Are you returning to US with wife? What are your plans? Jobs? City?

[Rocketsurgeon]

I'm very curious those planning to return to US, especially 55+ yo expats who have been outside the US a very long time.

How old are both of you?

What city?

What jobs for you two?

Job prospects?

Her transportation (esp assuming low wage job)?

How will tou handle a job search coming out of retirement or self employment abroad?

How will you deal with getting a flat set up without credit history?

Job search...employers have so little to check you against. Huge black holes in resume, perhaps some years teaching...?

Cities I've thought to be best for us:

1. Salt Lake downtown - fits us, lifestyle. Jobs. $$ crappy winters.

2. Tampa, (but mass transit is non existent)

+. Florida in gen but very worried abt crime

3. Las Vegas (no jobs, tiny pub transpt cntr city)

4. Washington state $$

5. Phoenix (heat, no water, ugly) $

6. Fort Worth (no jobs)

7. Fort Collins (no jobs) $$

8. Charleston (no jobs)

*Wife speaks English well, but I expect cant pass the written (only CA offers in Thai). That aside...buying and mnt car, ins for a min wage job??

I'm really not interested in grinding it out in a huge metro.

My folks could provide a place for us until we sorted ourselves out, but living with them is non starter.

Thanks

PS for us...the move might be only 5-10 years and wife surely would end up back in bkk When I'm dead and gone.

Edited May 11, 2015 by Rocketsurgeon

[slipperylobster]

No jobs in Nevada? That is my residence, and I recommend it. Reno would be cheaper..and no problem at all getting her a job selling change in a Casino. Lots of Asians work in Lake Tahoe/Reno area. My daughter (filipina) worked..and I think she is floor manager for Harvey's Casino..Lake Tahoe.

(I divorced her mom..so not a place for me).

No filing taxes there either.............snap.

Edited May 11, 2015 by slipperylobster

[NeverSure]

I agree. If we start with premise "no jobs" that's wrong from the beginning.

I too wouldn't want a real big city and I wouldn't want California. California has too many laws and taxes. Nevada is really good unless the winters were too cold for the lady. Reno/Sparks is really nice and has a small town feel and layout.

If you're starting with little money, no place, car, etc. it won't be easy at first but you can get it going.

I'd choose Reno or Vegas based solely on climate and get into casino or support such as restaurant/motel/hotel etc. work to build back a history first.

Good luck

[2fishin2]

The SE is full of jobs and has very reasonable cost of living. My answer to you....get a job FIRST then make the move to wherever that may be.

[Rocketsurgeon]

Thanks. Yeah, Hawaii, # of Filipinos have outnumbered locsls for decades, so she might be considered 'local' even as Pinay.

My wife is really charming, very sweet and its no act. Actually, I think she can land a min wage job about anywhere - that has nothing to do with MATH, she's Thai lol.

Many marriages go sour due to lack of money. Its a concern. We are ok and happy here. My wife is not the picture of ambition when it comes to making money. She's very honest, never grubbing she has always worked ft here and pays her bit to our costs and travels.

Ill break into my 401k and take early ss regardless at 60/62. Here or there. I figure b50k month nearly tax free at 62 for perpetuity more or less.

Im more concerned abt myself. I've not worked in nearly fifteen years other than a few random jobs in US and overseas. No job history, references...Her, they will understand, she's fresh off the boat.

Reno I read had really hit the skids incl meth issues. We visited Vegas, its ok. Neither of us are into that sort of low brow gambling scene, but seems like good base to the NPs in UT and the GC. Its cheap enough although I worry about crime. Bus dies not look bad getting to strip. Id read it was very difficult for older folks to get jobs in Vegas as the younger set did not want to be catered to by the olds. I'm 55, no babyface but look much younger. There is lots to like about LV. City data and Reddit not huge encouragement for job opptys, that's where my info came from.

SE? South East? Such as...? Richmond? N Carolina? Atlanta? She will def need to drive in those cities. FL is cheap, but dorta crazy as well...

Anyway, Id be nice to hear some positive crash landing stories.

PS We could easily be back here in 5-10 years, I really don't know how we will deal with it. Id tried to go back a few times unmarried, but hated it. With her its different. I don't eant to invest big money and years into some vocation +55. There is huge discrimination, let alone my lack of employment history and refs. No credit history (I disappeared yrs ago off Experion, TRW...). I've always been a no debt, cash guy too...

