Tek-Tips is the largest IT community on the Internet today!
Members share and learn making Tek-Tips Forums the best source of peer-reviewed technical information on the Internet!
-
Congratulations IamaSherpa on being selected by the Tek-Tips community for having the most helpful posts in the forums last week. Way to Go!
Working in the UK 3
- Thread starter mag007
- Start date
porkchopexpress
IS-IT--Management
Yes Fee is correct there isn't a 98% tax bracket anymore. I would also say that in general the NHS offers a good standard of health care but it can vary between trusts. My partner works for the NHS of course theirs is a very good one ;-)
Not that that's very important for this thread unless you graze your knee while you're over here.
Not that that's very important for this thread unless you graze your knee while you're over here.
SantaMufasa
Technical User
Sorry of my assessment of NHS is inaccurate. I'm just going from personal experience in which each time I went to the doctor's office (different doctor each time), the waiting room (for a single doctor) had three dozen people waiting, the elapsed waiting time to see the doctor was about 2.5 hours and following a brief interview with the doctor, I received the same prescription for the same tablets, no matter what was wrong with me.
When I shelled out the money for a "real (non-NHS) doctor", my treatment was stellar.
More recently, whilst working in the UK, my wife and two of my adult daughters were with me. During our three-month stay, my wife suffered a stoke. She received her three-day treatment at Chelsea-Westminster Hospital (extremely modern facility that appears in most of the British movies that involve a hospital), my wife received the finest treatment available, IMHO.
![[santa]](/data/assets/smilies/santa.gif "[santa] [santa]")
Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[I provide low-cost, remote Database Administration services: www.dasages.com]
When I shelled out the money for a "real (non-NHS) doctor", my treatment was stellar.
More recently, whilst working in the UK, my wife and two of my adult daughters were with me. During our three-month stay, my wife suffered a stoke. She received her three-day treatment at Chelsea-Westminster Hospital (extremely modern facility that appears in most of the British movies that involve a hospital), my wife received the finest treatment available, IMHO.
Mufasa(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[I provide low-cost, remote Database Administration services: www.dasages.com]
Sorry Dave - I wasn't complaining at you! I'd be the first to conceed that the NHS is underfunded, but that's the nature of the beast.
The last time I went to my GP's (which I guess is Doctors Office) I phoned at about 9:30am, got given an appointment at 10:10 - saw the doc on time and got a new prescription.
But, its fairly rural here, so maybe I'm lucky!
Fee
The question should be [red]Is it worth trying to do?[/red] not [blue] Can it be done?[/blue]
The last time I went to my GP's (which I guess is Doctors Office) I phoned at about 9:30am, got given an appointment at 10:10 - saw the doc on time and got a new prescription.
But, its fairly rural here, so maybe I'm lucky!
Fee
The question should be [red]Is it worth trying to do?[/red] not [blue] Can it be done?[/blue]
porkchopexpress
IS-IT--Management
You can only base your opinion on your experience, my opinion is largely based on my partners possibly biased position 
![[wink]](/data/assets/smilies/wink.gif "[wink] [wink]")
)Actually, it's not just luck of the draw, there have been a lot of targets brought in in the past few years, plus initiatives like giving more responsibility to practice nurses & I've certainly noticed the difference it's made to GP practices.
"Your rock is eroding wrong." -Dogbert
"Your rock is eroding wrong." -Dogbert
porkchopexpress
IS-IT--Management
Not turning it into bacon?
- Thread starter
- #30
Well, I am single, and I am still considering it. How would I get things in motion to move to UK; London to be particular. Here in the U.S, I can probally find a job in about 2-3 weeks, if I try hard, how hard will it be to find a job there?
Regarding money, its money. The more I get, the more I spend. The less I get, the less I spend. Simple as that for me. I don't go crazy or anything...
Regarding money, its money
. The more I get, the more I spend. The less I get, the less I spend. Simple as that for me. I don't go crazy or anything...-
1
- #31
mag007
A few stray thoughts:
Have you ever been to Britain? Or Europe? Why do you want to come?
I'm asking because people often have preconceived idea of what a new country will be like, and it's usually dead wrong!
I've travelled a lot, but never lived abroad - something I really regret - but a move abroad, even to Britain, will come as quite a culture shock.
As said above, the cost of living will probably horrify you, housing is very expensive, but if you're willing to rent in a shared house outside the centre of London, it's not too bad (so long as you can face anything up to an hour's commute on public transport).
Paid vacation is pretty good, the latest legislation requires that you get a minimum of 20 days paid leave plus 8 public holidays. I think that work hours are generally shorter than the US.
I'd agree that the National Health Service is generallly good, often excellent.
The language differences should not be underestimated, it's much easier to put your foot in it when you appear to speak the language - you don't get the latitude given to a non-English speaker.
Food may be an issue, there are loads of things you'd expect to find in a supermarket that you can't get here, and plenty of things you get here that you are unlikely to see in the US - Marmite and real cheese for a start!
