NationStates Jolt Archive

I might get a job overseas.......

:eek:

I get to choose which country?!

UK
Ireland
Germany
or
Japan

now, since he lived in Japan for a while he leans in that direction (known evil, no offense)

but I was leaning to the UK because they have all sorts of yummy gluten free foods available.

You guys know me, tell me about what's great about where you live, you know so I can come up with some sort of consensus about this.

We wouldn't know for a good 4 months if we are moving, but I have to decide within the next week which country (countries) are acceptable. So, NSG you guys live in some of these places......help me make my pro/con list!

They pretty much only speak German in Germany. You'd have to learn a new language.

You can always take the best bits from both the UK and Ireland and move to the British/Irish hybrid that is Northern Ireland.

I might get a job overseas.......

:eek:

I get to choose which country?!

UK
Ireland
Germany
or
Japan

now, since he lived in Japan for a while he leans in that direction (known evil, no offense)

but I was leaning to the UK because they have all sorts of yummy gluten free foods available.

You guys know me, tell me about what's great about where you live, you know so I can come up with some sort of consensus about this.

We wouldn't know for a good 4 months if we are moving, but I have to decide within the next week which country (countries) are acceptable. So, NSG you guys live in some of these places......help me make my pro/con list!
:(

I vote JAPAN... it's closer to HAWAII! :D

They pretty much only speak German in Germany. You'd have to learn a new language.

I took a year of German in school, but I was high most of the time so I don't remember any, plus I heard bad things about the homeschooling laws there.

I just threw it in because it is one of my options.

(also I have the option of saying hell no and staying here, but I thought I should think the whole thing through out of fairness)

I took a year of German in school, but I was high most of the time so I don't remember any, plus I heard bad things about the homeschooling laws there.

I just threw it in because it is one of my options.

(also I have the option of saying hell no and staying here, but I thought I should think the whole thing through out of fairness)

that will be tough... I suggest reading up on how homeschooled kids are viewed in each country.

I took a year of German in school, but I was high most of the time so I don't remember any, plus I heard bad things about the homeschooling laws there. Meh. "Bad" is relative in this case. But only a year of German wouldn't do you any good.

I just threw it in because it is one of my options. I don't know anything about the other countries on the list, so I'll just add stuff about Germany. ;)

Ireland has potatoes.
Potatoes are gluten free.

:p

I say Ireland.

I took a year of German in school, but I was high most of the time so I don't remember any, plus I heard bad things about the homeschooling laws there.

I just threw it in because it is one of my options.

(also I have the option of saying hell no and staying here, but I thought I should think the whole thing through out of fairness)

See, I feel bad being high in an academic. That's why I showed up for art almost every day last year (first period, followed by musical classes) high, in stead. On topic, my choice would be the UK but that'd just be because I don't know Japanese or German, and I've always wanted to go to the UK.

I might get a job overseas.......

:eek:

I get to choose which country?!

UK
Ireland
Germany
or
Japan

now, since he lived in Japan for a while he leans in that direction (known evil, no offense)

but I was leaning to the UK because they have all sorts of yummy gluten free foods available.

You guys know me, tell me about what's great about where you live, you know so I can come up with some sort of consensus about this.

We wouldn't know for a good 4 months if we are moving, but I have to decide within the next week which country (countries) are acceptable. So, NSG you guys live in some of these places......help me make my pro/con list!


Maybe I'm a little biased, but I feel tempted to pimp out the UK as the obvious choice. And, it never hurts to be a girl with a southern accent... :)

The UK. We are THE most badass country in the world.

Well, not really I guess but we do have it pretty good.

Where would you be in each country?

Ireland. That place is really on the move...that's where all the cool people go these days.

I'm kinda torn, I remember Dublin being pretty cool (the parks were marvellous, the touristy crap, less so) but the one day I've spent there managed to pack in some of the shittiest memories of my life.

Ireland isn't a bad pick, plus it's about a 20 quid flight to the mainland UK so not bad at all.

Germany. I haven't heard anything good about UK's food. Except for Fish and Chips.


Homeschool?

