Living in the United States

The opportunities for living in the USA are enormous, but not much of a safety net
exists, so prepare well, buy health insurance, and be ready to bounce back if your
first venture fails. America in many respects remains strongly regional; living in the
traditional South of the USA is vastly different from living in Europe-looking New
England, and the frontier states of the Pacific North West lead different lives, too.
The history and climate of each region produces its economy and character, so it
pays to research before you choose where to settle. State legislatures add a third
level of government to national and local bureaucracies.
Nowhere is the cult of the car stronger. Acquiring an automobile becomes a
pressing need when it comes to looking for housing and jobs. Americans drive
great distances as a matter of course; a 45 mile, one hour journey to work is
common. In the USA, they also tend to judge you by your vehicle.

Living in Canada
Canada defines itself largely in opposition to the United States and Britain. Quebec
forms a distinct society, but links itself strongly to the US economy. Canada is less
centralised than, for example, London-focused Britain, so each province runs many
of the activities that in Europe are usually co-ordinated at a national level, most
notably health-care and education. In other ways Canada seems more similar
throughout than Britain; with the exception of Newfoundland, the English-Canadian
accent sounds the same from Halifax to Victoria. Canada is proud to see itself as a
bilingual, multi-ethnic country.

Looking for work

UK qualifications are generally well respected, although check the details for your
particular trade or profession. Collect written testimonials to your good character
and work efficiency; these will get you to the first interview, after which prospective
employers will usually telephone for references. Volunteer work counts in your
favour, particularly as you are settling in. British charm is one route to jobs; English
accents remain a source of fascination.
It is illegal to ask on application forms or in interviews such personal details as age,
nationality, marital status, number of dependants, religion, race and so on, so it is
not customary to include these on the CV (better known as resume). The North
American resume differs in other details from its British equivalent; consider having
yours tailored by a specialist firm that will present your experience in the best
possible light. Assume your skills are transferable, but recognise that North
American companies may not understand this; argue your merits and prove your

own case. In the covering letter you send with every resume, mention any link you
may have with North America such as previous travel or relatives currently living
there, and explain that you are in the process of applying for a visa.
The key to finding a job is research. Write to the association that represents your
trade or profession in your country of choice and ask for contacts. Read their
national and, if possible, local press for general information, as well as trade
publications for more specific details. Send letters on spec, by all means, but also
scour the job ads and reply, even if your application will miss the deadline. Fax or
phone as well; it impresses.
Investment possibilities

If you have business skills, you may choose to embody the entrepreneurial spirit of
North America and run your own business. There are several ways that the small
investor can profit by being British. Pubs, teashops, and fish and chip shops are
novelties over there, and unknown still in many towns. The bed and breakfast inns
have succeeded well, and import shops are an old favourite. Merely possessing a
British accent can help enough to get you interviews with the people you need to
see.
Self-employment is a big jump from working for someone else, and to attempt this at the
same time as switching countries may prove too much. If you are prepared to run a
business, there are four routes. You can buy up an existing concern (e.g. invest in a bar,
and turn it into a pub), set up a branch office (especially useful for a trading firm), go into a
joint venture (but you have to find a trustworthy local partner), or start from scratch.

Minimum wages
The minimum wage in Canada is set by each province and territory; ranges from C$10.20
to C$12.50 per hour
The federal minimum wage in the United States is US$7.25 per hour. States may also set
a minimum, in which case the higher of the two is controlling; some territories are exempt
and have lower rates.
In the UK, 6.50 per hour ($10.21) (aged 21+), 5.13 per hour ($8.06) (aged 1820), 3.79
per hour ($5.95) (under 18), 2.73 per hour ($4.29) (apprentices aged 16 to 18 and those
aged 19 or over who are in their first year).