Would you take a paycut to move overseas?
Posted by Infinite-Election-44@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 124 comments
I have an opportunity to move from AU to the USA, but after the exchange rate, my salary will be adjusted to $40k less in USD than what I’m making here.
I’m in my 30s and married (husband can work there but has to find work initially).
The trade off is quality of life (we have it cushy here and will struggle with one less income and lower salary) vs experience of living overseas.
worldisbraindead@reddit
The quality of life in the US will be a massive let-down.
Tasty-Community-1367@reddit
Yup it’s a matter of you wanting either a high quality of life or a high salary
Champsterdam@reddit
No. The quality of life in the USA is terrible and stressful if you don’t make a lot of money. People go to the USA for the propose of making money. The healthcare is stressful, the car dependence is very stressful and the built environment and 90% of cities are ugly and fairly lifeless vs the rest of the developed world. I say this as an American who’s been here all their life but has traveled extensively. They really push this “we’re #1” and we dominate social culture and consumerism so well but it just masks reality.
Tasty-Community-1367@reddit
One of the best comments on this entire sub. I relate 100%. I’ve been to 25 countries (mostly around Europe) & can back this up
lionhydrathedeparted@reddit
I have lived in both countries and usually recommend the USA but not if you’re making less! Definitely not. You should be making more.
qwerty-yul@reddit
This. Primary reason to go to the US is money. Usually salaries are higher than they are elsewhere… how is it that you’d be making less ? This a company transfer ?
Infinite-Election-44@reddit (OP)
Yeah it’s a company transfer
samelaaaa@reddit
That doesn’t make any sense, US pay bands should be way higher! I’m about to take a large pay cut to move from the US to Europe. Which is worth it, the reason you go to the US is to make $$$$ as a white collar professional.
wookieejesus05@reddit
Not really, Australia has very high salaries because of very high cost of living and also unions help a lot in this, just compare minimum wage is $24/hr +25% loading if you’re a casual employee, I don’t think any place in the USA has this even considering the exchange rate
dannsd@reddit
AU you make signifcantly less, after conversion, in most skilled labor jobs with some experience. Lower paying careers do seem to have a better life in AU.
I often fantasize about going to AU to get a more relaxed lifestyle and warm weather, but the pay hit is intimidating. A ~100k USD job in my field appears to be about 100-120k with equivalent experience. That's ~35k AUD less per year at the top range. My partner's job is also in that area of pay, so 70,000+ AUD less combined. Our rent after conversion would be nearly the same in your major cities and we pay less taxes- 2 other signifcant loses in buying power. Our health insurance is great so that reason is out... but we have had more than 1 school shooting nearby so you got that one..
samelaaaa@reddit
Maybe it comes down to industry. In tech the US pays ~double anywhere else except maybe Switzerland.
Kryxx@reddit
That's just not true. San Francisco and New York are both much more expensive than Sydney.
Average salaries are much higher as well. Minimum wage in the US is garbage, but no one should be moving to the US for minimum wage. As others have said you only move there for the $$$.
wookieejesus05@reddit
Housing might be more expensive, but food and services are still probably not or on pair. Regardless, you can have some sort of adjustment for exchange rate but you’re right, what’s the incentive in moving across the world if it’s not a salary increase? Makes no sense but some companies try to romanticize the whole “expat life”
soothsayer3@reddit
Do you want the experience of living in the US? Will it be good for your career long term? Cost of living can also vary wildly depending on which part of the country. If the experience of living in a new country is very important to you, give it a shot
oreoano@reddit
Your company is trying to stiff you, they should be doubling your salary
RowanMoonGuard@reddit
Take taxes and cost of living into account as well. If taxes and cost of living are lower, you can afford to make less as your dollar does more. Do research on what area, read rental ads and see if it's worth it.
Objective-Towel6624@reddit
I think you should weigh the pros and cons of your move and make a decision based on that. And, like with any investment, have an exit plan.
Your lifestyle may take a hit for a while, especially now with cost of living going up. This could cause some strain in the relationship, thought it’s worth mentioning it to prepare ahead of time in case it happens.
On the other hand, depending on your industry and skillset, both your ceilings may be much higher in the US than in AU. You will also get to experience proximity to a lot of other countries and cultures.
You are in a very good age to make a bold move in your life and career if you feel like you need it and that it matches what you both want in life.