Edited May 12, 2015 by Rocketsurgeon

[NeverSure]

It doesn't seem as if you have a real positive outlook. For sure that won't help. Seriously. I don't think you're too old to do anything if you get with it.

Social Security is calculated on how much you paid in for the 20 years just before you begin to collect. Some people get virtually nothing. If you start collecting at 62 instead of 66 1/2 you'll only get about 2/3 regardless of pay level. You probably know that.

Good luck

[BKKSnowBird]

Social security is calculated using 35 years not 20. If less than 35 years of work $0s are averaged in.

OP, what are you coming back for? What are you trying to acomplish?

I moved back after being gone 4 years. I kept a credit rating by keeping 2 credit cards but renting an apartment was still a PITA. No recent rental history.

Edited May 12, 2015 by BKKSnowBird

[AaronLV]

Thanks. Yeah, Hawaii, # of Filipinos have outnumbered locsls for decades, so she might be considered 'local' even as Pinay.

My wife is really charming, very sweet and its no act. Actually, I think she can land a min wage job about anywhere - that has nothing to do with MATH, she's Thai lol.

Many marriages go sour due to lack of money. Its a concern. We are ok and happy here. My wife is not the picture of ambition when it comes to making money. She's very honest, never grubbing she has always worked ft here and pays her bit to our costs and travels.

Ill break into my 401k and take early ss regardless at 60/62. Here or there. I figure b50k month nearly tax free at 62 for perpetuity more or less.

Im more concerned abt myself. I've not worked in nearly fifteen years other than a few random jobs in US and overseas. No job history, references...Her, they will understand, she's fresh off the boat.

Reno I read had really hit the skids incl meth issues. We visited Vegas, its ok. Neither of us are into that sort of low brow gambling scene, but seems like good base to the NPs in UT and the GC. Its cheap enough although I worry about crime. Bus dies not look bad getting to strip. Id read it was very difficult for older folks to get jobs in Vegas as the younger set did not want to be catered to by the olds. I'm 55, no babyface but look much younger. There is lots to like about LV. City data and Reddit not huge encouragement for job opptys, that's where my info came from.

SE? South East? Such as...? Richmond? N Carolina? Atlanta? She will def need to drive in those cities. FL is cheap, but dorta crazy as well...

Anyway, Id be nice to hear some positive crash landing stories.

PS We could easily be back here in 5-10 years, I really don't know how we will deal with it. Id tried to go back a few times unmarried, but hated it. With her its different. I don't eant to invest big money and years into some vocation +55. There is huge discrimination, let alone my lack of employment history and refs. No credit history (I disappeared yrs ago off Experion, TRW...). I've always been a no debt, cash guy too...

If you are looking at LV you need a car. The bus system has improved over the years, but still leaves a lot to be desired to get places depending on where you are living. Crime is not a big deal, no different than any other large city, stay out of the bad areas and you are fine. Jobs are easy to come by as long as you don't mind shift work (grave, swing). The economy is improving more hotels are opening, and it is probably one of the less age discriminated places when looking for work. The comment about wanting to hire younger people, is probably more directed at the clubs and hip spots, which most likely at 55 you would not want to be in that scene day after day.

[EyesWideOpen]

I am moving back to the states this month after 14 years here. Will have to find work

as well. I am a contractor by trade so am not really worried. Had a great time in

Thailand, but at this point feels like a been there done that scenario. So
time to change the tune on the record player. I also have a wife and child that

I wish to grow up in America. The education system here is basically non-

existent so I am unwilling to subject her to that just because I like eating

mangoes....I will report later how it is going.... :-) I have traveled to virtually

every state in America by motorcycle. My choice of where to live is Oregon

for many different reasons. I grew up in Calif., however the state has basically

destroyed itself so no plans to ever return there.

Edited May 12, 2015 by EyesWideOpen

[remaxtony]

Well, I hate to jump on the bandwagon, but I too would recommend Vegas or Reno/Tahoe. I have lived in both places, and everything being stated is true. You will both have many job opportunities there. Climate is reasonable for a Thai, it gets very hot which they can accept, but never too cold for too long. Crime is not an issue. Driving is needed, but easy as traffic is not a big deal. These cities get a lot of transient workers that come and go. The good part is that jobs always open up because many people leave. If you are reliable, you can keep a job long term and move up a bit. The younger ones that concern you are not reliable don't forget. Waitresses working these casinos make real good money on tips.