If you have any chance of getting to Scotland, do it. Scotland rules. Ireland is quite cool as well. Those would be my top choices. Japan is a little too weird for me, and Germany is... well, it's Germany. I can't take anything seriously if it's said in German. I don't know why.

Wasserbuffel.

*dies laughing*

Wasserbuffel.

*dies laughing*There's no such word in German, by the way... :D

okay, so my husband claims that I can get by in Japan knowing only English, and that it's not a big deal there because everyone knows English and would be happy to practice it with me.......I think he is heavy handed on the Japan idea.

I mean I am leaning to the UK really, but I don't know.

Come on, guys.

Pro/con lists!

okay, so my husband claims that I can get by in Japan knowing only English, and that it's not a big deal there because everyone knows English and would be happy to practice it with me.......I think he is heavy handed on the Japan idea.

I mean I am leaning to the UK really, but I don't know.

Come on, guys.

Pro/con lists!
heres one...

*takes a deep breath*

DON'T GO IF YOU DON'T WANT TO GO!!

I'm not sure about the other countries, but the UK drives on a different side of the road than we do, so if you drive you'll have to relearn part of it all over again.

I might get a job overseas.......

:eek:

I get to choose which country?!

UK
Ireland
Germany
or
Japan

now, since he lived in Japan for a while he leans in that direction (known evil, no offense)

but I was leaning to the UK because they have all sorts of yummy gluten free foods available.

You guys know me, tell me about what's great about where you live, you know so I can come up with some sort of consensus about this.

We wouldn't know for a good 4 months if we are moving, but I have to decide within the next week which country (countries) are acceptable. So, NSG you guys live in some of these places......help me make my pro/con list!

I voted Japan, and I'll explain more in detail later, but mostly be4cause he's familiar with the place.

okay, so my husband claims that I can get by in Japan knowing only English, and that it's not a big deal there because everyone knows English and would be happy to practice it with me.......I think he is heavy handed on the Japan idea.

Hmmm... depends on where in Japan. In Tokyo and the Kansai region (Osaka/Kobe/Kyoto) you can get away without it fairly well.

Here's some info on homeschooling here: http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~ja8i-brtl/

Gluten free is a bit difficult, but that's the same in the US. Info: http://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+14497


I have to take off right now, but I'll post a list of pros and cons when I get home.

Japan! They got all those great technology advances that makes US Technology look like crap, great culture and history, and the women, mmm Japanese women in those robes..... *shakes head* what was I saying? Yea, you should def. move to Japan!

Japan! They got all those great technology advances that makes US Technology look like crap, great culture and history, and the women, mmm Japanese women in those robes..... *shakes head* what was I saying? Yea, you should def. move to Japan!

Kimonos...

Kimonos...

*starts to day dream again*

I might get a job overseas.......

:eek:

I get to choose which country?!

UK
Ireland
Germany
or
Japan

now, since he lived in Japan for a while he leans in that direction (known evil, no offense)

but I was leaning to the UK because they have all sorts of yummy gluten free foods available.

You guys know me, tell me about what's great about where you live, you know so I can come up with some sort of consensus about this.

We wouldn't know for a good 4 months if we are moving, but I have to decide within the next week which country (countries) are acceptable. So, NSG you guys live in some of these places......help me make my pro/con list!

The UK - we speak the language, sort of, and have common cultural values, sort of. The Japanese look down on non-Japanese and women don't have the same status they have here, it would be hard on you. The Germans are rather dour and humorless.

The UK - we speak the language, sort of, and have common cultural values, sort of. The Japanese look down on non-Japanese and women don't have the same status they have here, it would be hard on you. The Germans are rather dour and humorless.

Do you have any way to back up any of this?

The UK - we speak the language, sort of, and have common cultural values, sort of. The Japanese look down on non-Japanese and women don't have the same status they have here, it would be hard on you. The Germans are rather dour and humorless.

HA! Smunkee could teach English.. and she will be revered!

HA! Smunkee could teach English.. and she will be revered!

Exactly! My friend taught english in Japan, and he's married to a Japanese woman.

