Move to California or not?

H

Highlander

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Have been offered a 2 year contract working for a tech firm in California with the possibility of an extension at the end of 2 years. Company will do the leg work on visa etc. If I provisionally accept the position, we will begin discussions on terms. Wondering has anybody got experience of this type of move. What are the things to look out for and so on.

Also, not sure what to ask for in terms of package, i.e. relocation, salery etc. Currently earning 55000 + bonuses in Limerick. Not sure what is the best way to figure out what package would give a comparable std of living in California.

I would appreciate any and all pointers. Really don't know where to start!!!!
 
I think the first thing is to ask them what they are offering. Big companies often have standard packages for "Ex-Pat" contracts. They usually cover all relocation expenses and pay for the house and car that you will need while you are away.
 
out of curiousity why kind of work do you do? a move to california would be a dream for most people. look out the window?
 
You should think carefully Highlander...

beaches, Mediterranean climate, driving across the coast/mountains, vibrant nightlife, women who like Irish accents, cheap food & drink...

...it's not for everyone.
 
If you are going for a relatively short time (ie a couple of years) you'll want to travel when there so holidays will be important to you. As you probably know US holidays are pretty miserely. I know of a few people who've gone there for a couple of years. One negotiated so that she'd keep her Irish holiday entitlement and was delighted (especially when she saw how little time off her workmates got) the other person saw dollars in front of his eyes and didn't think about holidays until he got there. He was there for 3 years and while he did a bit of travel at the end of his stay didn't manage much during it. He got (as far as I remember) 10 days holidays a year and twice used them up coming back to Ireland - once for a funeral and once for his sisters wedding.
 
I would definitely go. Its only two years and you'll be back. Ya might love it and not want to come back. Check out what they are offering and then weight it up. I would love to move there for a few years so count yourself lucky. Not everyone gets offered something like that. Let us know what you decide to do in the end.
 
First all ,do you only have to consider yourself ,ie are you married,children ,ages of children ,etc
If you are single jump on that plane and make sure they throw in a few flights back home as part of package and also flights for emergency's back home,
Far as I know you get special tax relief,or at least people used to.
 
You might also want to check out what would happen if worst came to the worst and you or wife kids (if any) got terribly home sick and wanted to come home, would there be a position here for you? Also what happens after the 2 years when you come home is there a position or is the 2 year contract up and thats it?

If you can cover all the bases then it's gotta be a runner I'm sure most peolple would jump at it, I know I would.
 
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