I have lived in FL also and I love it there, but feel NV is better for a job.

I've been in Thailand only 3 yrs, but heading back with my wife next month. I work as an insurance adjuster and get deployed all over the USA into a different location each time depending upon where the big storms are hitting. Our plan is 8 to 9 months per year there and 3 or 4 in Thailand. This keeps either place from burning us out and I can make a way higher income doing that then I can here.

She is game to tag along and see new places and its an adventure for her. We can adjust over time and see how it goes. I'm sure the adventure will grow old like everything else does, but we are going into it with the proper expectations, and since each year she/we can come and spend our downtime in Thailand, there shouldn't be too much pressure on her missing everything for too long.

To answer the OP, I am 50 yrs old and have work already arranged. Like you, I stay with either mom or dad, both of which have a lot of room in their large homes, until I get deployed.....then live in the monthly hotels with kitchenettes while working. If I'm going to be in a city long term, I rent a regular apartment. She will get a 7/11 type of job.

[BKKSnowBird]

I am trying to figure out why at 50+ the OP wants to return. It does not sound like he is tired of Thailand or has money issues. He even stopped working at about 40.

[NeverSure]

Lake Tahoe was mentioned. It's absolutely gorgeous. However the Thai wife might have a problem with deep snow. Tahoe is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains at an elevation of over 6,000 feet msl.

[Time Traveller]

No jobs in Nevada? That is my residence, and I recommend it. Reno would be cheaper..and no problem at all getting her a job selling change in a Casino. Lots of Asians work in Lake Tahoe/Reno area. My daughter (filipina) worked..and I think she is floor manager for Harvey's Casino..Lake Tahoe.

(I divorced her mom..so not a place for me).

No filing taxes there either.............snap.

I disagree, while Nevada is great, there really are no jobs. Unless you mean working minimum wage as a cocktail waitress in a smoke filled casino. for $8+tips

I have a maths degree with a number of years experience in IT and finance and - maybe because I'm not American - could not even get an interview for anything that wasn't $12/hr or less..

Seriously, if you are not self funded, don't bother with Nevada. Go to California or Texas or just stay in thailand.

Edited May 12, 2015 by Time Traveller

[Time Traveller]

Well, I hate to jump on the bandwagon, but I too would recommend Vegas or Reno/Tahoe. I have lived in both places, and everything being stated is true. You will both have many job opportunities there. Climate is reasonable for a Thai, it gets very hot which they can accept, but never too cold for too long. Crime is not an issue. Driving is needed, but easy as traffic is not a big deal. These cities get a lot of transient workers that come and go. The good part is that jobs always open up because many people leave. If you are reliable, you can keep a job long term and move up a bit. The younger ones that concern you are not reliable don't forget. Waitresses working these casinos make real good money on tips.

I don't believe you are actually recommending work in casinos. Thats not the type of work you would want for a family member. As you implied half of them are drifters, with habits to support, working shift work for peanuts. Constantly breathing second hand smoke while drunks abuse casino staff with no recourse since casinos don't want to upset their losing customers. Combined with their generous 7 days annual leave each year, casino work is only a career path for people that can't make the mcdonalds management traineeship program.

Edited May 12, 2015 by Time Traveller

[NeverSure]

No jobs in Nevada? That is my residence, and I recommend it. Reno would be cheaper..and no problem at all getting her a job selling change in a Casino. Lots of Asians work in Lake Tahoe/Reno area. My daughter (filipina) worked..and I think she is floor manager for Harvey's Casino..Lake Tahoe.

(I divorced her mom..so not a place for me).

No filing taxes there either.............snap.

I disagree, while Nevada is great, there really are no jobs. Unless you mean working minimum wage as a cocktail waitress in a smoke filled casino. for $8+tips

I have a maths degree with a number of years experience in IT and finance and - maybe because I'm not American - could not even get an interview for anything that wasn't $12/hr or less..

Seriously, if you are not self funded, don't bother with Nevada. Go to California or Texas or just stay in thailand.

Someone with no current job skills and a Thai wife the same, will do horribly in most parts of California because the cost of living is high and taxes are high.