Wish you the best!
Humble_Hat_7160@reddit
Agree with this advice. I transferred from Melbourne to NYC 8 years ago, took a similar pay cut ($160 AUD to $120 USD, back when the AUD was much stronger) and took my husband 6 months to get his visa so there was a financial hit there too. It was tough in the beginning but I’ve more than doubled my salary here (so has my husband) whereas if I stayed in Oz it might have gradually ticked up but nowhere near this extent. We have a 9yo kid and love it so much that we intend to stay here indefinitely and are in the process of becoming citizens. YOLO, no regrets, and all that!
Objective-Towel6624@reddit
How do you like living in NYC? It’s definitely my favorite city in the US. I’m a little hesitant because I hate cold weather but the upsides in terms of culture and lifestyle in general seem amazing to me.
And if I may ask, what do you think is the bare minimum household income to live a good life (not just decent, but… you know, not worry too much about expenses) with a family. If you don’t feel comfortable answering this question it’s ok.
Thank you!
Humble_Hat_7160@reddit
We absolutely love it and I wouldn’t live anywhere else in the US. We feel fortunate to live on the upper west side and have one kid in a great public school. Combined pre-tax income is $400k and we’re very comfortable (2br 2bath apartment, 2 big vacations a year including one to Australia, no debt and able to save for college & retirement). Not having a car is a big saving.
Not gonna lie though, it’s expensive and if you have more than one kid or a household income below $250k it would be challenging in this neighborhood… however there are much cheaper but still nice, commutable places to live in New Jersey, Upper Manhattan, Queens and parts of Brooklyn.
I was also worried about the cold at first but it’s really not a big deal, especially with global warming where it barely snows anymore 😔
Infinite-Election-44@reddit (OP)
Thanks, this answer is really helpful.
AppropriateStick518@reddit
No way would I move from AU to the US for less money.
BatteryAcidCoffeeAU@reddit
Australia is pretty much California but everybody is Florida Man
Ka_aha_koa_nanenane@reddit
Except that if you are American, you don't need a visa to work in California. Further, California has lots of jobs right now. It's also more expensive on paper (but wages are higher). It also has a tremendous agricultural base and is food-independent (you could easily buy directly at farmers' markets in CA and get really inexpensive, healthy food - we grow almost everything and export a tremendous amount of it - which makes it more expensive outside Cali).
Does Australia have the health infrastructure of California?
Infinite-Election-44@reddit (OP)
Inflation has hit Australia in terms of food but we do have free healthcare
Kryxx@reddit
"free" is the wrong word to use. Australia's healthcare is increasingly subsidized by the consumer. I've read lots of posts on about the costs of seeing doctors being rather substantial. One was like $250/session for a mental health doctor. Not to mention the private insurance system for higher income earners.
Hopefully it is reformed like some of the initial government comments are suggesting, but it's been a growing issue for a while now with Australia moving more and more toward the US style system.
Infinite-Election-44@reddit (OP)
Yeah that’s true. We do have some bulked billed doctors depending on where you live. When I lived near Bondi beach I’d still have to pay $70 out of pocket to see a doctor with some subsidised, but now that I’ve moved out west it’s completely free. 10 years ago there were more bulked billed doctors though so I agree it’s changing.
A psychologist in Sydney is around $250 before your Medicare rebate so you pay approx $125 out of pocket. Not free but still good in my opinion.
tripping_on_phonics@reddit
It’s weird of you to bring up food when Australia is a massive net exporter.
Drellysnew@reddit
Except that none of that is accurate. My favorite example is Hass avocados since they're more expensive in CA than Sweden. Yet they grow them there.
CA has some of the most expensive food on the planet.
predek97@reddit
How much is avocado in California? With tax
Drellysnew@reddit
I can't make a dollars and crowns comparison today but when I looked they cost 3x as much in CA as in Sweden. In Sweden they're probably imported from the Middle East. In CA they grow them.
oreoano@reddit
I grow 6 types of avocados in my SoCal home.. there are way better avocados than hass in California
Drellysnew@reddit
And they'll all be very expensive in CA.
Ok_Plankton9224@reddit
Egads!
vigilantlyverdant@reddit
Lmao!
Infinite-Election-44@reddit (OP)
Hahaha
SiscoSquared@reddit
Already did.
