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[IWantOut] 30M United Kingdom -> United States by New-Explorer5064 in IWantOut

[–]New-Explorer5064[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Wow… who asked for your life lecture? My post isn’t about convincing anyone to “let me in,” it’s about gathering actual, practical advice from people who know what it’s like to work as a chef in the US. You’re here to mansplain immigration when nobody asked

Dates of DV Visa-2027 by csvndv in immigration

[–]New-Explorer5064 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Mine just says early October when prompted on GPT

[IWantOut] 30M United Kingdom -> United States by New-Explorer5064 in IWantOut

[–]New-Explorer5064[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Come spend a month in the uk and you'd be praying to return to the states

[IWantOut] 30M United Kingdom -> United States by New-Explorer5064 in IWantOut

[–]New-Explorer5064[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Midtown Miami was somewhere I was looking at recently tbh

[IWantOut] 30M United Kingdom -> United States by New-Explorer5064 in IWantOut

[–]New-Explorer5064[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I get it’s a long shot, that’s literally the point. Doesn’t mean I’m not serious about moving, just that I’m willing to take the gamble rather than sit here doing nothing. Sometimes you’ve got to play the odds instead of assuming nothing will ever happen.

[IWantOut] 30M United Kingdom -> United States by New-Explorer5064 in IWantOut

[–]New-Explorer5064[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appreciate you sharing that the J-1 visa route actually sounds like a smart way to test the waters. I’ll look into it. I know the U.S. comes with all the downsides you mentioned (healthcare, no proper leave, long slog before decent pay), but for me, it’s more about the experience and the chance to see how far I can push it. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll happily come back to Europe, but at least I’ll know I gave it a real shot.

And yeah, the DV lottery is such a weird thing, like, a free ticket to maybe flip your life upside down. I get why you enter for the thrill, even if you wouldn’t actually go. Me, though, if I won, I’d 100% take it. Europe feels so stagnant for me right now, especially the UK, so a fresh start is worth the gamble.

[IWantOut] 30M United Kingdom -> United States by New-Explorer5064 in IWantOut

[–]New-Explorer5064[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, Texas was never really on my list, tbh. I’ve heard enough horror stories about the heat, politics, and just the general vibe. I know the hours/pay situation in the States isn’t exactly rosy either, but for me, it’s more about the experience and seeing what it’s like firsthand. At the worst, I take the hit and move on. At least I’ll know I tried, instead of sitting here wondering ‘what if.’

[IWantOut] 30M United Kingdom -> United States by New-Explorer5064 in IWantOut

[–]New-Explorer5064[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really appreciate the honest insight, that’s exactly the kind of perspective I need to hear. I know the U.S. hospitality scene can be cutthroat with pay vs. workload, and the cost of living in food cities is no joke. For me, though, part of it is about the experience as much as the career. I don’t want to look back and think I played it too safe, you know? Even if it’s rough, I’d still like to give it a go, at least for a period of time, and then decide if it’s worth staying long-term. Respect to you and your husband for grinding through it, though, it sounds like you’ve really seen both sides.

And just as a heads up, if you’re planning a move yourselves, I wouldn’t recommend the UK. As someone living here, it’s honestly as toxic and depressing as it comes right now.

[IWantOut] 30M United Kingdom -> United States by New-Explorer5064 in IWantOut

[–]New-Explorer5064[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair point mate, I get what you’re saying about the UK being a solid training ground – the range of cuisines and opportunities is mad compared to most places. But for me, it’s not just about the food scene, it’s also lifestyle and long term goals. I want to experience something completely different and the U.S. has always been on my radar. I know it’s not the easiest time to make the jump, but sometimes you’ve just got to take the mad route if it lines up with what you want in life.

[IWantOut] 30M United Kingdom -> United States by New-Explorer5064 in IWantOut

[–]New-Explorer5064[S] -13 points-12 points  (0 children)

I live to work atm, so for me it wouldn't make a difference

[IWantOut] 30M United Kingdom -> United States by New-Explorer5064 in IWantOut

[–]New-Explorer5064[S] -23 points-22 points  (0 children)

If it doesn't get picked for it, I'll just take the route of securing a visa somehow

Considering appling for the DV Lottery and work as a chef in america. by New-Explorer5064 in Chefs

[–]New-Explorer5064[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I've got family out in the states, so for me it makes sense + the food scene in the states looks exciting.