The Germans are rather dour and humorless.
I beg your pardon! (http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,411790,00.html)

Exactly! My friend taught english in Japan, and he's married to a Japanese woman.

I had a friend go there for a work exchange program. HE MADE IT A POINT not to learn the language or anything.

what job did they end up giving him?


Testing toys at BANDAI! :D

I wonder if they still remember the "Struangu Boy" :D :p

I had a friend go there for a work exchange program. HE MADE IT A POINT not to learn the language or anything.

what job did they end up giving him?


Testing toys at BANDAI! :D

I wonder if they still remember the "Struangu Boy" :D :p

Dammit, now I want to go to Japan, either Japan or the Phillipines.

okay, so my husband claims that I can get by in Japan knowing only English, and that it's not a big deal there because everyone knows English and would be happy to practice it with me.......I think he is heavy handed on the Japan idea.

He's correct on that one. According to my Japanese teacher, he and friends used to speak in Pig Latin on the trains going to and from school so that they wouldn't end up helping someone with their English (they had homework to do).

That was 40 years ago, though, and things have probably changed some, but English is still a required language in all Japanese schools IIRC.

I beg your pardon! (http://www.spiegel.de/international/0,1518,411790,00.html)

Ok, I'll concede humor to the Germans - and intelligence and honor and courage and good looks - do you have any flaws?

Ireland. That place is really on the move...that's where all the cool people go these days.

It's also where all the immigrants go to. It's quickly turning into the 3rd world dumping ground for people who want to become legal in the EU and then go to it's warmer climes. The UK has integrated most of it's immigrants and they make a kick-ass curry there.

I used to work with an Indian guy who told me that in Bombay tourists would ask "where can you get really good Indian food?" and he'd tell them "London."

*starts to day dream again*

You do know that men wear Kimonos too, correct?

Smunkee: DON'T MOVE TO JAPAN! For the love of FUCK, as much as I like their hentai and some of their anime and video games, I'd never move there. It's a scary place. Those...used panties vending machines... UGH!

You do know that men wear Kimonos too, correct?
Yup, I've worn one. But you guys DO realize that seeing a woman in a kimono is like seeing one in an evening dress, it happens but it ain't an every day event?

Smunkee: DON'T MOVE TO JAPAN! For the love of FUCK, as much as I like their hentai and some of their anime and video games, I'd never move there. It's a scary place. Those...used panties vending machines... UGH!
They're only in a small part of Tokyo. Jesh...

Ok, Japan.

Yes, it is possible to get by without knowing Japanese in the Kansai or Tokyo area, but it will still be hard as, no, most people will NOT know English to any great extent. If you're off in the boondocks, you need some elementary Japanese or friends who can help you out.

In terms of culture, Japan is still a man's world. Women of a certain age are expected to behave themselves and follow their husbands. However, being married AND a mother will shield you from a lot of that.

However, I have found Japan to be a warm, welcoming country for the most part. It has its bad bits, but if you're willing to work and understand that the Japanese have their own ways of doing things and they really are not interested in changing them, it's a good place to be in.

I would highly recomend reading up (or asking Daistallia and I) about Japanese culture and life in Japan BEFORE accepting your husband's idea. I love Japan, I really do. I would willingly spend the rest of my life here (and might just do that), but I also know that if you wander in here without some knowledge of what you're getting into, you're gonna be miserable.

i guess the UK will be most like the states and the least of a 'culture shock', but i'm not sure if the opinions of others will be of much use to you... you've really got to experience the places for yourself first i guess :-S


pros of the UK (seeing as i live here):
we speak english (real english ;))
public education, homeschooling allowed; internationally recognised academic qualifications (ie if your kids did GCSE's or A-levels here, they'd be internationally transferable)
national health service = free healthcare
stable economy
similar culture
plenty of history/culture to show your kids (make sure you take them to stonehenge, and to Southampton where the Titanic and the Speedwell/Mayflower set off from)
uhhh... we like americans for the most part?
you'd get to meet up with other NSers in the 4th NS meet! :D

cons:
chavs
weather
would you be allowed access to the NHS as a non-UK citizen?
very high land prices, especially in london and south-east
cost of living very high compared to the continent (may warrant further research?)
we don't like america as a country at the moment... (some)

weather
What's with you people bitching about the weather all the time?