Traded 40-50 hours a week and 15 days PTO and be fired any time for no overtime and almost 50 days off year with many many other benefits and security in life, basically I moved from the US for more freedom for a very slight reduction in income.
beforesunsetredvivid@reddit
50 days off per year? Damn! If I may ask, which country do you currently live in, and what is your job?
SiscoSquared@reddit
Canada, it's not the norm at all but my job is part of a union that used to be good (it sucks now tbh but previously negotiated benefits are still good).
mcspuder@reddit
Do it.
Ignore these people. I'm an aussie and have spent multiple years overseas (also in my 30s) and its the best choice you'll make.
Never sacrifice experience for comfort.
rainbowsent@reddit
This. Have spent a lot of time in the last year between the US and Aus. No one wants to hear it, I always get downvoted...but the two very similar now compared to twenty years ago when I initially made the huge move.
If you plan well, have skills and drive, it goes much more smoothly. Either way, experiences over comfort any day.
Infinite-Election-44@reddit (OP)
How’s the safety in the US compared to AU? That’s what I’m most concerned about but not sure if it’s just the media
texas_asic@reddit
A lot of it is the media. Don't get me wrong, it's much worse in the US, but if you don't go looking for trouble, the odds are that trouble won't find you.
You can easily google homicide rates and see that Sydney has a murder rate of 1 person per 100K, while LA just saw a huge drop in murder rates and is now down to 8.7 per 100K in 2023 (from 10.3 in 2022). Like just about anywhere else, if you stay away from the bad parts of town, you're probably relatively safe. Still, the murder rates are roughly 10x higher. Innocent bystanders do sometimes get shot, but that's not typical, and those instances can be sensationalized in the news.
On the other hand, in the US, guns are now the leading cause of death for kids, surpassing traffic accidents. https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/29/health/us-children-gun-deaths-dg/index.html
Most are not killed in mass shootings. And even in Uvalde and Sandy Hook, while a classroom of kids were wiped out, many other classrooms escaped.
rainbowsent@reddit
It honestly depends where you live and move to. I have lived in super unsafe areas of Perth and live rurally in Queensland. I have lived in safe country areas of the US and have had unsafe experiences in the bigger cities. There are pros and cons of both in both places.
There is a lot of diversity in not just people, but places. Risk involved in either. I just recommend researching areas you want to be. If your work takes you to CA though...Id have to pass on that.
Infinite-Election-44@reddit (OP)
It is CA 😅 do you mind me asking why you’d pass?
rainbowsent@reddit
I was born in California and a lot of my family still reside there. They struggle a fair bit. It is dry and hot. The major cities are...not well managed. Just not my favorite place.
Tardislass@reddit
OTOH-My family loves CA and would never move anywhere else. Plus there is a huge expat community there because of the weather.
But again, I think you either negotiate a raise or they pay for your housing. Sydney pricing and LA pricing is similar. A pay cut is going to hurt you.
rainbowsent@reddit
Agreed. CA IS for a lot of people.
HVP2019@reddit
Never???
texas_asic@reddit
No kids. $40k is a lot of money. Maybe not as much of an issue if the new salary is $360K and you're currently making $400k. If you're making $140k, and this opportunity pays $100k, then it might be an issue if you're moving somewhere expensive.
Will the company be paying for your relocation, and health insurance?
Reasons to take this might be if you value the experience, and it's either a temporary pay cut, or is expected to boost your career. I'd think it depends on your industry, which city you're moving to, the impact on your husband's career, and the financial impact on your family, both in the near term, and in the long term.
Take a look at what your budget looks like. How much are you paying in taxes, housing, health insurance etc and how much would you pay in the US.
Creative-Road-5293@reddit
Most Americans do.
sniperj17@reddit
The only reason to move to the US is more money, not less.
Unable_Tumbleweed364@reddit
What? People move from Australia to the US for more money.
madelinethespyNC@reddit
Nope. Not to US for less money.
NumerousRelease9887@reddit
I am American and have lived here all but 3 years of my life (3 years of college in Jerusalem). I've never been to Australia, but traveled extensively in Europe as well as some in Asia and Africa. While I think it's a great experience to live abroad, I would be hesitant to move to the US for less money. While we do have the most immigrants of any country (nearly 14% of residents are foreign born), most are either relocating from poor countries with little opportunity or moving from other western/industrialized countries for the higher pay. I can't see an advantage in moving from Australia for a pay cut as cost of living is high here, and I don't think the quality of life is better.
