The Texpatriates Thread

[TexPx 2323]

I like Bend, but the people sometimes feel like clones:
-Patagonia jackets
-Trail running shoes
-Pickup/SUV with bike rack
-Weimaraner or German Short-Haired Pointer
-Two kids, always one boy and one girl
-New residents complaining about out-of-staters moving there
 
 

-White

[BehoId, The Underminer! 11669]

20 minutes ago, justhookit said:

Good luck. I remember you’ve spent a lot of time there. I’m headed down in a little over a week for 2 months which will make 5 months of living there this year. Still trying to work out the logistics of spending at least 6 months a year there every year.

Beach or inland?

[troph 24798]

31 minutes ago, Biggus Duckus said:

I like Bend, but the people sometimes feel like clones:

-Patagonia jackets

-Trail running shoes

-Pickup/SUV with bike rack

-Weimaraner or German Short-Haired Pointer

-Two kids, always one boy and one girl

-New residents complaining about out-of-staters moving there

 

 

And more queer people than you could imagine. I’ll be honest. No one clocks me in texas or the south or really anywhere not in Mexico nor Costa Rica, not Greece not Tahiti not California the places we’ve gone not Colorado not New Mexico those are just the last few years of travel but Portland holy shit balls they got trained eyeballs and spot us a mile away. It’s fine they are all cool people, it’s the future where it’s all good but man there are so many queer birds the truism remains true - one trans woman walking down the street is just a woman but two trans women walking down the street and boom you get clocked every time. It’s a bit unsettling. I’ve long preferred to hide. But truthfully I loved to the two trips we’ve taken to OR. 

[midtown 3345]

I like Bend, but the people sometimes feel like clones:
-Patagonia jackets
-Trail running shoes
-Pickup/SUV with bike rack
-Weimaraner or German Short-Haired Pointer
-Two kids, always one boy and one girl
-New residents complaining about out-of-staters moving there
 
 

Change a few things and this could be Austin

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

[Eljefeweizen 34]

Northern NM? Taos? In full disclosure, I'm an old, and just need some pretty surroundings, a decent beer scene, and legal weed.

[MC Fresh Breath 4074]

52 minutes ago, Biggus Duckus said:

I like Bend, but the people sometimes feel like clones:

-Patagonia jackets

-Trail running shoes

-Pickup/SUV with bike rack

-Weimaraner or German Short-Haired Pointer

-Two kids, always one boy and one girl

-New residents complaining about out-of-staters moving there

 

 

Lots of truth there.  The Pickup/SUV with bike rack is just about a necessity, though.    The trails here are fantastic.  Outdoor playground is one of the main perks. 

Edit:  Meant to add "ball caps" to your list, b/c nobody gets good haircuts here.  And hoodies b/c you can wear them 9 months out of the year. Wife calls it the "Bend Bro" look.

Edited July 14, 2022 by MC Fresh Breath

[Biggus Duckus 88]

7 minutes ago, MC Fresh Breath said:

Lots of truth there.  The Pickup/SUV with bike rack is just about a necessity, though.    The trails here are fantastic.  Outdoor playground is one of the main perks. 

Edit:  Meant to add "ball caps" to your list, b/c nobody gets good haircuts here.  And hoodies b/c you can wear them 9 months out of the year. Wife calls it the "Bend Bro" look.

I was this close to adding "brewery trucker hat" to the list.

[BehoId, The Underminer! 11669]

33 minutes ago, Eljefeweizen said:

Northern NM? Taos? In full disclosure, I'm an old, and just need some pretty surroundings, a decent beer scene, and legal weed.

It’s a great idea. Northern New Mexico food is my favorite.  Move to the canyon somewhere between Taos and Angel Fire.  

[Eljefeweizen 34]

34 minutes ago, BehoId, The Underminer! said:

It’s a great idea. Northern New Mexico food is my favorite.  Move to the canyon somewhere between Taos and Angel Fire.  

I've spent quite a bit of time in pretty much exactly that area, in Taos proper, and out on the mesa. It really strikes my fancy, but I need to be thoughtful about the next move.  

So much in this thread has really spoken to me. I've lived in Texas since I was three, grew up in Tyler, did undergrad in DFW, came to Austin for grad school 30+ years ago, got a couple of sweet gigs, and never left. Texas has treated me well (white, middle-aged male--I'll be able to pass as a commander in Gilead for a short period of time before I wind up on the wall), but I can't stand the climate (weather or political). I'm a political scientist by training, Democrats aren't winning statewide offices in the near future. I don't want to spend my remaining time in a place that is so ugly in so many ways.