i've never been to any of those places but i love little people sized trains, and while most japanese trains aren't the extreme narrow gauge i dream of, their pre-shinkansen standard gauge is/was something a little over meter gauge and they have the good sense to still have lots of them and not be throwing them away to worship the automobile the way america insists upon. i also love anime but realize that anyplace there will be things about it i don't like also.

i kind of like the idea of emotional detatchment as a cultural norm too. though not neccessarily all possible consiquences of all ways of doing it. even shinto makes more sense to me then christianity.

i wish where i live in northern california were more like japan with their kinds of trains and some of the other things.

i'm not sure how welcome i'd be there having been born in america. i mean if i had been born in japan i'd be very distrustful of today's america as i am anyway, even living in it.

=^^=
.../\...

I vote against Japan. if their cars are any indication, you will do nothing but bash your head on various objects.

What's with you people bitching about the weather all the time?

unlike in many parts of the world, the weather here not only changes daily, but often many times an hour. you can never tell what the fuck is going on. but as a general rule, its also grey, cold and cloudy, with a hint of rain. its fucking depressing, that's what.

Yup, I've worn one. But you guys DO realize that seeing a woman in a kimono is like seeing one in an evening dress, it happens but it ain't an every day event?


They're only in a small part of Tokyo. Jesh...

Ok, Japan.

Yes, it is possible to get by without knowing Japanese in the Kansai or Tokyo area, but it will still be hard as, no, most people will NOT know English to any great extent. If you're off in the boondocks, you need some elementary Japanese or friends who can help you out.

In terms of culture, Japan is still a man's world. Women of a certain age are expected to behave themselves and follow their husbands. However, being married AND a mother will shield you from a lot of that.

However, I have found Japan to be a warm, welcoming country for the most part. It has its bad bits, but if you're willing to work and understand that the Japanese have their own ways of doing things and they really are not interested in changing them, it's a good place to be in.

I would highly recomend reading up (or asking Daistallia and I) about Japanese culture and life in Japan BEFORE accepting your husband's idea. I love Japan, I really do. I would willingly spend the rest of my life here (and might just do that), but I also know that if you wander in here without some knowledge of what you're getting into, you're gonna be miserable.

I would second this.

My sister just spent 12 months teaching English in Fukuoko Prefecture (Southern Japan). She found it to be quite sexist. The women would be given the boring, menial tasks, the men would do the decision making & interesting things. She was also expected to be quiet & demure. My sister is quite outspoken, so she found often found it very difficult.

Additionally, English was not at all widely spoken in her area. Nor were there many signs (public transport, shops, etc) in English. Most things were written exclusively in Katakana/Kanji. The lack of English can be very isolating, even if your husband can speak & read Japanese.

On the other hand, the Japanese can be very warm & welcoming, and will often go out of their way to help you (I experienced this first hand).

Also, Japan is a very interesting, and quite beautiful country. Even though Japan has much in common with the West, it is still an Asian country. The culture will be very different to what you're used to, but I reckon exploring the cultural differences can be the best part of living in a new country.

Edit: My choice would be Germany, because I really like Europe & I've previously lived in the UK.

unlike in many parts of the world, the weather here not only changes daily, but often many times an hour. you can never tell what the fuck is going on. but as a general rule, its also grey, cold and cloudy, with a hint of rain. its fucking depressing, that's what.

Meh. We get allot of rain here two, and I prefer overcast to sunny as I have lived with it more. Then there is that time in late winter/early spring were we get a week of constant rainfall.

But I guess we know we have it lucky. Up in Prince Rupert (or is is George, you need to tell your princes to dream up more creative names), it normal to be able to count the non rainy days on your fnigers.

I might get a job overseas.......

:eek:

I get to choose which country?!

UK
Ireland
Germany
or
Japan

now, since he lived in Japan for a while he leans in that direction (known evil, no offense)

but I was leaning to the UK because they have all sorts of yummy gluten free foods available.