A Visa/Work Permit will not be quick or easy, unless you work for a company with a UK office and can arrange something through them, otherwise I suggest you look at the
"Highly Skilled Migrant Programme"
In general the UK isn't looking to import workers, though there are special arrangements for Commonwealth citizens with a grand-parent born in the UK or Ireland, and there is currently quite an influx of workers from the recent Eastern European additions to the EEC. So the visa may be quite a hurdle.
UK companies now cannot legally employ you unless you already have a work permit, so there's a bit of a Catch 22.
All in all, if you do decide to come, it's likely to be quite an undertaking. However, if you do decide to pursue it you'll probably have a great experience.
Good luck!
Rosie
"Don't try to improve one thing by 100%, try to improve 100 things by 1%
A few stray thoughts:
Have you ever been to Britain? Or Europe? Why do you want to come?
I'm asking because people often have preconceived idea of what a new country will be like, and it's usually dead wrong!
I've travelled a lot, but never lived abroad - something I really regret - but a move abroad, even to Britain, will come as quite a culture shock.
As said above, the cost of living will probably horrify you, housing is very expensive, but if you're willing to rent in a shared house outside the centre of London, it's not too bad (so long as you can face anything up to an hour's commute on public transport).
Paid vacation is pretty good, the latest legislation requires that you get a minimum of 20 days paid leave plus 8 public holidays. I think that work hours are generally shorter than the US.
I'd agree that the National Health Service is generallly good, often excellent.
The language differences should not be underestimated, it's much easier to put your foot in it when you appear to speak the language - you don't get the latitude given to a non-English speaker.
Food may be an issue, there are loads of things you'd expect to find in a supermarket that you can't get here, and plenty of things you get here that you are unlikely to see in the US - Marmite and real cheese for a start!
A Visa/Work Permit will not be quick or easy, unless you work for a company with a UK office and can arrange something through them, otherwise I suggest you look at the
"Highly Skilled Migrant Programme"
In general the UK isn't looking to import workers, though there are special arrangements for Commonwealth citizens with a grand-parent born in the UK or Ireland, and there is currently quite an influx of workers from the recent Eastern European additions to the EEC. So the visa may be quite a hurdle.
UK companies now cannot legally employ you unless you already have a work permit, so there's a bit of a Catch 22.
All in all, if you do decide to come, it's likely to be quite an undertaking. However, if you do decide to pursue it you'll probably have a great experience.
Good luck!
Rosie
"Don't try to improve one thing by 100%, try to improve 100 things by 1%
SantaMufasa
Technical User
Rosie, Wise thoughts! Thanks for posting the "eye-opening" aspects of an American working in the UK.
Mufasa
(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[I provide low-cost, remote Database Administration services: www.dasages.com]
Mufasa(aka Dave of Sandy, Utah, USA)
[I provide low-cost, remote Database Administration services: www.dasages.com]
porkchopexpress
IS-IT--Management
It's like the Tek-Tips equivelent of the Rough Guide
I think a couple of stars are in order for effort.
I think a couple of stars are in order for effort.
Why not dip your toe in the water and come to the UK for a holiday?
Many visitors go to London, which is just like any other city in the world but miss out on the delights of the rest of it.
That would be like only going to New York to sample the USA.
Get out of London and see the real country, there is so much to see. As far as work is concerned, it would depend on what your skills are but if you are not tied down, I would suggest that you do it while you can.
Keith
Many visitors go to London, which is just like any other city in the world but miss out on the delights of the rest of it.
That would be like only going to New York to sample the USA.
Get out of London and see the real country, there is so much to see. As far as work is concerned, it would depend on what your skills are but if you are not tied down, I would suggest that you do it while you can.
Keith
porkchopexpress
IS-IT--Management
And remember if you get a well paid job here you could save quite a bit for a return to the U.S. 1.00 GBP = 1.96476 USD at the current exchange rate.
For what its worth, I've recently gone through a similar change... I moved from a small town on the west coast to just outside of DC and have experienced many of the same issues that people have discussed.
I recieved a 33% salary increase and saw my standard of living decrease by roughly the same amount. I used to have a nearly 700 square foot apartment in a newer building and now I in the basement of an aging townhouse and have to fight the occasional cricket for control of my bathroom. My car, gone, can't afford the fees, insurance, gas, or emission inspections. Public transit is nice, but not nearly as convienent in the DC area as it is in more concenetrated population centers.
Culture shock is pretty big as well. Where I grew up horns were used to scare the deer off the road. Now they are a constant sound as people try to use them as weapons. I also moved from an almost exclusively white area to a primarily hispanic area which creates a similar type of communication issue, from it being difficult to understand some of what we are saying to each other to struggling to understand all the conversations that are going on around me in Spanish (which my 3 years of in HS and college are not enough...).