I've got some family here and so does Mrs. Eljefeweizen, but we could fly or drive and see them on short notice.

[Aqua Buddha 14596]

2 hours ago, Biggus Duckus said:

I like Bend, but the people sometimes feel like clones:

-Patagonia jackets

-Trail running shoes

-Pickup/SUV with bike rack

-Weimaraner or German Short-Haired Pointer

-Two kids, always one boy and one girl

-New residents complaining about out-of-staters moving there

 

 

You spelled Bentonville wrong.

Catching up on this thread.  Seems the Republicans are self sorting themselves into the shitty parts of the country?  Fair assessment?

[gmr548 16580]

4 hours ago, Nice Guy Eddie said:

I’ve never been but Santa Fe has intrigued me. Certain areas of New Mexico sound great but I’m turned off by rankings where NM is frequently listed as one of the worse states to live. Does Albuquerque drag the whole state down?

 

3 hours ago, Beau Vine said:

I don't live in NM, but I've extensively looked at moving there, so take this with a grain of salt, but to me... NM's problems are almost all caused by terrible public education.  The town I'm trying to retire to happens to have one of the highest % of citizens with graduate degrees in the country, and it's not a coincidence that its public schools are the best non-magnet schools in the state.

Low opportunity is one of two things that has us hesitant on NM (age 30 - not retiring any time soon). Water being the other.

Edited July 14, 2022 by gmr548

[Biff Tannen 45685]

56 minutes ago, Aqua Buddha said:

You spelled Bentonville wrong.

Catching up on this thread.  Seems the Republicans are self sorting themselves into the shitty parts of the country?  Fair assessment?

Yep

3 hours ago, troph said:

And more queer people than you could imagine. I’ll be honest. No one clocks me in texas or the south or really anywhere not in Mexico nor Costa Rica, not Greece not Tahiti not California the places we’ve gone not Colorado not New Mexico those are just the last few years of travel but Portland holy shit balls they got trained eyeballs and spot us a mile away. It’s fine they are all cool people, it’s the future where it’s all good but man there are so many queer birds the truism remains true - one trans woman walking down the street is just a woman but two trans women walking down the street and boom you get clocked every time. It’s a bit unsettling. I’ve long preferred to hide. But truthfully I loved to the two trips we’ve taken to OR. 

You been hitting the sauce tonight troph?

[Chewbacca 7779]

3 hours ago, midtown said:

Change a few things and this could be Austin

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk
 

Yep.  Change the dogs to labs and it's CO.

[troph 24798]

1 hour ago, Biff Tannen said:

Yep

You been hitting the sauce tonight troph?

That was my first glass. So I was still sober but I won’t talk about before that suffice it to say hornian knows. Lord have mercy. Exes wow.

[SydneyCarton 48106]

7 hours ago, Aqua Buddha said:

You spelled Bentonville wrong.

Catching up on this thread.  Seems the Republicans are self sorting themselves into the shitty parts of the country?  Fair assessment?

Define shitty. Politically sure. But they’ve got all the best views. Yeah 

Edited July 14, 2022 by SydneyCarton

[justhookit 4191]

17 hours ago, BehoId, The Underminer! said:

Beach or inland?

Beach. I’ve had a boat down in Quepos since 2015. It’s for sale but the idea is buy a newer and probably smaller one and a condo or something in Manuel Antonio. I’ve always just stayed on the boat when I’m there and I enjoy that. I’d prefer to be actually in Quepos walking distance to the marina, but there just aren’t many/any options there.

[InkaUtexas 25940]

Just got a call I was hoping for. Conditional job offer to run some food and health development projects in West Africa. It is in and out, but due to the locations I would have to move to France or Portugal and set up the support office. 

Damn I hope our funding comes through. I will probably ending up staying.

An addition. Spoke with my 83 year old father. He served a lot across Europe. Old dude loves Texas, but said, hey, you get this I will come with you and take care of the house and crazy dog while you are traveling. Hell yeah! 

Edited July 14, 2022 by InkaUtexas
Big concern gone.

[MC Fresh Breath 4074]

On 7/13/2022 at 3:58 PM, MC Fresh Breath said:

I may post too much on these things, and its all opinion, but I'm going to give you some Bend cons in your list since I can sing the praises all day long.

