5 things I've learnt from my first year in the US

Having returned to the UK recently for the holidays, there was one topic of conversation that dominated my trip home...What’s it like living and working in the US?

So, almost a year on from this blog I wrote about our move to Boston, I’m reflecting on what it’s been like. If you’re considering relocating to a different country for work or you’re just interested in my journey, this article is for you. As with all my posts, I’ve given an honest assessment. Warts and all. Here goes, in no particular order…

The early days are tough going with a young family…

I’m not going to lie, the first couple of months of living over here were very hard. Amongst the excitement for me personally, it was tough going particularly for my wife and youngest son who was three at the time. Being taken from the comfort, familiarity and security of ‘home’ to somewhere else (wherever that may be) is not a simple or easy transition. We were lucky that my eldest son took to it like a duck to water, but my youngest didn’t fare so well. Hearing him ask his mummy when he was going back to his nursery and bedroom was pretty heart-breaking, especially knowing I was the cause. The bitterly cold Boston winter didn’t help matters but our decision to put him into day care/nursery was the pivotal moment that elevated his US experience.  

A Geordie feels special in the US…

The thing about being a Geordie (a person from Newcastle for my American friends) in North East England, is you blend into the crowd. But moving to the US as a ‘legal alien’ means you stick out. And meeting people from across North America intrigued and excited by where I’m from, well, feels special. Being British in the US also seems to carry a sense of credibility in terms of quality, integrity and dare I say intelligence. What goes hand in hand with this is I am very proud of being British (and a Geordie) while living abroad, and American folks seem to love that! Put simply, being a Geordie is the US is a brand differentiator. Worked well for Sting too. 

The Founder factor…

I don’t have a job title on my business card. I’m just not a fan. It’s probably the reason a client once took me for the receptionist! However, during the first few months of being in the US, I met a lady at an event. She wasn’t overly interested in me, despite my (ahem) British charm. Then she heard I was the founder. Her eyes lit up and she said: “Why is that not on your business card?”. The lesson learnt was that entrepreneurship and being a founder is hugely celebrated and respected in the US. To many, building a business, employing people and creating your own wealth is very much the American dream. So, while I’d be a bit more sheepish and reserved about my title in Europe, I’m loud and proud about it over here.

Cultural enrichment…

Prior to moving here, I’d have dismissed the US in terms of culture. When you’re British and you have Italy, France and Spain on your doorstep, you feel at the top of the culture tree. But here’s the thing. Boston is one of the most cosmopolitan and international places in the US. As a consequence, we’ve developed connections and friendships with people from all over the world. Japan, China, Taiwan, Korea, South Africa, Israel, Columbia, Malaysia and almost every European country to name but a few. And my word are people willing to help. Moving to a new place and being welcomed and helped by others really enables you to see the best in humanity. It’s magical.  

20% of what you have is enough…

The biggest lesson I have learnt is the realisation of the abundance of my life pre-move. From a five-bedroom house to a two-bedroom apartment. From two fancy cars to one practical family one. Put simply, we brought about 20% of our belongings to Boston and I have no idea what is in the 80% I left behind in storage. Crazy. It’s just shown me how flawed, frivolous and fleeting the purist of some material items can be. Spending time and money on experiences, adventure and joy is more fulfilling and enduring. There is a wonderful quote by Karen Salmansohn that really resonates...

“Collect moments not things.”

My main reason for coming to the US was simply to have no regrets in life. Take the chance of a lifetime that many others have let pass. The big question – was it a good move?

Absolutely.

Despite all the hassle involved in moving your family and entire life 3,000 miles. I wouldn’t change it for a second. It continues to be a fantastic personal adventure with my family. An incredible upward trajectory for ramarketing. And more learnings and experiences for me to share. Any regrets? Not one.  

And for those of you interested in some of my more humorous learnings, here are five…

1. A large Dunkin Donuts coffee cup is significantly bigger than my head.
2. I can legitimately and comfortably fit inside and American fridge freezer.
3. Suggesting a hamper of goodies as a prize (like my wife did at work) leads to odd looks over here… a hamper is a dirty laundry basket. What a prize. 
4. Getting a brown bag full of beer from the liquor store is real American living. It’s just the best.
5. And a growler has a very different meaning in the UK than it does in the US!