I'm really surprised at how long it took-considering we had a place to live, and I'd been thru the process of setting life up here once before-so for example, I knew which mobile provider, cable provider, energy provider...etc..to use. Plus, we've had the added flexibility of having someone at home during the work week to manage some of the small appointments (Simon starts his new job next week).
It's especially surprising when I reflect back to how long it took to feel settled in London (3 months), and how frustrating and tiring it was dealing with the endless to-do list. It was the exact same feeling here. This past weekend was literally the first weekend since we arrived in Seattle (August 31st) that I actually felt like I could sit down and relax-and not continue to think about the things that needed to be done...largely, because the list is now done!
Admittedly, it wasn't until 2 weeks ago before our goods from London arrived (we had them packed for shipment in mid-May...don't get me started...), and it wasn't until 10 days ago that the couch & chair that we bought in North Carolina in July arrived (we'd literally been using an air mattress as a 'couch'), and I know that was a large contributor to the feeling. But even 'stuff' aside, the settling in process has been considerable.
Moving back has been one constant surprise after another. I guess I should simply add this one to the list too!
I think that you might relate to Madeleine Hatfield's research regarding return migration and how repatriation takes people off guard.
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.moveguides.com/move-guides-presents-writer-editor-researcher-madeleine-hatfield/
Great find, Michelle. I thought I was prepared, but am constantly finding myself surprised!
ReplyDeleteWho knew...
Hi Kristina - I just came across your blog. I am an American living and working in Scotland, but want to move back to the States. I read that you headed over to States without a job lined up. How long did it take you to find a job? Did you go back to your previous employer in the States? I really want to have a job lined up before I move back. Any advice would be wonderful!
ReplyDeleteHi Kathleen,
DeleteHuge apologies for taking too long to get back to you!
My last job in the UK was with Google-and they simply weren't hiring in Seattle, where I wanted to land-so it really wasn't an option.
Both Simon and I started looking for jobs 6 months before we moved back to the US, and both got the responses, 'thanks for the contact...wait until you're back in the US before applying'. A horribly short-sighted response IMHO, but there you have it. :)
Unless that sentiment has changed, you may find yourself receiving the same responses. Or not! I guess it could also depend on the supply/demand of your profession where you are going. We're both in high-demand industries...but supply is also high. :)
In hindsight, I would have started applying for roles about a month before moving-but would have updated my LinkedIn profile and resume to make it seem like I was already in the US. Am guessing that it could take a good month for a recruiter to respond to anything you've applied for, so you could possibly time a first phone screen or in-person loop with your return to the US.
It took me 2 months to find a job when I got back -which, as I took 2 months to travel across country, worked out perfectly in the end. :)
Best of luck to you!