Live music--> I have had some fun here and there, but what you find here will be the 'biggest' touring bands you get.   I had fun with some hardcore punk a few months back, but you're driving to Portland otherwise (a little over 3 hours).  Most of Bend really shuts down early.  Like 8-10 pm.  So if you're still active in Austin's scene, you will miss that.

"

Got to correct myself a bit on the live music.  It's not Austin, but there are smaller venues with shows that are fine for what they are.  Just may not be every night of the week.  Last night I saw the Heartless Bastards (hey, an Austin band) and it was a great show.  The other thing about any live music you find is its always going to be easy to get to.  You should review Events in Bend | The Source Weekly - Bend, Oregon (bendsource.com)  and if that has enough for you, well there you have it.

 

[MC Fresh Breath 4074]

Also, this:

Texas is the second-worst state to live in, according to report (expressnews.com)

 

Unfortunately, this as well:

England braces for 40C temperatures as experts warn thousands could die | UK weather | The Guardian

As Europe bakes in heatwave, wildfires rage from Portugal to Croatia | Reuters

Can't outrun climate change.

 

[Hefeweizen 5321]

What’s up?  I’ve found here in Cali there is definitely awareness that the people moving to Texas are doing so for political reasons.  Which was absolutely not the reason for my move but is very interesting in long term sociological perspective.  
 

I have to say that I’ve found so far:

 Restaurants are way more expensive.

 Wine is cheaper? Wtf ?

Gas, duh, but I don’t drive anymore and my BMW has become a garage queen for my kids to sell when I die.

I bought a nice bike and ride it everywhere.  That, my friends, is living right.  I can’t express how nice it is to be able to go anywhere without sweating my balls off.

 Contractors are way more punctual.  Prices are higher for labor but similar for materials.

 Permits are way more expensive.

Sales tax is higher.

 Property tax is about half to a third of Texas.

People here are happy as shit.  I think one of the things about Austin I had grown most tired of was the negative vibe.  A lot of anger, frustration, and traffic.  
 

 I also sold for way more than I thought I would in Austin so that’s made the move easier.  
 

Politics aside it was time for me to GTFO.  But Texas better watch its cornhole because the smart kids aren’t going to stick around if things continue as they are.

[Mdhorn 5949]

9 hours ago, MC Fresh Breath said:

Got to correct myself a bit on the live music.  It's not Austin, but there are smaller venues with shows that are fine for what they are.  Just may not be every night of the week.  Last night I saw the Heartless Bastards (hey, an Austin band) and it was a great show.  The other thing about any live music you find is its always going to be easy to get to.  You should review Events in Bend | The Source Weekly - Bend, Oregon (bendsource.com)  and if that has enough for you, well there you have it.

 

Heartless bastards were originally Cincy and I still like that core instead of whatever Erica has now. Portugal and the Iberian peninsula casualties have me double tapping that idea. Maryland suddenly doesn’t seem so bad.

[Brisketexan 105139]

What’s up?  I’ve found here in Cali there is definitely awareness that the people moving to Texas are doing so for political reasons.  Which was absolutely not the reason for my move but is very interesting in long term sociological perspective.  
 
I have to say that I’ve found so far:
 Restaurants are way more expensive.
 Wine is cheaper? Wtf ?
Gas, duh, but I don’t drive anymore and my BMW has become a garage queen for my kids to sell when I die.
I bought a nice bike and ride it everywhere.  That, my friends, is living right.  I can’t express how nice it is to be able to go anywhere without sweating my balls off.
 Contractors are way more punctual.  Prices are higher for labor but similar for materials.
 Permits are way more expensive.
Sales tax is higher.
 Property tax is about half to a third of Texas.
People here are happy as shit.  I think one of the things about Austin I had grown most tired of was the negative vibe.  A lot of anger, frustration, and traffic.  
 
 I also sold for way more than I thought I would in Austin so that’s made the move easier.  
 
Politics aside it was time for me to GTFO.  But Texas better watch its cornhole because the smart kids aren’t going to stick around if things continue as they are.

Smart kids aren’t sticking around. And the word is getting out that the quality of life in texas is among the worst in the nation (actual studies, not just a few folks griping). Top 5 for business….but 49th for living….that’s not sustainable.

Oh, and my kids are leaving and highly unlikely to return. What a waste. We are consuming our seed stock in Texas: lots of profits and money for the wealthiest to roll around in today, but net negative investment in our future workforce and quality of life. Except of course for the major economic engines in the state: Dallas, Austin, Houston…which our state government is openly warring against. And that government will eventually get its way.

