit more permanent. Rent is crazy so it actually makes sense to buy if you can manage the deposit. Overall I find Boston area so much more family friendly, schools are great, it feels safe and it is cheaper than California and so much closer to Ireland. With Aer Lingus and Norwegian flying to Shannon and Dublin it is just great and with time difference of only 5 hours we can talk to family and friends much more conveniently than from California.
I think Colorado could be the best match for young family. New York is good as it is on East coast but price of accommodation and quality of it might cross out all of the other benefits.
Keep in mind that if you and your other half move on L visa and they want to work - they ll still need to apply and pay for work authorisation permit (around $400, valid 2 years), and at the moment everything takes much longer, so allow 3-6 months for them to get it.
Negtiate the best relocation package you can! Best of luck!
Oh, one final observation if you move - within a short time period you will adjust to most of things. Eventually you ll make friends and etc. But one thing I really miss - is Irish food. Which is so funny as I am not Irish )) But I love the quality of Irish meat, bread, produce and etc. I don’t know what do they do to their meat here but it doesn’t taste the same, even the most expensive steak. First thing I did this August when visiting in-laws in Ireland - went to butchers, got few slices of fresh ham, coleslaw and fresh bread = heaven can still taste it.

Thank you for sharing. Very helpful. We are married so that's ok and could potentially get a L visa.

Definitely would check out childcare and rent before to weigh up decision on location.

guitarhappy

California and Colorado are large states. To say California doesn't mean much. The culture, personality, vibe is very different in L.A., San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, Berkeley, Davis, San Diego, or Humboldt. You want to get a good match for your lifestyle and values. Keep in mind, much of Ca has been on fire for many months. Tens of thousands have been evacuated and lost their homes. Housing is oppressively expensive as it is and people are homeless living in cars and campers. A house under a million$ might need a lot of work.

I have not lived in Colorado but there's several variants. Fort Collins is more conservative military ranchers. Boulder is maybe younger, more liberal, nature oriented, hip. Denver is a big city.

To me, New York City is a jungle, the best and worst of anything you can imagine.

Boston, or the area roughly between Boston, Providence, Hartford and Portland is manageable and will have a more familiar vibe. Keep in mind, schools are funded by local property tax so your zip code will mean something looking for a school. The states you mentioned are legal cannabis states and there's changing attitudes about drinking cultures,​ not like in Ireland.

Crybabygeeks

guitarhappy wrote: »

California and Colorado are large states. To say California doesn't mean much. The culture, personality, vibe is very different in L.A., San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, Berkeley, Davis, San Diego, or Humboldt. You want to get a good match for your lifestyle and values. Keep in mind, much of Ca has been on fire for many months. Tens of thousands have been evacuated and lost their homes. Housing is oppressively expensive as it is and people are homeless living in cars and campers. A house under a million$ might need a lot of work.

I have not lived in Colorado but there's several variants. Fort Collins is more conservative military ranchers. Boulder is maybe younger, more liberal, nature oriented, hip. Denver is a big city.

To me, New York City is a jungle, the best and worst of anything you can imagine.

Boston, or the area roughly between Boston, Providence, Hartford and Portland is manageable and will have a more familiar vibe. Keep in mind, schools are funded by local property tax so your zip code will mean something looking for a school. The states you mentioned are legal cannabis states and there's changing attitudes about drinking cultures,​ not like in Ireland.

Good tip! This is definitely something i didn't know. All a bit of a minefield really but will suss it out over the next few months. ANy idea roughly how much $$ You'd need to get set up for the first few months, taking into account state variance? I'd be on US payroll before going over so we'd have one salary at least but would be good to have an idea of what we'd need to get a place, get a car, furniture etc.

Fr Tod Umptious

guitarhappy wrote: »

California and Colorado are large states. To say California doesn't mean much. The culture, personality, vibe is very different in L.A., San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, Berkeley, Davis, San Diego, or Humboldt. You want to get a good match for your lifestyle and values. Keep in mind, much of Ca has been on fire for many months. Tens of thousands have been evacuated and lost their homes. Housing is oppressively expensive as it is and people are homeless living in cars and campers. A house under a million$ might need a lot of work.

I have not lived in Colorado but there's several variants. Fort Collins is more conservative military ranchers. Boulder is maybe younger, more liberal, nature oriented, hip. Denver is a big city.

To me, New York City is a jungle, the best and worst of anything you can imagine.

Boston, or the area roughly between Boston, Providence, Hartford and Portland is manageable and will have a more familiar vibe. Keep in mind, schools are funded by local property tax so your zip code will mean something looking for a school. The states you mentioned are legal cannabis states and there's changing attitudes about drinking cultures,​ not like in Ireland.

This is a very important point

There is no huge culture shock between the places mentioned and Ireland.

All are very accessible from Ireland with direct flights from Boston, Providence and Hartford.
Easy access to and from Ireland is a real bonus if one is traveling home or has family and friends come out to visit, it's cheaper and easier than having to take connecting flights cross country.

The areas also have large Irish populations, places like Boston and it's suburbs in particular.
That really helps in building a social network.

guitarhappy

Crybabygeeks wrote: »

ANy idea roughly how much $$ You'd need to get set up for the first few months,

would be good to have an idea of what we'd need to get a place, get a car, furniture etc.