You guys know me, tell me about what's great about where you live, you know so I can come up with some sort of consensus about this.

We wouldn't know for a good 4 months if we are moving, but I have to decide within the next week which country (countries) are acceptable. So, NSG you guys live in some of these places......help me make my pro/con list!

Do you really mean your husband came home and announced 'i may get a job overseas....you have one week to decide where'..............sorry but it sounds more like a way to start a thread than an actual chance to move.
What sort of job does he do?

Meh. We get allot of rain here two, and I prefer overcast to sunny as I have lived with it more. Then there is that time in late winter/early spring were we get a week of constant rainfall.

But I guess we know we have it lucky. Up in Prince Rupert (or is is George, you need to tell your princes to dream up more creative names), it normal to be able to count the non rainy days on your fnigers.

well here it's September and already its the kind of weather where you need to have the lights on indoors to be able to see properly...

for the record, i hate overcast skies :(

Ok, I'll concede humor to the Germans - and intelligence and honor and courage and good looks - do you have any flaws?

We're too modest at times. :p

PROS

You already Speak the language
you can meet a whole lot of people from various cultures
you can explore the beauty of nature and enjoy warm beaches
you can learn from a myrad of cultures, arts & Crafts, languages... etc...
the Sunsets are to die for!
you will be welcomed and accepted.
Lots of places to buy exotic things to send to friends.
no Daylight Savings...
no Blizzards!


CONS

everything is imported.
you might get Geo-claustrophobia...
no longer part of the majority... but then again, there is no majority...



I am... of course, Talking about HAWAII! :D

Don't come to Ireland, everything here is ridiculously expensive. According to Eddie Hobbs at least.
I'm Eddie Hobbs. I'm right, and you're wrong

I would probably lean towards Japan. The reason?... Well, it is something more than just more totalitarian version of US, and really another country. I think I could cope with all the hardships, and, after all, sometimes it's fun. Just another crazy things that should be done once in a while so that life remains an interesting thing.

But I would not recommend doing it - it's not like changing the state, one needs to be already crazy.

For him Japan is good; a different culture is more interesting especially when one is familiar with the country, and have the chance to meet people, because of your job and activities.

However, you will not have the activities and the support he has. For you this new culture will likely mean loneliness, unless you are willing to learn Japanese, but the time is far too limited. You should at least choose a country of which you can speak and understand the language, for it will be hard even when you do understand the people…

unlike in many parts of the world, the weather here not only changes daily, but often many times an hour. you can never tell what the fuck is going on. but as a general rule, its also grey, cold and cloudy, with a hint of rain. its fucking depressing, that's what.

See, to me... our weather is one of our best pros. I miss the rain.

Plus, at least the UK has almost no dealings with tornadoes, hurricanes, and the other 'excess' of US weather patterns. The UK never gets as hot as I do here in The South, and never gets as cold either.

Our weather may seem erratic and capricious... but it is actually just wavering either side of being extremely stable. It just 'wavers' very quickly.

Do you really mean your husband came home and announced 'i may get a job overseas....you have one week to decide where'..............sorry but it sounds more like a way to start a thread than an actual chance to move.
What sort of job does he do?

he did. The time limit for applying is up next Thursday, after that there is a 4 month interview process, then we will get an offer, after that we have to decide whether or not to accept it.

He doesn't want to apply if I am against it, so I have to figure out acceptable countries.

I like all the options! You'll have a blast, and think of how great it will be for your children to experience a different culture!

My family moved to the UK for several years when I was a little kid because my dad got a job there, so I grew up there and it was an amazing experience. We would have stayed there longer if we could have.

Some family friends did the same thing but they went to Germany, and when the job was done over there they came back to America...but they hated being back, and decided to move back to Germany permanently.

Anyway, I'm jealous. Have fun!