[Patricio Swayze 17058]

Discussions of moving back to Brazil have increased lately.  This is not really politically motivated...I mean, some of the shit going on here factors in, but it is not the driving factor by any means.  Anyways, question for folks who have moved abroad, or maybe even moved domestically, with kids.  Ours are 7 and 5.  I feel like within the next couple of years is an ideal age to move because I feel like kids are more adaptable than adults (or teens).  My older brother moved his family to Texas from California about 6 years back.  His oldest at the time was 11-12 years old.  I recall the whole ordeal being pretty tough for the kids.  Separation from friends, sports teams, their home they were familiar with, etc.  I lived in the same house from preschool until I graduated high school.  I appreciate that my parent's provided that stability and familiarity.  Blah Blah Blah...I guess what I am asking is some input from surly assholes that moved around as kids and how you felt about it, or how it affected you.  Was it a net positive?  More than likely if this happens, we would go back for 2-3 years, then come back here (at least until retirement, then back there). 

[morehornsepower 887]

8 hours ago, Patricio Swayze said:

Discussions of moving back to Brazil have increased lately.  This is not really politically motivated...I mean, some of the shit going on here factors in, but it is not the driving factor by any means.  Anyways, question for folks who have moved abroad, or maybe even moved domestically, with kids.  Ours are 7 and 5.  I feel like within the next couple of years is an ideal age to move because I feel like kids are more adaptable than adults (or teens).  My older brother moved his family to Texas from California about 6 years back.  His oldest at the time was 11-12 years old.  I recall the whole ordeal being pretty tough for the kids.  Separation from friends, sports teams, their home they were familiar with, etc.  I lived in the same house from preschool until I graduated high school.  I appreciate that my parent's provided that stability and familiarity.  Blah Blah Blah...I guess what I am asking is some input from surly assholes that moved around as kids and how you felt about it, or how it affected you.  Was it a net positive?  More than likely if this happens, we would go back for 2-3 years, then come back here (at least until retirement, then back there). 

Grew up in a military family, and we moved every 3-4 years when I was growing up.  There is an awkward time when you're the new guy/girl, but there's also a sense of excitement being the new guy/girl.  Was definitely a net positive - so many skills and experiences that help as an adult - whether it is learning how to get to know people, or just having experienced living in different places.  You have cool stories that no one else has, and you learn how to tell them as well.

Definitely different now, with snapchat/instagram/etc...seems like that would make it easier...but, as an old, I really have no idea...

[Michael Knight 12977]

Currently in Barcelona and apart from the heat wave is very nice. Very walkable, friendly city and cheaper than Austin. They don't have liberal use of AC but if it's just 1-2 months out of the year then you can just vacation like everyone else. Tho  it looks like you'll eventually need to go all the way to the Arctic for relief.

 

My attitude used to be why should I move they're the ones who suck but at this point it gets harder and harder to ignore

Edited July 17, 2022 by Michael Knight

[morehornsepower 887]

Anyone have a good resource for becoming an expat?  Would be looking at retiring/semi-retiring, either in EU (where the wife has a dual citizenship), or in UK (where I can get a dual citizenship)...

Yes, i can google that myself, just hoping someone on here has actual experience and can share some wisdom...

[Mo Horn 8842]

8 hours ago, Patricio Swayze said:

Discussions of moving back to Brazil have increased lately.  This is not really politically motivated...I mean, some of the shit going on here factors in, but it is not the driving factor by any means.  Anyways, question for folks who have moved abroad, or maybe even moved domestically, with kids.  Ours are 7 and 5.  I feel like within the next couple of years is an ideal age to move because I feel like kids are more adaptable than adults (or teens).  My older brother moved his family to Texas from California about 6 years back.  His oldest at the time was 11-12 years old.  I recall the whole ordeal being pretty tough for the kids.  Separation from friends, sports teams, their home they were familiar with, etc.  I lived in the same house from preschool until I graduated high school.  I appreciate that my parent's provided that stability and familiarity.  Blah Blah Blah...I guess what I am asking is some input from surly assholes that moved around as kids and how you felt about it, or how it affected you.  Was it a net positive?  More than likely if this happens, we would go back for 2-3 years, then come back here (at least until retirement, then back there). 

