I lived in England for four years and absolutely loved it. If I thought I could afford it with the same standard of living I have now I would have retired there. But, with the current exchange rate, things are very expensive. London is my favorite place in the world. In fact Connie and I will be spending a week there in October. If the job offer is in London, forget about a car. You won't need one and with the taxes, you won't want one. As far as pets go, if you bring one into the country, it has to go in quarentine for, I believe, six months. They are very strict on this for fear of rabies. And if you have any guns, sell them or give them away. If they show up in your household goods and the bobby's find out, plan to spend a significant amount of time in a government run facility free of rent (as in jail).

 

I think you are recieving advice from a lot of people who have never been there and they don't want to loose you from the North Texas S2000 owners group. After spending only a few outtings with you I can understand why. But don't believe all that talk about the air quality in London. They don't burn coal in their fireplaces anymore and I would rate the air quality better than the DFW area. And the Summer weather is, in my opinion, only about 500 times better than the weather in the DFW area. Spring and Fall are mixed and Winters are mild temerperature wise but overcast and misty. You won't see any gullywashers like in Texas.

 

I've skimmed most of the posts in this thread and most seem to be helpful. I'll add my comments.

I was just in London for the first time, spending about 3 days just cruising around with a couple of friends and absorbing as much of the city as I could in said time. It's a fantastic place with friendly people, but due to the exchange rate, exorbantly expensive. Someone mentioned the "terrorist quotient", which is no worse there than it is here.

I have a friend who was thrown into a similar situation as you. He and his (now wife) moved over there for a 2-year contract with Lockheed. When his contract was extended another year, they were very happy. They love it over there, despite her not being able to work due to no UK citizenship and no work visa. They travel often and Lockheed pays for her to travel with him wherever he goes. Granted, they do miss a few things they can't get there (Velveeta, authentic Mexican food, etc.) and travel back home is a major undertaking, but they do really enjoy their time. I imagine they'll want to live back in the US when they decide to have kids so they're closer to home.

That said, it would be a good opportunity if you lived just outside the city (IMO) and were paid handsomely. The exchange rate is currently miserable and is only getting worse.

Ryan

 

Yeah, so how would a job for me work out? Obviously C would have a work visa of some sort, being sponsored by her company. But me? Looking for an all-new job? Would the UK give me a work visa? Could I stay over there if I lost the job or simply couldn't find one? Remember, we're not married.

 

Looks like you have a good excuse now...no pressure






j/k!

 

I think being a kept man would work for me