If two people could each get a job with minimum wage plus tips they could conservatively earn $22 an hour between them which is $3,800 per month on a 40 hour week and $45,000 per year. They would also get health insurance.

If he is running out of money and hasn't worked toward social security, this is a start. Remember, minimum wage is a starting place from which a smart guy can advance, especially in a huge industry.

Edit to add: $3,800 per month is 128,000 baht per month.

Edited May 12, 2015 by NeverSure

[Major4608]

Moved to Orlando area 3 years ago. 62 years old, married to Thai lady. Still employed. Was offered job before moving. Wife is Khun Nai. Have 2 grown children. There are 3 Thai temples in area (30-75 minutes drive time). Not an expat, just like visiting Thailand. Would recommend Orlando for weather and opportunities. Just sell yourself and be honest when applying for job or for apartment/housing. Good luck.

Edited May 12, 2015 by Major4608

[slipperylobster]

I am moving back to the states this month after 14 years here. Will have to find work

as well. I am a contractor by trade so am not really worried. Had a great time in

Thailand, but at this point feels like a been there done that scenario. So

time to change the tune on the record player. I also have a wife and child that

I wish to grow up in America. The education system here is basically non-

existent so I am unwilling to subject her to that just because I like eating

mangoes....I will report later how it is going.... :-) I have traveled to virtually

every state in America by motorcycle. My choice of where to live is Oregon

for many different reasons. I grew up in Calif., however the state has basically

destroyed itself so no plans to ever return there.

Oregon would be where I would go, as well. It just has an attraction....for some reason. I never have been there (I been to most of the other States). Eugene looks appealing...but about pricey for rent/buy. Climate and environment....(I don't mind rain)...would be invigorating...and not overly cold (like my home in upstate NY).

Also, prefer to be relatively closer to SE Asia. I can get Space A military Hops from the State of Washington, and from Travis in California. Possibly all the way to several bases in Okinawa and Korea (military retired)

Edited May 12, 2015 by slipperylobster

[maxman71]

Unless I missed someone else already bringing up this issue, don't forget health insurance costs in the US. ObamaCare is not cheap; either you get a low cost premium plan with huge deductibles and copays which mean you get little or nothing in regular care; only if you need catastrophic care. And the plans that do cover more for regular care carry expensive premiums.

Unless you're getting Medicare, that's a bit better but still a cost. Then your wife still needs to be covered somehow.

I moved back to the US 4 years ago (to Arizona). But that's because a client with my old consulting biz while I was in LOS offered me a sweet job, high pay and good benefits so I didn't need to sign up for ObamaCare and I was already doing pretty well financially.

One thing you need to keep in mind is the cultural adjustment. I was out of the US for 9 years (3 years in Taiwan and 6 years in LOS) before I moved back. I've been back 4 years now and I am still not acclimated; a lot has changed since I left in 2002 and returned in 2011. And the changes are not for the better, at least from my point of view.

Another thing, I wish I had a buck for every farang (American or not) who moved back to their home country with their Thai missus, only to see her become a "westernized woman", bag the dude who brought her over after a couple of years before and plays the woman-friendly western cultures and laws for all their worth. Then leave the guy sobbing in his cheap US beer. That or she gets "bored" or "tired of being controlled", "misses Thailand/friends/family". I've heard all these whines from most Thai women who moved to a western country with their BF/husband then came back after a couple of years, dump the guy and return to Thailand alone.

Personally, I would never bring a Thai woman to live in the US, but that's just me.

Think things through carefully.

[BKKSnowBird]

I am moving back to the states this month after 14 years here. Will have to find work

as well. I am a contractor by trade so am not really worried. Had a great time in

Thailand, but at this point feels like a been there done that scenario. So

time to change the tune on the record player. I also have a wife and child that

I wish to grow up in America. The education system here is basically non-

existent so I am unwilling to subject her to that just because I like eating

mangoes....I will report later how it is going.... :-) I have traveled to virtually

every state in America by motorcycle. My choice of where to live is Oregon

for many different reasons. I grew up in Calif., however the state has basically

destroyed itself so no plans to ever return there.

Oregon would be where I would go, as well. It just has an attraction....for some reason. I never have been there (I been to most of the other States). Eugene looks appealing...but about pricey for rent/buy. Climate and environment....(I don't mind rain)...would be invigorating...and not overly cold (like my home in upstate NY).