I moved a lot as a child, one move was to Mexico City for 3 years, and we also did when our kids were going up as well. Huge net positive for me. Probably why I love to travel so much. I asked our boys once if we ruined their life by moving so much. They said it was one of the best things we ever did. So many people they encountered had no knowledge of anything more than 100 miles away, and their mindset coincided with that. Our boys experienced no bubble, and were so much more diversified, which I think is huge. Our family mantra was that we were always on a new adventure. I think how you frame it is is the most important thing on how your kids react. The only downside I, and they, experienced is that you don't really develop life long friends or relationships. But that doesn't outweigh the benefits. We also all have big time wanderlust, and get bored when we're in one place too long, which makes it hard sometimes to deal with the everyday mundaneness of regular life. 

[HenryJames 66052]

[ClubWhatever 12144]

How did Texas get so many whackadoodles?   It didn’t used to be like this.  

[MC Fresh Breath 4074]

14 hours ago, Mdhorn said:

Heartless bastards were originally Cincy and I still like that core instead of whatever Erica has now. Portugal and the Iberian peninsula casualties have me double tapping that idea. Maryland suddenly doesn’t seem so bad.

Aware of their origin.  At some point when a band relocates to Austin the city tends to claim them.  
 

Quote

Austin's Heartless Bastards deliver a career-best album with 'A Beautiful Life'

https://www.statesman.com/story/entertainment/music/2021/09/10/austin-band-heartless-bastards-delivers-career-best-album/5759387001/

Edited July 17, 2022 by MC Fresh Breath

[horn4life 3760]

The problem with Austin is no matter how many folks leave their is an endless army wanting to come to Austin.  And it's not ending anytime soon.  Real Estate is pulling back because of interest rates that's for certain.  And yeah if you are working a 9-5 type job, your commute is likely hell.  If you don't, and your schedule is flexible? Austin is still pretty nice.  But with the annual increase in taxes I am going to need the income of a part time job just to cover that nut in 10 years.  

But if I were a local kid, the price of housing would freak me out.  So that would mean a move.

I honestly think that Corpus may be the next boom town simply as affordability is there.  Only thing is it's extremely conservative, and thus not as funky and innovative.  If you could transplant a shit ton of former Austinites there you might be able to get something going.  For me I am probably gonna want to be within a couple hours of Houston or Austin so that may be a later life option, with lower property taxes.  

Now it's possible I could convince everyone to move to Colorado.  It's the one of the few places compatible with my SIL's Petroleum Engineer degree, but that would be a miracle.  So I guess I'll be here sweating my balls off, reading your tales for years... 😉

[MC Fresh Breath 4074]

10 hours ago, Patricio Swayze said:

I guess what I am asking is some input from surly assholes that moved around as kids and how you felt about it, or how it affected you.  Was it a net positive?  More than likely if this happens, we would go back for 2-3 years, then come back here (at least until retirement, then back there). 

I can't answer from first person experience, but can tell you it definitely was hard on my kids when I moved them out here.  Kids up to an age/point are oblivious to things like 'it's too hot' or politics.  And they don't care about your epic scenery.  Mine were 10 and 8 during the move.  The 10-year-old took it pretty hard.  Due to timing, we also left after the first semester of his 5th grade year.  I was not going to move them after Middle School started for them. Those first few months were rough, and then just as things were getting a bit better, Covid happened and the isolation got bad.  Remote schooling was not good for them, either.  That said, things got better.  They've both told us they're happy with the decision.  But it took time to get there. 

The other thing that helps is happier parents are better parents, imo.  So, while they didn't understand all our reasons, they didn't get 'grumpy Dad' anywhere close to what they got in Texas.  

[Michael Knight 12977]

33 minutes ago, ClubWhatever said:

How did Texas get so many whackadoodles?   It didn’t used to be like this.  

[Chopper 17235]

I wrote too much about TX, NM and CO, but fwiw...

The wife and I lived in Austin for 26 years. 3+ years of those we lived on an expat assignment in Europe but we maintained our house and residence in Austin. In a few years we'll both be approaching 60. No kids. Jobs we can now do where-ever. No longer could I handle walking outside at midnight in Austin and into 95 degree sweltering weather (and of course the growth in traffic and stress just getting around town even though we lived central) so we decided to dip our toes into living outside Texas for part of the year.

Santa Fe was the only place we found that appeared to have attractive weather, reasonable access to a decent airport, and still be drive-able to Austin in 1 day. We purchased a lock-and-leave friendly house in SF, downsized in Austin, and figured we'd toggle between the two cities. After about a year we realized that toggling back and forth was not for us. Austin had lost its attractiveness. So we exited Austin in favor of the house we already owned in Santa Fe, figuring we'd travel enough to make it enjoyable and worthwhile.