All the rental landlords use Craigslist ads. That's where you can price out apartment rentals and everything including cars and furniture. For home purchase prices people use Realtor.com, Zillow or Trulia. If you don't have a credit history in the USA I doubt you could get a home mortgage, it would have to be a cash purchase. In areas with large student populations, like Boston, the tenancies change for August first and are snapped up in July, some become available again for second semester.

If possible, I would advise that you ask your company to transfer you in the spring or summer and not show up first time in the dead of winter to Colorado, NYC or Boston.

necstandards

Crybabygeeks wrote: »

Hi there. Looking to hear boards experience on moving with a young family. Partner and I considering a move to the US with an inter company transfer. We have one young child (<1) so wondering how people have navigated childcare, travel, housing etc when moving? More than likely would move to Colorado but California and new York not out of the equation.
What was hardest? What surprised you along the way? Any major do and don'ts?!

Thanks in advance.

Hi - Have you made the move? Wondering the same, as our MN company has an opportunity in Boston. Would mean moving 4 & 2 year olds also.

Crybabygeeks

necstandards wrote: »

Crybabygeeks wrote: »

Hi there. Looking to hear boards experience on moving with a young family. Partner and I considering a move to the US with an inter company transfer. We have one young child (<1) so wondering how people have navigated childcare, travel, housing etc when moving? More than likely would move to Colorado but California and new York not out of the equation.
What was hardest? What surprised you along the way? Any major do and don'ts?!

Thanks in advance.

Hi - Have you made the move? Wondering the same, as our MN company has an opportunity in Boston. Would mean moving 4 & 2 year olds also.

No... Haven't moved. Still in the works but probably a medium - longer term play right now.

Jim2007

necstandards wrote: »

Would mean moving 4 & 2 year olds also.

Think about the coming back, you will have an 8 year old trying to integrate into the Irish school system...

Palmy

Jim2007 wrote: »

Think about the coming back, you will have an 8 year old trying to integrate into the Irish school system...

We moved to the States in 2011. Myself the Wife our 3 year old son, five suitcases and our dog. We come over the year before to look around to see where we wanted to live. Went back to Ireland sold up and moved ten months later. The most scariest time of our lives. We had no jobs set up or anywhere to live. We spent the first week in a best western motel until we got a furnished apartment. The savior was we took a good chunk of money with us. Enough to pay for a car, insurance etc to set ourselves up. You won’t get anything here without having a credit rating so be prepared to pay cash for cars etc and a years motor insurance. ( which for us was $1800 yr )
Nearly eight years later we both have good jobs, friends and have a beautiful house with a beautiful lifestyle ( We moved to Florida ). The first year or so was hard at times but we have never looked back. If you get the opportunity to do something and move, do it. What’s the worst that can happen.? If you don’t like it you can return after a few years with having a different experience.

Jim2007

Palmy wrote: »

We moved to the States in 2011. Myself the Wife our 3 year old son, five suitcases and our dog. We come over the year before to look around to see where we wanted to live. Went back to Ireland sold up and moved ten months later. The most scariest time of our lives. We had no jobs set up or anywhere to live. We spent the first week in a best western motel until we got a furnished apartment. The savior was we took a good chunk of money with us. Enough to pay for a car, insurance etc to set ourselves up. You won’t get anything here without having a credit rating so be prepared to pay cash for cars etc and a years motor insurance. ( which for us was $1800 yr )
Nearly eight years later we both have good jobs, friends and have a beautiful house with a beautiful lifestyle ( We moved to Florida ). The first year or so was hard at times but we have never looked back. If you get the opportunity to do something and move, do it. What’s the worst that can happen.? If you don’t like it you can return after a few years with having a different experience.

And your point in respect of the reintegration of an eighth year old back into the Irish school system is what?

Palmy

Jim2007 wrote: »

And your point in respect of the reintegration of an eighth year old back into the Irish school system is what?

He’s and eight year old kid. He’s not changing careers. Five years down the road he won’t even remember hardly living there.

Jim2007

Palmy wrote: »

He’s and eight year old kid. He’s not changing careers. Five years down the road he won’t even remember hardly living there.

Whether the kid remembers living in the US or not is not the point. The point was as to how easy an eight year old would find it to integrate into the Irish school system...

For instance would it be a good idea to try and teach some Irish to the child, try to expose them to more Irish culture while their, so they might be better able to cope on returning.

What about tearing them away from their friends or will they even develop friendships knowing they will not be around for long...

In my experience over the past 30 years seeing expects coming and going here in Switzerland, there are occasions where there are problems with kid settling down.

Jim2007

Jim2007 wrote: »

...

Teach a child growing up in the USA some Irish? Pffft.

Parents decide and 8 year olds do what they’re told.

And trouble coming from America and integrating into the Irish school system at age 8, exactly what major difficulties do you foresee, Jim?

Palmy

JayZeus wrote: »

Teach a child growing up in the USA some Irish? Pffft.

Parents decide and 8 year olds do what they’re told.

And trouble coming from America and integrating into the Irish school system at age 8, exactly what major difficulties do you foresee, Jim?

Totally agree. When I lived under my parents roof I did what I was told. The large majority of Irish can only speak a few words of Irish let alone string a conversation. He would be coming back from the U.S not China. Language is the same as well as culture. Don’t really see a problem with it.