Also, prefer to be relatively closer to SE Asia. I can get Space A military Hops from the State of Washington, and from Travis in California. Possibly all the way to several bases in Okinawa and Korea (military retired)

Portland is nice with no sales tax and great public transportation (light rail, street cars, bus and bike friendly). You really don't need a car but is easy to rent one for a day if needed. Can drive to the coast in an hour or ski MT Hood until May also just an hour drive.

A lot of Asians and you can legally smoke weed come July!

The only problem is its the #1 US moving destination right now so rents are high and jobs are not plentiful. Min wage is $9.25/hour in Oregon (one of the highest in the country).

Edited May 12, 2015 by BKKSnowBird

[NeverSure]

My choice of where to live is Oregon

for many different reasons. I grew up in Calif., however the state has basically

destroyed itself so no plans to ever return there.

Oregon would be where I would go, as well. It just has an attraction....for some reason. I never have been there (I been to most of the other States). Eugene looks appealing...but about pricey for rent/buy. Climate and environment....(I don't mind rain)...would be invigorating...and not overly cold (like my home in upstate NY).

Portland is nice with no sales tax and great public transportation (light rail, street cars, bus and bike friendly). You really don't need a car but is easy to rent one for a day if needed. A lot of Asians and you can legally smoke weed come July!

The only problem is its the #1 US moving destination right now so rents are high and jobs are not plentiful. Min wage is $9.25/hour in Oregon.

Oregon is my home. Don't forget it has an income rather than a sales tax although many states have both. It also has relatively high property taxes which affect homeowners and rent prices.

Eugene, Salem and Portland are in the Willamette Valley and get about 40 inches of rain per year. It isn't bad and the climate is mild but it's wetter than SW Oregon around Medford which gets about 1/2 as much.

So many Californians have moved to Oregon to escape taxes and regulations in California that the landscape has changed a lot. We have a saying, "Don't Kalifornicate Oregon." I'm afraid it's almost too late.

I don't see where the good entry level jobs would be. It's not a tourist state. Retail is big with tons of it on the borders for people from California, Washington and Idaho to cross over and shop. The border towns are loaded with stores. I never thought that working in retail would be a good job though. No tips. I think Walmart and others would give health insurance for full time employees but they try to work people part time and avoid it.

I'd seriously look for a tourist town with cheaper rents and let the rest fall into place. Craig's list would be a resource for rent prices.

Someone mentioned Orlando Florida. That's where Disney World is and it has a small town feel with lots of tourists. I really think something like that would help.

[theoldgit]

I've been to Oregon a few times, not sure how many Brits visit that part of the US.

A friend of mine was in the Coastguard up there and lived in Astoria, though I think the base was actually across the river in Washington State.

Really beautiful part of the country, as my friend had a couple of postings there we visited a few times.

[NeverSure]

Astoria is beautiful as is Washington State right there across the Columbia River. An issue would be low population and lack of activity for job hunting. Most of the freight ships and cruise ships are going right past there; going from the ocean to the cities of Portland Oregon and Vancouver Washington. Some go on to The Dalles Oregon to pick up the wheat harvest from E. Oregon and E. Washington and beyond.

[HeijoshinCool]

I've been to Oregon a few times, not sure how many Brits visit that part of the US.

A friend of mine was in the Coastguard up there and lived in Astoria, though I think the base was actually across the river in Washington State.

Really beautiful part of the country, as my friend had a couple of postings there we visited a few times.

.

There are many similarities between the Pacific Northwest, and England.

[NeverSure]

England is much farther north than the PNW. In latitude it's closer to Newfoundland and if not for ocean influence England would be even colder. England is closer to Scandinavia than to Spain in latitude.

When the guys from the UK talk about cold winters they are serious. I've seen winters in the PNW where it didn't even snow and others usually just get some snow in late December or January and even then it doesn't last long. The Pacific Ocean isn't all that cold there and if there's wind it's usually from the ocean.

I agree that both are very green and similar in appearance when the UK isn't frozen.

[Rocketsurgeon]

OK, well I am back and this time on a laptop so as to give the replies proper response, unlike from my mobile devices and fat thumbs. Thanks to all.

There are many questions and responses and they are coming from all angles. Lets keep on topic.