They pretty much only speak German in Germany. You'd have to learn a new language.
Which - by watching Star Trek, which, I might add, is on every day - shouldnot prove to be too much of a problem. ;)
There's no such word in German, by the way... :D
Wasserbüffel schon ;) http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasserb%C3%BCffel
The Germans are rather dour and humorless.
Oh please - the Germans posting on this forum should have proven that point wrong a long time ago!
Ok, I'll concede humor to the Germans - and intelligence and honor and courage and good looks - do you have any flaws?
I hate losing. Other than that, none whatsoever! :D
We're too modest at times. :p
We are? I mean. We are!

NERVUN, Boonytopia, and Politeia utopia's comments on Japan were all good, but most of the rest were....

Anyway, as I said yesterday, I'd suggest Japan. Your husband already speaks the language and is familiar with life here. That will put him more at ease, which should make your life easier. Also, he'll be able to help you out more.

Two questions:
Do you know where you'd be here in Japan?
How long would you be here? (If this is a permenant move and not a posting of a few years, I'll change my answer to the UK.)

As for the pros and cons, I'll try and tailor this to some of your particular concerns as I understand them.

Pros:
Ease of transportation - the public transportation networks are great here, especially in the cities.

Education - continuing your homeschooling is an option. I don't know if it's permitted in the other options you gave. Also, the local schools are usually quite good, especially at younger ages.

Safety - Japan is the safest country on the list for sure.

Unfamiliarity - Japan is probably the place least familiar to you and your kids. I put that as a pro because it will widen your kids horizons for sure.

Child Friendliness - Japan is very child friendly.

Accepance - because most Japanese will already see you as being different, there's a lot more acceptance of unusual behavior. However, that doesn't mean total acceptance.

Cons:
Expense - Japan is a very expensive country, especially if you live in one of the big cities and expect to live a US lifestyle. However, salaries tend to be higher. Also, if your husband is taking on an executive or specialist type position, he'll probably be getting hardship allowances and so on. The business types I know here have it OK.

Housing - apartments tend to be small. Larger rental houses are an option.

Language - Japanese can be a difficult language, but getting down the very basics is not all that hard.

General comments:

Food - as I mentioned in my earlier post, gluten free is doable here. Japanese supermarkets are pretty good, and many familiar foods are available. However Kitchens are usually smaller than in the US.

If you have any specific concerns/fears/problems/questions, please let me or NERVUN know. :D

I do not think you gave us enough information to make a significant choice of one over the other.

The countries boundaries you choose will not be your home.

Much more importantly, Will you be in a house in one, an apartment in another, in the city in one, in the country in another? Will you be richly paid in one and poorly rewarded in another?

Are all of the choices equal?

I believe ALL of the countries you listed are worthy of being lived in, they can all be great places. But I wouldn't choose the slums of any of them over the comforts of the least of them, if you know what I mean.

If your husband favors one over the other, that would be a significant consideration if it were my spouse asking me...

I'll pray for your choice to be the best one, although I have no idea which one that should be. :)

Good luck and remember to be thankful that this opportunity presents itself at all. This can be a good thing, try to make sure it turns into one. ;)

Hey Smunkee, not to be nosy, but what's up with this now that it's been a week?

Hey Smunkee, not to be nosy, but what's up with this now that it's been a week?

after intense research, I said UK or nothing, and we needed a 20% raise over the change of cost of living or I wasn't leaving the states.

I am pretty sure that covers me ;)

I did say that I would consider relocating within the US but marked a few states off my acceptable list.

after intense research, I said UK or nothing, and we needed a 20% raise over the change of cost of living or I wasn't leaving the states.

I am pretty sure that covers me ;)

I did say that I would consider relocating within the US but marked a few states off my acceptable list.

Ah, thanks. :D Good luck!

after intense research, I said UK or nothing, and we needed a 20% raise over the change of cost of living or I wasn't leaving the states.

I am pretty sure that covers me ;)

I did say that I would consider relocating within the US but marked a few states off my acceptable list.

Is Texas one of 'em?

WOOOOO!!! I just saw this thread (not been about much) I'd say you made a good choice (but then I'm HEAVILY biased).

England FTW! Pro's:

IV Stalin
ME
Pure Metal
Glitziness
New Peeland
Vacuumhead
The Blessed Chris

CONS:none

Now that's gotta win you over surely;)

I might get a job overseas.......