Efficient_Science_47@reddit
Regardless of what happens next, I will be forced to take a payout. Nowhere in the world pays as much as the country I'm currently in, and I'm never moving "home". The day I leave Saudi Arabia I will probably be quite elated, but my bank will be a little sad.
kdiffily@reddit
It would really depend on the country and the pay-cut. 15 years ago I decided against Canada where I’d much prefer to live vs the US. Reason was the pay-cut was extreme.
CuriosTiger@reddit
I would and I did. In my case, the pay cut was about $25K moving from Norway to the United States. But due to a lower income tax rate and cost of living in the United States, the hit wasn't as bad as it sounds. (I moved to Florida, which has no state income tax.) Within a couple of years, raises and bonuses had made up for it.
Living abroad, even if just temporarily, is an amazing way to broaden your horizons. If you're ready for that adventure, evaluate your salary based on the cost of living in your intended destination, not by comparing it to what you make at home. $40K sounds like a lot, but how do things like income tax and rent line up? Will the company provide health insurance (a must in the US)? Will you be buying a car? Is there a state income tax in your destination state?
I can't give you generic advice here, because these answers differ drastically from place to place within the US. But that's how I would look at it.
oreoano@reddit
Florida has not state income tax, lower salaries and is cheap compared to California. Cali is damn expensive they would really struggle. Yes they can eventually make more the ceiling is much higher there but how long till they do
CuriosTiger@reddit
Hence "these answers differ drastically from place to place within the US".
MPD1987@reddit
I definitely would not move to the US, especially with the election coming up, and how contentious it’s expected to be. And for less money than you’re making now? Dude, no.
Infinite-Election-44@reddit (OP)
This will definitely be a culture shock since Aussies are mostly blaze about politics. What would a contentious election look like in the US? I’m guessing protests?
MPD1987@reddit
Protests, yes. Trumpers protesting if he loses, Biden supporters protesting if Trump wins. January 6th all over again, possibly worse. I got a work visa to another country earlier this year, and I left America. I’m not sticking around to see the 💩 show. Personally I wouldn’t to go America. JMO
PeaAccurate5208@reddit
Wise choice. We are eyeing the exits -close to retirement and weighing our options. Fortunately we have the financial wherewithal to go.
MPD1987@reddit
Good luck. Don’t wait until it’s too late
PeaAccurate5208@reddit
That’s the haunting part- I always told myself that I would never be one of those people who ignored the obvious and got caught short. We are this close to retiring with a good pension & medical cover but yeah,it’s scary. We have agreed that if things go really pear shaped that we will just go. Stuff can be replaced. Thanks for your kind words. May I ask your new country of choice?
MPD1987@reddit
I got a work visa, put my stuff in storage, took my 2 cats, and left. I felt like the window was closing and the net was tightening. I come from a family of Trumpers, so they were all baffled as to why I left. I honestly hope I’m wrong and that nothing happens, but…
PeaAccurate5208@reddit
I hope we’re wrong,too! But I think even if Trump is defeated, populism will keep hold of the GOP and they will just find a more competent demagogue. Ugh. Well,I have to get to work now- I’m happy you & your kitties are safe, sorry about the Trump family members. I gave up talking about politics with mine a long time ago.
MPD1987@reddit
Sayonara! All the best to you
PeaAccurate5208@reddit
I live in CA and there’s no escaping politics,it permeates everything. I honestly wouldn’t even contemplate a move until after the presidential election is sorted and even then I would avoid red(conservative states); a city like Austin in TX might be blue (liberal) but the state is very conservative and state law supersedes local laws. I won’t go on but do your due diligence. Good luck!
Affectionate_Age752@reddit
I wouldn't move to America today.
Infinite-Election-44@reddit (OP)
Why’s that?
Affectionate_Age752@reddit
Because cost of living here has skyrocketed the last few years. Wages haven't, so I am seeing a, country falling apart because it's middle class is being destroyed. And this has created a clearly angry population. Crime is getting much worse. It's simply not a great place anymore.
And I've been quote successful a d have done very well. But we're leaving for good this year.