While SF food is incredible we got out of NM right as the pandemic began and purchased a house in Fort Collins, which we had looked at a few years earlier.

Lessons I've learned along the way:

Santa Fe is dry and dusty. The people are not attractive. Ragweed is out of control. There are doctors and hospitals but the quality of care sucks and the decent medical providers have a lengthy wait list. The city's vibe sucks. The city and county governments suck. The schools suck and the voters statewide are largely conservative and catholic, so while they may vote D they are not progressive nor smart. Internet availability can be challenging although Comcast has made some upgrades. Having everything be overrun by tourists just when the weather turns phenomenal sucks. Taos and Los Alamos are nice, I especially love Taos, but those cities are much more remote and you'd have to drive to Santa Fe or ABQ for most health care needs and while there are good doctors in ABQ they can be difficult to find or get into. ABQ is roughly 10 degrees hotter than Santa Fe or Taos. The sunshine at elevation is super intense so even though the thermometer reads comfortable, being in the sun can be tough. The economy in ABQ struggles, as it does for all of New Mexico. ABQ reminds me of the Inland Empire part of LA but without most of the money nor the benefit of proximity to Los Angeles and Santa Monica (or hell, even Pasadena).  Despite all that, Santa Fe can be decent for part-time living due to the food, weather and relatively easy living. In March 2020 our desire to exit NM heightened when the pandemic hit because we needed a place would could enjoy year-round, and a house with more space.

Enter Fort Collins. (We came within a whisker of buying a house in Monterey CA just before the pandemic hit while we were out staying at my parent's place in Pacific Grove, but that's a different story.) We moved to CO just about 25 months ago.

We love the weather. The city's vibe is great. The Mexican food sucks. But there's good music and art, plenty of young, smart people and the University is a valued part of the town. Many similarities to Austin. The UC Health system is excellent and spreads from here to Denver and the bedroom communities in between. Dining out options are much less desirable than Austin and Santa Fe. But the bike paths, the weather, proximity to the mountains all make up for it. The state allows municipally owned internet providers, which Fort Collins has taken advantage of, and it's fucking great. Even more conservative cities like Loveland just to the south are taking advantage of it. The people are generally very friendly (it's like Austin - the city is pretty liberal the surrounding rural areas are mostly under-educated, uncouth heathens) but even the city of Fort Collins is Caucasian af. We have a dog and the vet situation here is also excellent; unfortunately our girl has lately needed lots of attention. 

Yes, property taxes are very low compared to Austin. I pay ~one-fifth of what I paid for a house that cost the same amount as the one I purchased in Austin 8 or 9 years ago. The state income tax doesn't feel burdensome in the least. I never hear anyone complain about taxes here. (Quite unlike Texas!) Compared to Austin, fuel prices are certainly higher but my water/trash/electric/natural gas bills range from $150 to $250/month whereas in Austin they seemed to average closer to $400 and up to $500 during the summer. The city is also small enough that we've felt comfortable sharing just one vehicle. I've had the urge to buy a second one but each time I talk myself out of it. Last summer the ozone levels were out of control due to fires in CO, MX and NM but so far so good this year; a welcome relief.

I don't like dealing with crowds or traffic so rarely feel the need to go to Denver or Red Rocks even - if we did, that would definitely change the equation for us. also edit, the quality of the produce and small farms around here is excellent and quite an unexpected find.

Edited July 17, 2022 by Chopper

[UpperWestside 6164]

I have a friend at work that is making plans to possibly leave for the UK if the 2024 election has Trump elected again. One of his sons just graduated from the Royal Conservatory in Scotland this summer and now lives in London. He said if there were a way to go now he would. We have talked at length and the amount of crazy is not worth dealing with for him and his family. 

[F250 28775]

Looks like it's trending.

 

 

[Beantown Express 2.0 6559]

6 minutes ago, F250 said:

Looks like it's trending.

 

 

I played golf this morning with a guy who told us an interesting story.  He is in the insurance business and he mentioned talking to his account rep/VP from a big insurance company.  The VP no longer lived in the US as he decided to move to Sicily during Covid.  Apparently, his company asked him when he is moving back and he said "I am not and plan on doing my job from here via email/zoom".  The company said OK you do you.  Make me jealous as my job requires me to be located in the US.  