First, to my negativity or whatever. Apreciate the positivity - but there are 93M Americans in this stellar economy, many my age that hae stopped looking for work. It is reported that 30% of college educated persons are under employed. +50 notorious for discrimination. While my work ethic is strong and largely intact, I have huge issues working against me. That is simply fact and a fact that should be acknowledged since it involves a sizable amount of money and time.

There are reasons to pass on my employment simply due to the fact that I have no work, credit or housing history. YES, IT CAN BE OVERCOME. YES, I AM WIILLING TO PUT FORTH THE POSITIVE EFFORT (but I need to get the interview first!!!).

I have not worked in US more or less since 2001 and largely worked on contract prior to this and that was spotty. While I have retained written employment verifications, they are from the 90s AND...all the companies no longer exist in the state that I was employed with them (sold, bankrupt, etc...). Not unusual in this day and age. I should add, I have a solid education from a good school and think I still will present well and professionally.

My IT skills have dwindled to nill. I've become a bit of a Luddite with all this NSA nonsense swirling about. I'd hope to get a job: First tier Helpdesk, Call center hell. Both have lots of jobs in SLC, Tampa, Orlando. In Vegas??? Next would be something in insurance. I'd enjoy doing adjustment work or even inbound non sales and nothing to do with life insurance. I could possibly substitute teach (I'm to old to hassle with getting proper certification). I've taught English a few years here. Technical training is something I had done in he past and was quite good at it. As a fallback, I've worked a bit in restaurants between universities and a bit after. I know my way around a kitchen and worked in jr mgmnt for a bit.

I'm not so concerned as to where we initially settle, I doubt it would be our last move (in US). I've bounced around a lot so instability is in my nature. I can deal with the logistics. None of you have changed my thinking about where to return. I had considered Orlando, but Tampa looked so much better for me insofar as jobs. Also Orlando looks very sketchy for crime (not that Tampa/StP is much better!). Oregon, considered. Expensive, no huge job market. Seattle same. Thought about Olympia. I have relatives in FL although nowhere near Tampa/Orlando which would be a small plus. Salt Lake, we love camping and outdoors and this place has good employment and is ground zero for great National Parks. Washington/Oregon would be great

In fact, the first landing might just to get our sea legs. After we establish ourselves, we might then make a greater leap. Something to merely build history, maybe near my folks. I expect my father will pass in a very few years as well, my mother not long afer that. Would be nice to be near, but they support us and whatever we need to do here or in US.

My biggest concern is not burning thru 25k before we get stable, my concern is that I never land a job or the job is simply intolerable and I need to move on - showing futher instability. I am always on the short list but never hired...

As for Social Security. I am already vested, some years back they sent some form showing I'm good for about 800 per month. When I decided to cut it loose, I did do some planning for my future. I figured I'd be fine, single out here, forever. What has changed about this is threefold: First, who could forsee the crash in 2008/9? While I was out of the market - I was out of the market. Meaning, I was out before and was so freaked out, remained out since forever. I've been making a steady 3.5% and no more. After 2001 Tech crash, I realized the market is rigged. I made a bundle then but as I was going to be overseas and nowhere really hovering over a enter/sell key on the laptop, I thought I should stay well away from the markets. To this day, I feel just as strongly. Fed has made a mess of the economy and the stock market is just a ponzi scheme. Anyway...I was invested as a retiree not a 45yo.

I have money in 401K and Roth. I figure 500 from SS at 62 perhaps.Whatever it is and despite what it takes YOU to live in Asia, this is fine for ME. I would not trade my freedom for a million dolars. I have (had) many professional friends and I think their lives are dead and hollow. Honestly, I would have kiled myself. If the entire economic system collapses they will have nothing - and make no mistake, this is going on as the Fed is flooding the US (world) with money (as all other nations).

I've had tons of personal time, some stellar experiences, I met my wife which while it is a struggle against my independance :-)), it has been a good step for me on balance. I' a better person.