:eek:

I get to choose which country?!

UK
Ireland
Germany
or
Japan

now, since he lived in Japan for a while he leans in that direction (known evil, no offense)

but I was leaning to the UK because they have all sorts of yummy gluten free foods available.

You guys know me, tell me about what's great about where you live, you know so I can come up with some sort of consensus about this.

We wouldn't know for a good 4 months if we are moving, but I have to decide within the next week which country (countries) are acceptable. So, NSG you guys live in some of these places......help me make my pro/con list!


They are all going to have their strengths and flaws, Smunkee. The key is to find the place with flaws you can tolerate and strengths you enjoy.

Of the four, I think i'd take the UK, but Japan is a really close second. ...

Hell, they're tie. :)

England FTW! Pro's:

ME
Pure Metal
Glitziness
New Peeland
Vacuumhead
The Blessed Chris

CONS:none

Now that's gotta win you over surely;)
I'm offended. Where am I on that list? ;)

Is Texas one of 'em?

WOOOOO!!! I just saw this thread (not been about much) I'd say you made a good choice (but then I'm HEAVILY biased).

England FTW! Pro's:

IV Stalin
ME
Pure Metal
Glitziness
New Peeland
Vacuumhead
The Blessed Chris

CONS:none

Now that's gotta win you over surely;)

I'm offended. Where am I on that list? ;)

Errrrr right at the top of course, you musta misread or something!;)

(yeah.....I think I got away with that one *phew*):D

Is Texas one of 'em?

WOOOOO!!! I just saw this thread (not been about much) I'd say you made a good choice (but then I'm HEAVILY biased).

England FTW! Pro's:

IV Stalin
ME
Pure Metal
Glitziness
New Peeland
Vacuumhead
The Blessed Chris

CONS:none

Now that's gotta win you over surely;)

I don't think Smunkee would be coming over to the UK because of me...

Although if she wants to look me up in Manchester then I'll take her on a pub crawl. :)

I don't think Smunkee would be coming over to the UK because of me...

Although if she wants to look me up in Manchester then I'll take her on a pub crawl. :)

It's as good a reason as any!;)

after intense research, I said UK or nothing, and we needed a 20% raise over the change of cost of living or I wasn't leaving the states.

I am pretty sure that covers me ;)

I did say that I would consider relocating within the US but marked a few states off my acceptable list.

I think that's a shame. You've missed a really good chance for you & your children to experience life in a completely different culture.

The UK and Ireland would be the easiest, but i'd probably pick Japan. That's just me, though.

I think that's a shame. You've missed a really good chance for you & your children to experience life in a completely different culture.

Yeah. Hence why i'd pick Japan.

I think that's a shame. You've missed a really good chance for you & your children to experience life in a completely different culture.

it's hard enough for myself and my kids to be healthy and normal in America, upon research of Japan I figured out that since all the food labels are in Japanese and I don't even speak Japanese, and most of those people there probably don't speak English well enough to help me, that we would all probably get sick a lot (which is actually dangerous and not just an inconvienence) or we would all not eat much.

my children's health is much more important to me than them experiencing life in "a different culture", you know they can't experience much if they die.

upon research of Japan I figured out that since all the food labels are in Japanese

Not true, the ones i've seen usually have English writing on them too; but i'm sure Daistallia or NERVUN could tell you more.

and I don't even speak Japanese, and most of those people there probably don't speak English well enough to help me

I've never met a Japanese person that couldn't speak English very well. I think it's mostly the older generation that can't.

that we would all probably get sick a lot (which is actually dangerous and not just an inconvienence)

Why? Japan isn't exactly a filthy country crawling with disease.

I would love to be all patriotic and suggest the UK, but at present the country is an immeasurably shitty place. Go to Ireland.