[Biff Tannen 45685]

1 hour ago, Beantown Express 2.0 said:

I played golf this morning with a guy who told us an interesting story.  He is in the insurance business and he mentioned talking to his account rep/VP from a big insurance company.  The VP no longer lived in the US as he decided to move to Sicily during Covid.  Apparently, his company asked him when he is moving back and he said "I am not and plan on doing my job from here via email/zoom".  The company said OK you do you.  Make me jealous as my job requires me to be located in the US.  

My company is loosely enforcing a hybrid office model.  Most everyone hates it.  I am going to hang out until next year to see if they finally break and let people go full remote.  If not, I'll be looking for new work.

[Patricio Swayze 17058]

I played golf this morning with a guy who told us an interesting story.  He is in the insurance business and he mentioned talking to his account rep/VP from a big insurance company.  The VP no longer lived in the US as he decided to move to Sicily during Covid.  Apparently, his company asked him when he is moving back and he said "I am not and plan on doing my job from here via email/zoom".  The company said OK you do you.  Make me jealous as my job requires me to be located in the US.  

Sounds like he made them an offer they couldn’t refuse.

[CooterBrown 18012]

I played golf this morning with a guy who told us an interesting story.  He is in the insurance business and he mentioned talking to his account rep/VP from a big insurance company.  The VP no longer lived in the US as he decided to move to Sicily during Covid.  Apparently, his company asked him when he is moving back and he said "I am not and plan on doing my job from here via email/zoom".  The company said OK you do you.  Make me jealous as my job requires me to be located in the US.  

It’ll be interesting how they handle tax withholdings if they don’t already operate in Italy. My company moved to WFH for many jobs but it had to be in a state we have offices so they don’t have to deal with new state tax withholdings.

[Beantown Express 2.0 6559]

4 minutes ago, Biff Tannen said:

My company is loosely enforcing a hybrid office model.  Most everyone hates it.  I am going to hang out until next year to see if they finally break and let people go full remote.  If not, I'll be looking for new work.

I have been remote for over 20 years so Covid didn't really have an impact on me other than I couldn't travel for 2 years.  Now that travel is back to normal I can work from anywhere in the US (I need to fly around and see my customers) but wish I could do my job from another country.  

[Goredho 17406]

7 minutes ago, Beantown Express 2.0 said:

I played golf this morning with a guy who told us an interesting story.  He is in the insurance business and he mentioned talking to his account rep/VP from a big insurance company.  The VP no longer lived in the US as he decided to move to Sicily during Covid.  Apparently, his company asked him when he is moving back and he said "I am not and plan on doing my job from here via email/zoom".  The company said OK you do you.  Make me jealous as my job requires me to be located in the US.  

 

4 minutes ago, Patricio Swayze said:

Sounds like he made them an offer they couldn’t refuse.

I've worked 100% remote except for a week in the office every quarter for 6 years now.  It would be very, very hard for me to go back to a daily commute and all that.  I understand it's a privilege and that I am fortunate, but there is literally no reason for me to be in the office except to coordinate at the start of a big push for some product initiative.  My bosses in that time have agreed and realize that the ability to work remote means I will put up with a whole lot more bullshit than I would otherwise.  It makes a job very sticky.

[Beantown Express 2.0 6559]

1 minute ago, Goredho said:

 

I've worked 100% remote except for a week in the office every quarter for 6 years now.  It would be very, very hard for me to go back to a daily commute and all that.  I understand it's a privilege and that I am fortunate, but there is literally no reason for me to be in the office except to coordinate at the start of a big push for some product initiative.  My bosses in that time have agreed and realize that the ability to work remote means I will put up with a whole lot more bullshit than I would otherwise.  It makes a job very sticky.

1000%.  I was talking to a company a few months back about a very lucrative position (way more than my current one), but I found out the CEO wants everyone in the office 5 days a week from 8am to 5pm.  Once I heard that I was totally not interested in that company.  I had no desire to commute an hour each way in traffic so maybe that makes me lazy or not a "go getter" but the trade off for more money to working from home and spending time with my family (or running up to the golf course to play a few holes in the middle of the week) is more important to me at this point in my life.  Not sure if that makes me dumb or smart.

[Patricio Swayze 17058]

1000%.  I was talking to a company a few months back about a very lucrative position (way more than my current one), but I found out the CEO wants everyone in the office 5 days a week from 8am to 5pm.  Once I heard that I was totally not interested in that company.  I had no desire to commute an hour each way in traffic so maybe that makes me lazy or not a "go getter" but the trade off for more money to working from home and spending time with my family (or running up to the golf course to play a few holes in the middle of the week) is more important to me at this point in my life.  Not sure if that makes me dumb or smart.