Why am I going? I've lived and traveled all around Asia for decades, there is little left for me to see and do. The whole backpacking scene has become soft, expensive and a real low quality experience. Scuba and snorkeling? Coral burned up in 2010, entire Andaman. Camping...more hassle, more fees, more expenses. Golf, I can play a round of golf midweek for 60% of the cost in Thailand. Visas...what a hassle. Wife has a ten year visa to US while I grovel every 90 days. Expense, yeah overall Thaland is still much cheaper on balance but many of the costs are annoying and - on balance. Government, Thailand is feelig more and more greasy every day. I only expect old hands to really understand or appreciate. Those that are married, kids, have SOME real interest in the place other that SuperBaby A GoGo. Ownership of home or whatever: I have always rented and been hapy with that by and large but wife wants a home and I am starting to think about gardens, a full kitchen, workshops and a place to put all the nice furniture I will inherit from my folks. Far, far better value in US and my assets are 100% protected where here I can't even own land and any condo essentially becomes half my wifes upon purchase (PLEASE no comments about my wife here, I truly trust here 1000%, but money is money and I am too old to earn it all over again). If Thailand does pop, we as a couple have somewhere to go. I'm not afraid of a bit of chaos mind you - but if things just deteriorate, I really do not want to live in another Phlippines (which I predict Thailand is slowly becoming).

Finally, I'm a tough guy and can do big city like all the other tough guys - but BKK is geting old. Chaing Mai, Phuket, Samui - pish. I'm really out of places I WANT to live here...by default, its Bangkok. Withe its heat and lack of greenspaces and expense. I don't really miss "my food" honestly, nor bread (cheap wine and bourbon, yes), but it would be nice to add another dimension to our food.

I really was thinking, even planning on going back last few years and almost pulled the trigger twice, but got cold feet. We just returned from US and I'm back in BKK, bored and thinking..is this my future until I hit 62 and I can free up my funds.

**Getting married for me was NEVER a consideration, ever. EVER. I really need to stress that. So when I met my wife, my life really changed. I did not realize that I would be stuck in Bangkok. She's really pretty close to perfect, a really lovely human being and I say that after five+ years. Anyway, we have lived together here in BKK five years, I can do another five but it's enough I fear.

As for my wife, she has visited the US half dozen times, loves it - everything about it really, except for potatoes bread :-) -unless its garlic bread. She is not the picture of ambition or someone who will figure out how to make a fortune in a small business, but she is a solid, hard working woman. She has a BA from Ramkhamheng. She loves the outdoors and the US has such a different experience for her. She is very interested in US history, old buildings and homes, etc...US will give us oppty for travel in CA, SA and the EU later - cheaper.

A passport for her is an escape hatch from Thailand if we return in five years or she returns alone in 20. I could see us both back here n ten years after she makes min SS req quarters. She would also get a tiny piece of a tiny piece of my SS, which in Thailand, every bit helps.

Wife has cousin in rural Calif that came back as one poster had, becasue they had kids. What are you going to do? Leave them in the Thai school system?!

I guess that's it. I'd ask you for ideas, not lectures or tisk-tisking. Life has been good and we will carry on no matter. We take a minimum of one intl trip a year and to US ever 1.5 years. Lots of time at the beach...no crying. We can always go back to US when I hit 62, without doubt OR return to Thailand at 65.

[Rocketsurgeon]

Despite the winded post, there was a question that was not responded to. What do I/we hope to accomplish?

Initially, for myself, get out of BKK/Thailand...chg of scenery, new recreations, activities, hobbies, slow/reverse cash burn until 62/5, wife obtain uspp in five years, evaluate if we would enjoy and can afford next two decades in US. Job prospect for wife allowing us to travel. Allow wife oppty to experience living in US. Gain ability to ship household goods to Thailand tax exempt. We have spent a lot of time camping in US parks, it was always a great experience. The coral is gone, I've really no reason to stay on...

Survey options forward over five+ years: Possible to live next 20 years in US and if so where? Buy, build or rent? We would not be returning with the notion we cant go back, door swings both ways.

Locate somewhere, most likely not west of CO.

We both expect to work hard. I know Ill be breaking ass in a grind Id long left behind. I'm happy to do this for my wife andgain a bit if sanity. It won't be forever. It will be nice to be able to visit my parents a few more times before they pass. Things will be different for me at 62. So, if all else fails, we can return.

Bangkok and Thailand...magic was gone years ago. I've only been here fir the islands and nature. That is gone.

☺

[BKKSnowBird]

I think Texas may have more jobs than Florida but not sure. Get on craigslist and look at jobs and apartments for different areas. I would recomend starting with temp companies due to your lack of recent work history and references.

