USA move with child

M

Mel

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I wasnt' sure whether to put this in travel, but it's work-related so I've put it here for now.
I have the opportunity to move to the USA for 12-24 months from early next year with my current employer. I have a child, and am wondering is this a practical possibility, without a great support network out there - I have friends in the city, but mostly single, only one family. I'd need to rent out my house here, arrange accommodation, school, daycare etc at that end. Has anyone done this and how did it work out?
My thinking is that I would be getting better experience on my cv than I'm likely to get over the next 2 years here and maybe the worst would be over when I return.
 
You should investigate as much as possible before you go. I have gone to the states with children and places are very variable. Most americans move around a lot and have no family support so childcare is very much geared to that. Depending on the state, your child will most likely be required to go to a particular school based on where you live so you would need to be careful to look into this. After school clubs are common and the school day is quite long. Also make sure that your employer is giving you full health insurance, to include your child. Again health care can be variable depending on where you live and the type of health insurance you have.

Americans, particularly middle class ones, have a very strong work ethic and put in huge hours with very little holidays. Find out what the culture is your employers US office, going home at 6pm everyday may not be an option.

If your employer has a re-location service make full use of it, they can usually source accomodation for you and give you information about schools and childcare.

All in all it could be a very positive experience for you and your child but with the US it is impossible to generalise, local conditions are very variable.
 
Thanks for that Ramble.
I'm looking at a large city on the East coast.
Can you recommend any site where I could find out more about the school system, (subjects, costs, hours, school year) and how much childcare costs etc?
 
That could be one of about 20 cities!
You'll get more relevant information if you actually identify the city.
 
I have lived and worked in Florida and San Diego. It really is not a child friendly society. Long hours are the norm as suggested and two jobs. Its not possible to have a life with out a car, no public transport is common.
 
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