Similar situation here (well, compensation package was only about $20k more). And I took it because I wanted out of my other job. Regretting it for a couple of reasons. Today I pushed for a hybrid schedule and they are considering it. If they say no, I’ll likely start looking again. Or hold this one until we decide on Brazil.

[GenXer 2877]

11 minutes ago, Beantown Express 2.0 said:

I had no desire to commute an hour each way in traffic so maybe that makes me lazy or not a "go getter" but the trade off for more money to working from home and spending time with my family (or running up to the golf course to play a few holes in the middle of the week) is more important to me at this point in my life.  Not sure if that makes me dumb or smart.

It makes you human

[Biff Tannen 45685]

1 hour ago, GenXer said:

It makes you human

Seriously.  Every time I go to the office, I look around after my one team meeting for the week and ask myself, "what the fuck am I doing here?"  I stand at a desk with my laptop and talk to clients on the phone or zoom.  There is zero reason I need to be in the office.  None.

[Hiphopopotamos 20873]

Wife is an OB and this handmaid tale bullshit has given us no choice but to sell our dream house here in Texas and look for a better place to raise our kids.  Currently looking at the west coast - Corvallis and around Santa Barbara are the first two opportunities we've started exploring - but we're soon to start applying in Colorado and Washington

Not ruling out an international move, though we'd have limited options as it would have to be english speaking and pay doctors a decent wage - hello Australia.

We've already explained to the kids that wherever we move its likely the house is going to be smaller and there won't be a pool - but that there will be plenty of other things to do and you won't melt into the pavement 9 months out of the year.  One 'benefit' of COVID (though I hate to use that word considering what a shit-storm its been) is that my kids have spent a lot more time with their siblings than they might have otherwise and don't really have close friends that will make the move harder.

Its pretty crushing thinking about the family, friends, and the great house we just bought a few years ago - but really don't see any other option. 

I've sat in on the calls with the hospital lawyers and the doctors talking about just how long/how much they need to let the mother bleed before they can step in and save her. Either way all it takes is one MAGA DA who decides he wants to make an example and we'd be wipe'd out financially.  Its truly fucked up. 

[Brisketexan 105139]

Wife is an OB and this handmaid tale bullshit has given us no choice but to sell our dream house here in Texas and look for a better place to raise our kids.  Currently looking at the west coast - Corvallis and around Santa Barbara are the first two opportunities we've started exploring - but we're soon to start applying in Colorado and Washington
Not ruling out an international move, though we'd have limited options as it would have to be english speaking and pay doctors a decent wage - hello Australia.
We've already explained to the kids that wherever we move its likely the house is going to be smaller and there won't be a pool - but that there will be plenty of other things to do and you won't melt into the pavement 9 months out of the year.  One 'benefit' of COVID (though I hate to use that word considering what a shit-storm its been) is that my kids have spent a lot more time with their siblings than they might have otherwise and don't really have close friends that will make the move harder.
Its pretty crushing thinking about the family, friends, and the great house we just bought a few years ago - but really don't see any other option. 
I've sat in on the calls with the hospital lawyers and the doctors talking about just how long/how much they need to let the mother bleed before they can step in and save her. Either way all it takes is one MAGA DA who decides he wants to make an example and we'd be wipe'd out financially.  Its truly fucked up. 

The evil is the point. It’s the only point. We’re going to see our maternal mortality rate go up, as well as our infant mortality rate. But, that’s what women get for being whores and jezebels and tempting Adam with the apple. IT’S IN THE BIBLE.

[Neonmoon 38129]

30 minutes ago, Hiphopopotamos said:

I've sat in on the calls with the hospital lawyers and the doctors talking about just how long/how much they need to let the mother bleed before they can step in and save her

[lemonlime 5503]

36 minutes ago, Hiphopopotamos said:

 

I've sat in on the calls with the hospital lawyers and the doctors talking about just how long/how much they need to let the mother bleed before they can step in and save her. Either way all it takes is one MAGA DA who decides he wants to make an example and we'd be wipe'd out financially.  Its truly fucked up. 

Probably the least important point in all the horrifying shit in this post, but how MAGA are these hospital lawyers and the other doctors.  I can't imaging telling a physician in that position to do anything but what's medically appropriate for the mother, and that we'd appoint doctors to represent her if some asshole DA wants to go after her.  If nothing else, and from just a hospital risk standpoint, that's one hell of a med mal suit they're risking if mom dies from bleeding or sepsis or whatever other preventable cause of death that's coming.