PeaAccurate5208@reddit
The centre isn’t holding and the US is not a comfortable place to live unless you’re wealthy and can afford to insulate yourself against many of the vagaries of life here. And even then,there’s no guarantee. The 20 kids & 6 kids who were gunned down in Sandy Hook lived in a very “nice” affluent & ostensibly safe community- it couldn’t save them. Worst of all? It keeps happening over and over and nothing is done to stop it. It’s the price of “freedom”. At least Oz did the right thing after Port Arthur and now a mass shooting there is rare. And gun violence is just the tip of the iceberg vis a vis social dysfunction & social breakdown…
Affectionate_Age752@reddit
You said it much better.
PeaAccurate5208@reddit
Cheers! My family thinks that the US is immune to full on civil breakdown but I’d posit that we’re already in a “cold” civil war of sorts. The United part of the United States is tenuous at best and honestly I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
Affectionate_Age752@reddit
Yep. I see or getting much worse. Which is why we're leaving.
Hutcho12@reddit
You need to make more if you go to the US, not less.
wookieejesus05@reddit
Moving from AU to USA is tricky, a little bit more info would help, for example your cost of living in California will not be the same as if you move to Alabama, but Aus (all of it)it’s very high cost ov living compared. Also 40% sounds like a big loss, unless you have medical cover in USA (comparable to Aus Medicare which cover you on everything), otherwise I wouldn’t do it.
Kryxx@reddit
Seems like a terrible choice tbh. Less pay, more expensive healthcare, no pay for your partner.
As someone originally from California that is considering Australia this seems like a poor choice to me. The US makes sense only if you can maximize your income or get a really really great job.
Infinite-Election-44@reddit (OP)
This is what I was worried about.
I feel like I’m giving up a once in a life time opportunity but it doesn’t practically make sense.
sylvestertheinvestor@reddit
Not everything is the practically correct decision. It's about the life experience.
Kryxx@reddit
Life experience is great. I've lived in 5 countries and it's been great.
But it's hard to stop. We're looking to move again. No where is perfect, everywhere is getting worse.
Places like the US have to really make it worth the gun violence, misogyny, expensive health care, crazy COL prices, pure care culture, etc. Other places have their tradeoffs, but the US only makes sense for lots of money or a fantastic job imo.
crazyabootmycollies@reddit
Misogyny and crazy cost of living are actually 2 of the top 5 things I would mention to describe Australia. Public transportation for most of the place blows goats too.
Kryxx@reddit
Ka_aha_koa_nanenane@reddit
I've lived outside the US as well and while misogyny has gained ground in the US, it's still not as bad as some of the places I lived. And I'd say that there are patches of cultural life in the US that are devoid of misogyny (probably true for Australia as well).
Kryxx@reddit
Yes, there are absolutely places in the US and AUS that have less mysogyny. The difference is that the US has been backsliding quite hard on women's rights - most Southern states have taken away abortion and are taking away the ability to get divorced for example. They're campaigning to expand these things nationwide.
It's quite different when it's at the institutional level.
Tardislass@reddit
Talking about misogyny in the US and not AUS? That turned around a bit. So many racists, male chauvinistic folks in Australia outside of the big cities. Public transport is also pretty bad in Australia outside of the big cities. And COL has gone up everywhere.
For OP I think your company is taking advantage of you. If they had to hire someone local, they would pay them more.
Kryxx@reddit
It's worse in the US. Several states don't let women divorce for any reason if they are pregnant. Many states don't allow women to make medical decisions over their body (abortion).
Australia:
US:
You can compare some crime statistics on https://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/compare/Australia/United-States/Crime.
____
Public transport: it is significantly worse in the US outside of New York. SF is about the same. See https://www.sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2021/06/09/how-australians--commutes-compare-with-cities-overseas.html
AppropriateStick518@reddit
Life experience is great but not at the cost of 40k and increased healthcare costs.
-virage-@reddit
Key question here is why do you want to move?
Infinite-Election-44@reddit (OP)
The experience of living OS, more opportunities in the US. If we decide to come back it would help our careers back in AU.
It’s also about wanting to leave Sydney because it’s expensive for what you pay for. Sure LA is expensive too but there are actually things to do there so I feel like the high housing costs are more worth it.
-virage-@reddit
Funny thing is that the grass isn't always greener on the other side. But if you don't venture beyond your backyard, you'll never know for sure.
Definitely work overseas. I think it is an amazing experience and a great growth opportunity. Particularly if it's somewhere with a completely different culture and language.
