Might be moving to GA

[Coder]

As most of you know, I'm a Swede.. European.. yeah.. one of those snobby Europeans. However, in the mid 90s I spent 2 years in Georgia studying journalism, but then ended up working as programmer when I came home to Sweden (after some more studying).

Anyways, last year was the first time back in the US since 1997, and this year I went back to the same place, both times meeting up with old friends I hadn't been in touch with for 11 years.

Both times I also felt a sense of belonging.. I currently work as a systems analyst/developer for a huge international consulting company and well.. to be honest, I'm not happy.. and like I said, I have this weird sense of belonging in the US.

So for fun I went to craigslist and checked out what jobs were advertised in the Atlanta area and there actually was one that sounded very much "me".. so I fired off an email, explaining my situation, explaining the hoops they would have to go through, and giving them my resume.

Two hours later I had an email saying they were interested.

I was kind of shocked by the sudden reality of the situation.

The email sort of suggested they would have other options if my salary demands were too high though. I checked the average salaries for application developers and realized that they wanted me to suggest a salary demand just below the average salary. I replied back saying that I did have a certain demand and I didn't want them to pick me over anyone else because I was cheaper, but because I could contribute more than a competitor.

The didn't reply for 10 days, so I thought they'd backed out. Today I got an email asking for an interview by Skype next week.

So what do you guys think? Should I go through with this? It's a very large step. I have a certain security here right now financially, I have a car and an apartment centrally located in Sweden's second largest city and I earn above average at my present job.

I would leave behind parents and a sister, but that's it. I'm single and I don't have any children, and in Atlanta I have friends and my former host family who I have lots of contact with. I'm 34, so if I were to take this step it's sort of now or never.

Ok.. I'm rambling.. you're probably not interested, but I'm both excited and a bit worried about this so I had to let it out somehow .

[tarcone]

Go for it. You can alweays go back home.
Your situation is such that it lends itself to this type of move. Of course, Im not sure how close you are to your family. Do you go over to their house every Sunday? Do you hang out with them regularily?

Personally, I would go for it. What do you have to lose? Jobs can always be found.

[TUFFY]

ABSOLUTELY check it out. If it interests you, see what it all has to offer, then weigh your options. Even if you decide not to make the move, I would think you would rather KNOW what you have passed on then wonder..... for the rest of your life.

I know exactly how you feel about GA. I have family that live down there and everytime I visit.... I try to find a reason to stay. So I know what you mean by the 'sense of belonging'. The only other place I felt that way was NC. Maybe someday I'll make that move.

[Matt]

awesome news!!!

having spent time down there last year, all's I can say is GO!!!

better to try than to second guess yourself. Likely a good idea to do some background checks on the company and its health. I'd hate to see you come over and something to happen.

[Coder]

Thanks for the encouraging words. The company in question is Emerald Software Group, and I don't have that much information on them other than the email-conversation and their website: http://www.emeraldsoftwaregroup.com/Home

[morellomre]

I agree with everyone else, go for it. If you feel strongly enough to take this chance then you'll end up not regretting it. And with your situation (no wife/kids) it's easy to move back home if it doesn't work out.

As a fellow unhappy cubicle worker in a huge multi-national firm I am jealous of your oppurtunity.

I would do as much research on my prospective employer though.

[Coder]

I just replied to the CEO who's been emailing me personally so far that I'll do an interview next week. They want to start out working with me as a remote contractor since the whole VISA situation is a bit difficult for non North Americans.

This might also be a good thing for me, since I'd get to feel them out just as much as they feel me out during a trial run. I'd prefer not to quit my regular job until we're both ok with me coming over full time.

[Kobeck]

if nothing else you could have a side gig for while you are at work

[JesterBlaze]

Sounds like a great change of pace! Good luck!

[Suicane]

You Might Be A Redneck If..............

[Matt]

Put your hand up if you're not happy with you job!!!!!!!

[Coder]

:dancing:

closest I could get to "hand up"...

[Suicane]

Can you make swedish meatballs out of possum?

[Matt]

update?

it's a few weeks later already

[Coder]

I'm in a bit of a hurry right now, but the lowdown is that things are progressing. The main point right now seems to be that they're not really interested in paying me market value. The average salary for .net programmers is around 75k a year, and early on they sort of indicated that they want to pay less than 60k.

I sent them this link:

http://www.simplyhired.com/a/salary/...-Atlanta%2C+GA

I'll tell you more later tonight.