***
All that being said, I knew ahead of time that I would be giving things up and I knew what I wanted in exchange. Thats probably the most important part. I wanted to live in DC without being a tourist. I wanted to be able to visit all the Smithonians, not just one or two next to the mall. There are many more things out there I still want to do.
In exachange I accepted that for at least 2 years I would be dealing with things that would often be foreign (or at least about 45 degress off from what I expected). I knew I wouldn't be paid what I think I am worth (given the glut of BAs and Graduate degrees in the area) and I knew there would be other things that I couldn't be prepared for.
It also helped that I spent a semester in Japan on a study abroad so the feeling of being slightly out of place wasn't brand new.
If you make the jump, set a time frame that you'll make it for, like 2 years, and then re-evaluate and see if you want to continue. That way you aren't constantly second guessing yourself or wondering, instead you are focusing on accomplishing what you want to accomplish.
Finally, I'd like to second the idea of taking a vacation there first. See how it compares to how you thought it would be... And I might even recommend going at a bad weather time so you see it at its worst ;p
***************************************
Have a problem with my spelling or grammar? Please refer all complaints to my English teacher:
Ralphy "Me fail English? That's unpossible." Wiggum
I recieved a 33% salary increase and saw my standard of living decrease by roughly the same amount. I used to have a nearly 700 square foot apartment in a newer building and now I in the basement of an aging townhouse and have to fight the occasional cricket for control of my bathroom. My car, gone, can't afford the fees, insurance, gas, or emission inspections. Public transit is nice, but not nearly as convienent in the DC area as it is in more concenetrated population centers.
Culture shock is pretty big as well. Where I grew up horns were used to scare the deer off the road. Now they are a constant sound as people try to use them as weapons. I also moved from an almost exclusively white area to a primarily hispanic area which creates a similar type of communication issue, from it being difficult to understand some of what we are saying to each other to struggling to understand all the conversations that are going on around me in Spanish (which my 3 years of in HS and college are not enough...).
***
All that being said, I knew ahead of time that I would be giving things up and I knew what I wanted in exchange. Thats probably the most important part. I wanted to live in DC without being a tourist. I wanted to be able to visit all the Smithonians, not just one or two next to the mall. There are many more things out there I still want to do.
In exachange I accepted that for at least 2 years I would be dealing with things that would often be foreign (or at least about 45 degress off from what I expected). I knew I wouldn't be paid what I think I am worth (given the glut of BAs and Graduate degrees in the area) and I knew there would be other things that I couldn't be prepared for.
It also helped that I spent a semester in Japan on a study abroad so the feeling of being slightly out of place wasn't brand new.
If you make the jump, set a time frame that you'll make it for, like 2 years, and then re-evaluate and see if you want to continue. That way you aren't constantly second guessing yourself or wondering, instead you are focusing on accomplishing what you want to accomplish.
Finally, I'd like to second the idea of taking a vacation there first. See how it compares to how you thought it would be... And I might even recommend going at a bad weather time so you see it at its worst ;p
***************************************
Have a problem with my spelling or grammar? Please refer all complaints to my English teacher:
Ralphy "Me fail English? That's unpossible." Wiggum
KenCunningham
Technical User
Whilst a holiday is a good idea, I really don't think you can become familiar or immersed in another country's culture in such a way. It is only by being involved in regular day-to-day life that this can happen. As for the suggestion to come at a 'bad weather time', you've plenty to choose from - between 1 Jan and 31 Dec to be exact ;-)
I've never worked outside the UK, but have worked in several areas within it. IT jobs in 'the north' (roughly a line above and including Manchester in the west and Sheffield in the east) are available and open up possibilities for a cheaper lifestyle than in the south east, together with a more laid-back approach in the main. That said, the Johnsonian adage that if one is tired of London, one is tired of life is true, and more so if you're young enough to enjoy it.
Whatever you decide, good luck and remember if you do come over to let us natives know!
I've never worked outside the UK, but have worked in several areas within it. IT jobs in 'the north' (roughly a line above and including Manchester in the west and Sheffield in the east) are available and open up possibilities for a cheaper lifestyle than in the south east, together with a more laid-back approach in the main. That said, the Johnsonian adage that if one is tired of London, one is tired of life is true, and more so if you're young enough to enjoy it.
Whatever you decide, good luck and remember if you do come over to let us natives know!
Alan Bennett said:
lionelhill
Technical User
... and don't be put off by the Brits writing bad things about their own country. Running ourselves down is part of the culture. It's generally regarded as rather bad taste to say anything good about oneself (except possibly in an interview, and then preferably while looking slightly shameful).
- Thread starter
- #39
mag007 said:
It may be, it really depends on how you define "quality of life" - come for a visit and see how it applies to you. If you do come over, I'm sure there's a few TTUKers who'd be happy to meet you for a drink and a chat.
Rosie
"Don't try to improve one thing by 100%, try to improve 100 things by 1%
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
- Question
- Locked
- Question
- Locked
- Question
- Locked
- Question