Moving to the USA?

[SA E30]

Hey guys,

Figured this is a good place to start and get some opinions. With in the next year and a half my gf (soon to be fiance... I hope) are looking at leaving this place we call South Africa, not for lack of it being a beautiful country but rather for lack of it being a country that offers us much. Being a white male in this country is hard, they are punishing us, the generation that had nothing to do with oppression, so much so that I've been struggling to find a job here for the last 2 years, luckily I've had my fathers business to work in but you get the picture.

Now enough of the rant, I just want to know how hard is it to find a jobs over there without a university degree? I don't have one, but I do have a couple years experience working in an auto shop doing mainly mechanical work, and 5yr's experience in the interior decorating and furnishing industry. My gf will soon be a qualified teacher though, and has a EU passport but I just have a lousy South African, not worth the paper it's printed on passport.

Also, our major wants, well mostly mine are to be in almost year round warm, dryish climate (i'll freeze my south african nuts off in the cold there). Close to a race track as I do plan on continuing racing out there once we get on our feet, and of course not too small of a town or at least a rather large city pretty close by.

What say you?

[chadthestampede]

You'll probably want to live in California, Arizona or Texas because of the dry climate. I would avoid California because of the high taxes and how much of a mess that state is in general. Avoid Nevada too, highest unemployment rate in the nation I believe.

As far as teaching goes, I'm a teacher myself and the job market isn't all that great in places like California or NY. The south west states have had a need for teachers for a while now, but the humid climate might put you off. It's hit or miss everywhere else, depending on her content area.

I doubt you'd have trouble getting a job, judging by some of the morons they hire to work in shops around here, someone like you with actual knowledge and experience should have no problem landing a job.

Then again, you have Die Antwoord, why would you want to move?

[z31maniac]

TX would be my suggestion for you.

Lots of opportunities, low cost of living, lower taxes.

[SA E30]

You'll probably want to live in California, Arizona or Texas because of the dry climate. I would avoid California because of the high taxes and how much of a mess that state is in general. Avoid Nevada too, highest unemployment rate in the nation I believe.

As far as teaching goes, I'm a teacher myself and the job market isn't all that great in places like California or NY. The south west states have had a need for teachers for a while now, but the humid climate might put you off. It's hit or miss everywhere else, depending on her content area.

I doubt you'd have trouble getting a job, judging by some of the morons they hire to work in shops around here, someone like you with actual knowledge and experience should have no problem landing a job.

Then again, you have Die Antwoord, why would you want to move?

Ahaha, Die Antwoord (if I'm correctly assuming is that stupid rap band/crew?) is the biggest load of crap I've ever heard, might possibly even become a reason to be leaving this place.

We've spoken about Texas, and it kinda fits what we're looking into. I love the thought of legally being able to carry a numerous fire arms, well legally that is.

She's an ECD and Foundation teacher, not sure it means much, but basically she is qualified to teach pre school, and 6yrs up till 10yrs old here.

Thanks guys!

[SA E30]

Oh, one more thing. What would it take to import my 2 e30's over there?

One is a road car (in my sig), and the other is my widebody race car, of course both are RHD.

[Brandon12V]

Texas has a pretty good market of jobs available due to it's size an population. crime rate is slightly heavy in some parts but the climate fits you well. I agree with Arizona. It's a great place to live as my mother lived there and I have friends there. I've contemplated moving there but I'm close to family and I grew up here in Indianapolis. Not sure I'm ready to venture outside my 'bubble' financially yet. I can't really speak for the educating part but if you're knowledged enough you can acquire ASE certification on your own time and pick up an hourly paid job at almost any auto shop given the demand for an employee. Most corporate owned shops will hire you in under an apprenticeship at a low rate until you get your ASE certification an it's only uphill from there. I would suggest this route if wish to become a tech, but do not want to attend school starting out as a lot of them offer family health insurance plans. It sounds you'll be getting married in the near future and it will benefit your tax reliefs.

[ACMF74]

TX would be my suggestion for you.

Lots of opportunities, low cost of living, lower taxes.

http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-112664-9543-4-the-best-big-cities-for-jobs?ywaad=ad0035&nc

indeed....

[mattdk318i]

Dont forget South Carolina! Had to throw that out there.

[scabzzzz]

Texas might good for you. If you like beautiful country and dont mind humidity, try out the south east states. Anything on the east coast will have snow at some point in the year aside from southern Florida. The further north you go, the colder it gets in the winter.
I know 2 people from South Africa, both white-ish. Both loved Tennessee and have lived here before. Its one of the greenest states in the country (land and recycling) and has a stable economy. High sales tax but cheap to live here. Jobs are relatively plentiful, especially in the automotive service industry.

[Julien]

you gonna need a green card, yo

[mattdk318i]

i have to agree with tennessee. I love that place. Cant get enough of the sights and sounds

[A Sucked Orange]

Being a white male in this country is hard

America is hard on white males as well, though you can probably get by a bit easier if you just make sure you hate yourself! :up:

[DEV0 E30]

You definitely want to be in the southwest for the climate. Arizona would probably fit the bill. I'd suggest visiting beforehand.

You just need to get your immigration stuff figured out like Julien stated.

[Julien]

oh and don't move to asheville :)

[z31maniac]

I will also 2nd the Nashville area, fantastic city. The wife and I liked it enough there we are going back soon, and may eventually end up out there.