As you well know, If you want to work in big tech, few places in the world have more options and offer better compensation.
I'm not sure how easy it is to get work permits in the US unless you're a citizen. Sounds like you're sorted but how easy would it be for you husband to find an opportunity?
Also 40K is a big pay cut, how does this step play in to your career path/progress? What's next from there?
And finally, are you able to support the two of you on the new salary in whatever city you'll be in, indefinitely? Not saying it would be indefinite but in my experience people often underestimate how difficult it can be to find a job in a foreign country. It might be some time until your partner can work.
In the end you're both young. If you're resilient and aren't afraid of some set backs I think it could be a great adventure
Affectionate_Age752@reddit
No, it really isn't.
Mashdoofus@reddit
May be an unpopular opinion but I think the real factor to consider is your own age and the potential for experience at your age vs. income. Sure you could stay in Australia and make more money, but when you are older / on your death bed would you have appreciated the more money or the experience? Some experiences can only be had at certain age band / life stages as well, living overseas may be a different thing if you are older and have kids etc
BananApocalypse@reddit
I am doing this right now (temporarily)
dak0taaaa@reddit
I mean I took a pay cut to move to the US to Europe but that’s to be expected. If I’m moving to the US I would expect to make more money. What’s the reason they’re downgrading your salary?
Also what city would it be in?
Bandwagonsho@reddit
That depends... I do earn less where I currently live than I would for the same job in the US, however you have to take all of the other factors into consideration. Where I live, we have low medical costs, sick time, maternity leave, ample vacation, etc. The lower wages here make sense because I am not covering nearly as much out of pocket.
Medical costs alone in the US will be a big hit to your bottom line, even with "platinum" insurance. If you are still making a decent wage and want to live in the US, it still may be worth it. But you need to look at how much your deductible and out-of-pocket would be for your health insurance, how much vacation, and what your plan would be if you lost that job and had to take another.
Personally I would not do it. In your 30s you can maybe pull it off but without the guarantee of reasonable health care expenses, etc., things get harder as you get older.
prodsec@reddit
Where in the US? The US is massive and can differ significantly between states and regions.
temmoku@reddit
Well, I took a pay cut to move from N America to Australia. I suppose it depends on the field and future prospects but it seems to me many people move to the US because salaries are higher. The US dollar is worth more so do you mean that you convert the US salary to AU it is still $40 K Au less than you are currently earning? That's a big hit.
I would say that if you have it cushy enough to afford a house in Australia, then financially it sounds like you are better off in Australia. That doesn't mean it wouldn't be worth it for the experience.
Affectionate_Age752@reddit
If you're moving to CA, i hope you'll be making at least $120-150k. If not, don't bother
Prahasaurus@reddit
I left my 40k USD per year engineering job in the USA in 1992 to move to Central Europe and earn about 200 USD per month teaching English, LOL. It worked out great for me financially, btw. Owned my first home when I was 30, became a Sr exec in a software company, travelled the world, etc., etc.
Most people here focus on salary and not quality of life. To paraphrase Oscar Wilde, they know the price of everything and the value of nothing.
Drellysnew@reddit
Hell no. You should questioning why you'd even consider this since it's insane.
Dokibatt@reddit
Where in the US?
The answer is probably no.
I will note that the question should not be income but what you project to save. Sydney is very expensive compared to a lot of the US.
On top of that, if the company is going to cover housing, you might wind up ahead.
SpecificBee6287@reddit
Personally, Nah. I work 16ish hours a week with 12 weeks vacation in the US, and with salary I make…I’m traveling when and to where I want in comfort. No sense in moving.
The US can be real cheap or real expensive. Depends a lot on location. You should calculate your net, because taxes, benefits, and cost of living will be wildly different.
I don’t find either place universally better than the other—that also boils down to specific location in each country. Sometimes it’s not about money anyway. Ask yourself WHY you’re looking to move, then follow your heart.
dixiedownunder@reddit
I did exactly the opposite for a pay cut and was happy. There wouldn't be many professions that make less in America than Australia. Are you a teacher? That's the only one I know of that this is true.
dsillas@reddit
If it were $40k more, than yes. $40k less? F*ck no.
sylvestertheinvestor@reddit
What does your husband do? Tradesmen make significantly less in the usa than aus.
But I'd probably go for it. Better to have the experience and come back if it sucks.