Why? Japan isn't exactly a filthy country crawling with disease.
no, but our diet is very limited, in effect we are the ones who are crawling with disease, if we eat the wrong thing the short term is that we damage our intestines and can't absorb food that we eat for a few weeks, the long term is that every time it happens it puts us at higher risk for other health problems caused my malnutrition and also things like cancer, diabetes, lupus, thyroid disease, etc.

it's hard enough for myself and my kids to be healthy and normal in America, upon research of Japan I figured out that since all the food labels are in Japanese and I don't even speak Japanese, and most of those people there probably don't speak English well enough to help me, that we would all probably get sick a lot (which is actually dangerous and not just an inconvienence) or we would all not eat much.

my children's health is much more important to me than them experiencing life in "a different culture", you know they can't experience much if they die.

That wouldn't be an issue in the UK or Ireland though.

no, but our diet is very limited, in effect we are the ones who are crawling with disease, if we eat the wrong thing the short term is that we damage our intestines and can't absorb food that we eat for a few weeks, the long term is that every time it happens it puts us at higher risk for other health problems caused my malnutrition and also things like cancer, diabetes, lupus, thyroid disease, etc.

Oh, okay. That's a shame :(

That wouldn't be an issue in the UK or Ireland though.

I also chose the UK over Ireland because the entire community around there is aware of celiac (they spell it coeliac) and it would probably be even easier for us there than it is here where just about nobody knows what we are talking about.

I also chose the UK over Ireland because the entire community around there is aware of celiac (they spell it coeliac) and it would probably be even easier for us there than it is here where just about nobody knows what we are talking about.

We spell it coeliac too. My brother-in-law's family suffers from it, so I know what you're talking about.

I thought you'd chosen not to move o/s at all?

We spell it coeliac too. My brother-in-law's family suffers from it, so I know what you're talking about.

I thought you'd chosen not to move o/s at all?

I put some heavy restrictions on it, but if we make it through the 4 month interview process when we get the offer I will have to decide if we are going or not, I just had to figure out which countries were acceptable to apply to.

The offer would have to be pretty good for me to move.

it's hard enough for myself and my kids to be healthy and normal in America, upon research of Japan I figured out that since all the food labels are in Japanese and I don't even speak Japanese, and most of those people there probably don't speak English well enough to help me, that we would all probably get sick a lot (which is actually dangerous and not just an inconvienence) or we would all not eat much.

my children's health is much more important to me than them experiencing life in "a different culture", you know they can't experience much if they die.

Just made me think of the scene from the movie "The Grudge", where Clea DuVall's character is wandering up and down the aisles in the shop trying to find something she likes... or, apparently, that she can even work out what it is! So, she is poking holes in the packages to see what they look or smell like...:)

Food is a big deal, actually - and don't let anyone trivialise it. Just the difference between what I used to eat in the UK, and what is available in this area of the US, is a huge difference - and our 'cultures' are remarkably similar.

after intense research, I said UK or nothing, and we needed a 20% raise over the change of cost of living or I wasn't leaving the states.

I am pretty sure that covers me ;)

I did say that I would consider relocating within the US but marked a few states off my acceptable list.


20% seems low compared with OK. Espesh when you consider the VAT

Also if you enjoy decent coffee and sunshine Blighty is no place for you. Otherwise it's great.

20% seems low compared with OK. Espesh when you consider the VAT

Also if you enjoy decent coffee and sunshine Blighty is no place for you. Otherwise it's great.

ah, but they figure the VAT into the cost of living, so it's 20% after they take care of cost of living.

ah, but they figure the VAT into the cost of living, so it's 20% after they take care of cost of living.


If I'm not mistaken it seems like a lot of your expenditures are for medical care. Will you be covered by the NHS whilst in the UK?

If I'm not mistaken it seems like a lot of your expenditures are for medical care. Will you be covered by the NHS whilst in the UK?

we are still trying to find that out, however if we were, then the money saved from that alone would be....:D

we are still trying to find that out, however if we were, then the money saved from that alone would be....:D


You would be...forgive the expression...shittin' in tall cotton.:p

I think you'd be better off in Japan.
The kookiness and oddity of the place and the locals would appeal to you greatly, imo.
Also the food.
And the close proximity to other awesome places like Thailand, Vietnam, Tibet, Mongolia...