Finding Work in the US as a Non-US Resident?

America-bound asks: "I'm a senior Java developer living in Europe with the wish to move to the US eventually and live with my significant other. Over here, I have a diverse set of experience working on in-house development and freelance/project work. I don't intend for this to look like a resume or request for work, so I won't go into specifics. Europe, or at least my country, has very healthy prospects for those working freelance, but I'm not sure how things are in the USA (California to be more specific). My timespan for achieving this is realistic; I'm looking at making the move within 2-3 years, giving me time to work on my skills, experience and do more networking, as well as get used to life in the USA. I would like to know if my plans for working freelance, or as my own company, are very realistic in the US. Perhaps there are other good alternatives that I haven't explored yet. Hence, I turn to Slashdot hoping for some clues by others who have either made the switch to living in the US or are working there successfully, as freelancers."

I wouldn't recommend it.

[slashkitty]

Speaking as a freelance java programmer in the US, I think java in particular is on the way out. I hate to think what it'd be like in 3 years when you start. LAMP or MS based apps are more common and growing. Good freelancing jobs can be hard to get into, it's mostly about networking and having the right people trust you for the job. Why not freelance for people now? Why are you moving to the US?

International Consulting Firm

[HRbnjR]

If you could get hired on by an international consulting firm, and maybe do something for them in Europe first, then ask for an internal posting overseas, that would be easiest. They have the resources to move people around, deal with Visa's, etc.

Are you sure?-Taking back our image

[Anonymous Coward]

"We're rapidly sliding towards a totalitarian dictatorship in this country... are you sure you want to move here?"*

As opposed to say Britian?

*Pet peeve of mine. Most slashdotters have NEVER lived under a dictatorship, and just know what they've read, or watched on TV or movies. Just as the rest of the world's view of the US comes through entertainment channels. Likewise most slashdotters have never actually encountered "evil", and gratuitiously throw the word around with not a hint of it's true depth.

Be thankful that you never grew up having to know what a dictatorship, or evil is, and stop pretending you do.

As for the OP. You're going to have to spend quite a bit of time developing a clientel. Skills, and knowledge are just wedges to get you into the room. You might be able to leverage the client base you already have in europe.

Europe more friendly to small business

[Marxist Hacker 42]

Most of Europe has a *much* higher standard of living than the United States: nationalized health care, various other supports important to a freelancer. 49/50 US freelancers go bankrupt at least once- is that really the future you want?

Here is Advice

[Anonymous Coward]

Stay away from California. Why? It is expensive. You make a pretty penny there but every penny that comes into your pocket goes right out of the whole created by the state's cost of living. California is saturated with developers. If you are not top notch, well known developer you will be one of the many ants there. Lets face it California is galvanized and glorified throughout the world for being a gift from god but the reality is it isn't as good as advertised.

Re:Europe more friendly to small business

[joto]

I've been to Europe. They do not have a higher standard of living than the US. It's actually considerably lower.

You see, that's the problem with USians. They seem to think of Europe as some place. But in reality, if someone is saying "I've been to Europe", the only thing possible to conclude from that is that the speaker is ignorant, and most likely from US, because if (s)he were from anywhere else in the world, (s)he would say, "I've been to France/Iceland/Ukraine/Albania", or something like that.

I realize that europeans are no better. We say the same thing about US (which can be excused, as the US is at least one country), but we're also saying "I've been to Africa" which is about as meaningless as having been to Europe.

As for comparing the standard of living. Well, it's complicated. Having "been there" is not a good enough study. And comparing how nice cars you see isn't a good metric. First of all, you must find out who you are talking about: filthy rich people, mafia-bosses, succesfull entrepeneurs, well-educated career people, average middle-class, low-wage, minimum-wage, unemployed, or drug-addicts? Do you talk about money only, or do you also prefer to live in an area with low crime, low unemployment, low pollution, free healthcare, etc... How about the people there, are they racist pigs, thugs and gangsters, uppity snobs, religious zealots, friendly pub-goers, nice but boring middle-class, etc...

An important difference between european countries and USA is the regulation of the workplace. Typically, europeans work a lot less, and have some protection from getting sacked at the employers whim. This should also count when you evaluate the standard of living. In short, having "been there" is not enough.

If Europe was so much better, why isn't everyone going from the US to there? Instead the flow is reversed.

Really? Can you back it up with numbers?

Ok, it's probably correct, but I don't think it has anything to do with living standard. The most important factors are probably (1) "The American Dream" --- if you dream about being succesfull, you go to USA, (2) Language --- most people already know English, thus it's easier than to move to e.g. Sweden, and (3) Size --- more people have heard of USA than any given european country (and this goes especially for USians)

Re:Europe more friendly to small business

[Marxist Hacker 42]

When it comes to the things important to small businesses, most countries do. Better bankruptcy protection, though that's relatively recent. Better health care coverage by a long shot, in that it's paid for by taxes instead of an unavoidable drain on the profits of a small business. Some even have guaranteed housing, transportation, and help to afford food and fuel. All of which the small businessman in the United States has to either provide out of his meager profits for himself and his employees- or end up doing without.

Re:Not so easy

[jefu]

Marrying your significant other will not work overly well in the US if he/she is the same gender as you are.