Ka_aha_koa_nanenane@reddit
Tradespeople make bank in California, though (because...we can't produce enough electricians, carpenters, contractors, builders, plumbers and so on). ALWAYS jobs (including civil jobs - which have good benefits, but going out on one's own as a tradesperson in California is something that can be quite lucrative).
Quite. My cousins in the trades make as much or more than I did working as a college instructor and LCSW (but...my salary might shock some people; just saying my plumber and electrician cousins made as much - or more).
It is the plumber who makes more.
Infinite-Election-44@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the tip. He works in finance so he might be alright in finding a job but still risky.
RoflCopter000@reddit
If your husband is a dependent on your visa, make sure he is eligible for work authorization in the U.S. Not all work visas allow spouses to apply for an EAD.
Ka_aha_koa_nanenane@reddit
No.
It's a complex topic. Very low rent/low cost areas of most nations are already inhabited by locals who know the ropes, have kin who rent to them, can easily find housemates, etc. To make ends meet.
Further, most less-expensive places to live have fewer services (just as in the US).
Extension_Canary3717@reddit
No way I would go from AU to USA in a 20%-30% more income
dnb_4eva@reddit
To the US?!? Hell no.
flightofthenochords@reddit
No
Spirited_Photograph7@reddit
Depends on where I was going. To the U.S., no.
apc961@reddit
Move TO the US for less money? 🤣🤣🤣 I'd tell that company where they could stick that offer.
I mean why is going to the US on your radar? Is it all the totally great social services like free health care? Is it the totally affordable housing and the totally super low cost of living? Is it the totally functional political system? Is it to mingle with the totally enlightened and worldly locals?
ColdbrewRedeye@reddit
Really depends on where in the US you are moving to. California is much more expensive than, say a mid-west or North Eastern State (except New York) in every respect: housing, petrol, taxes.
What would the state income taxes be in your new home state? They range from 0% (Florida, Nevada, and some others) to 10% for highest earners in CA and NY. 4-6% is probably average state, on top of fed tax and local/city taxes, school taxes. It's not one neat tax bill like in Australia.
So, from Sydney to California with pay cut, probably now. To Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, probably pay cut is absorbed by lower cost of living.
Make sure you have excellent family medical insurance. Ask if you and spouse are totally covered, or do you pay for spouse. Expect even with great insurance to still pay left and right with co-pays.
Even if it's a bit negative, you only live once. I'm American but spent 6 years in Oz and 4 years in London. Wouldn't trade the experiences for anything!
RoflCopter000@reddit
What's the draw with Australia for you?
Personally, there are many places in the U.S. I would prefer to live in over the nicest places in Australia with everything being equal. Great country, but I wouldn't take a pay cut to move to Australia.
Infinite-Election-44@reddit (OP)
Totally. The offer is to move to the USA from Australia
RoflCopter000@reddit
I see! I think it depends on the specifics. Mainly on two things: where in Australia are you moving from and where in the US are you moving to? Melbourne to Columbus, OH is a terrible trade. And 2. how much is $40K is worth to you? If you make $500K a year, the salary cut probably won't mean much. If you make $80K a year, it's a much different situation.
I've never worked in AU, but I suspect career opportunities in the U.S are much better - a much higher ceiling and more lucrative. You may need to jump to another company after you arrive, but there are very good jobs (relative to most countries) to be had here if you have a desirable skillet.
albert768@reddit
Absolutely not. I won't even change jobs for less money, let alone move to the other side of the world.
Lefaid@reddit
Don't do that. Moving to the US makes sense to most people because while the overall costs tends to be higher in the US than most places, you also tend to make way more money in the US than you could anywhere else. Take away the raise you are supposed to get for working in the US and it is a horrible place to move to.
The only reason I would do it is if you desperately want to get your foot in the door in the US and that is more important to you than anything else. In which case, you do you. I can't judge a person for doing that. It is something I encourage Americans to do all the time.
HVP2019@reddit
I started to consider my immigration a success when when my life became as boring and as ordinary as lives of local people: chores, bills, work. I don’t see anything exotic about the country that was foreign for me 20 years ago, it is just a home.
But I do like to travel.
So I personally wouldn’t take a pay cut to start anew in another country that I have to work hard to turn it into my new home.
I don’t think I would be happy living in a country where I am not assimilated enough to feel at home.