You say you are vested in SS. I assume you mean you have at least the 40 quarters (10 years of work) to get a minimum pention. But the amount you get is based on 35 years. That means you currently have a lot of $0s averaged in. Replacing those 0s with even $10,000 or $20,000 for a few years will help you and eventually your wife.

The biggest thing I can suggest and you probably already know is get health insurance. One bad accident, heart attact, cancer and your life savings is gone.

Best of luck!

Edited May 13, 2015 by BKKSnowBird

[Rocketsurgeon]

Thanks, Fort Worth was worth a look, Austin is just $$$. DFW has zero public transport. I fear my wife will be stuck on transit until she can master English well enough to pass a written. Texas has some plusses but a lot of negatives, the politics kinda crazy. Thx for your ideas.

Yeah, I have lots of zeros. I never planned to draw snything but the minimum, so figured why bust my ass because if it doesn't go bankrupt, the Rrpublicans will defund it anyway. Cant say I'm unhappy with my decision, both those issues are as large now if not bigger than when I mafe rhe decision 20 yrs ago.

Yeah, before I posted any of this I spent weeks on Craigs, CityData and a few top relo sites. Tons of time.

We really want to avoid snow. Wife loves it but she's never had to live in it.

There are better places to live, places with potentially more whatever but for our situation, it seems to be Tampa (Orlando) tied with SLC. Something pulling me to Vegas...its smallish, bus to strip (job for wife). DC is perfect, I've lived there too (she loves it) jobs too, but crazy expensive. Our wages will never come close to living expenses.

Tahoe, SFO just a dream...even Seattle/Portland. I don't see jobs, dreary cool half of year (I could see us living the warm half there I hit 62++). Land is cheapish in coastal WA.

Colorado just looks like no jobs and $$$. NC is possible, but meh...

NYC is remote possibility to get started, have an aunt_uncle with a big house, but they are really old. Friend in CA might help to give us a start.

Anyway my initial post was to really see how others were doing.

+2 Major, yes there is a reasonably large Thai community in Tampa, a tiny one in Orlando/Kissimee. Major, is Kissimee as dire and dangerous as I had read? CityData just has this place flagged out as meth hell. How bout Orlando traffic?? Is your wife working? Thx.

Edited May 13, 2015 by Rocketsurgeon

[grin]

I own some property in LV and several of my tenants are taxi, limo, or shuttle drivers. They all make at least $5K USD a month.

Also there is a fair size Thai community in LV. At one point there was a Thai newspaper but I'm not sure if it is still around.

Public transport is not that bad if you can stay within a single bus ride of where you work. Car insurance there is quite high due to the high number of accidents.

Electricity bills will be high in the summer due to air conditioning. Another factor to consider is the unending shortage of water.

Grin

[AaronLV]

I disagree, while Nevada is great, there really are no jobs. Unless you mean working minimum wage as a cocktail waitress in a smoke filled casino. for $8+tips

I have a maths degree with a number of years experience in IT and finance and - maybe because I'm not American - could not even get an interview for anything that wasn't $12/hr or less..

Seriously, if you are not self funded, don't bother with Nevada. Go to California or Texas or just stay in thailand.

If you are in IT or Finance Las Vegas is not the place to be to get a good paying job, unless you are a US Citizen and do DoD work, however that is changing in the past 5 or 6 years the IT market has been growing due to a lot of companies relocating there.

They are building an IKEA which will open in 2016, and there are quite a few call center jobs available, not only casino. But as the OP stated no work history in the past 15 years and wife with no US work history, Vegas is an easy place for them to get their and get jobs, are they going to be high paying to start, no. But you will get health insurance and other benefits. It is a good place to start, and can get up and running quickly, and if you are reliable which the majority of people in lots of the casino positions are not, and are smart you can move up to supervisor or manager rather quickly.

There are also plenty of other jobs out of casino's and again if you are reliable and self starter, you can move up quickly wherever you work.

Wife has a ten year visa to US while I grovel every 90 days.

I assume this is a tourist visa, in order for her to start working when you get their she needs her Green card, since you have lived here for good amount of time you can file DCF in Bangkok and will take you about 3 to 4 months, as long as you meet the requirements, in your case since no job you will need around liquid assets of 60K or a co-sponsor. Married to a US citizen she can get her US citizenship in 3 years from the date the green card is issued.

Good luck, lots to think of.