Bizarre Actually Being Here!

Well, I made it! I arrived 3 weeks ago, spent a week in Cornwall and now am finally settling in at 'home'.

I got my National Insurance Number today in the mail... so now the job hunt really begins. I felt like the job hunt wouldn't be that bad when I was still in the US and the scary part was the actual moving thing. Now I'm getting really nervous about finding a job, especially about finding a good paying job when I don't have a car or driver's license here and will have to rely 100% on public transportation and walking. I was telling myself that's not that odd here, right??

I keep finding myself saying "in the States this... in the States that". I'm trying really really hard to catch myself, but I can't help it. I want my family here to understand that even the smallest things, like having switches on the outlets, or ordering food at the pub counter and not having a waiter, or not having screens on windows, or the size of the beds... its all different!! And I'm not an idiot for not understanding it, it's just different. When I say "In the States we do this..." I'm not saying it's better in the US, just that its just different, and don't mind me for not being used to it. I'm really going to make a pact with myself not to say it anymore, it's annoying even me, I can't imagine how my family must feel.

Ok, but other than this...I'm really enjoying it. I miss a lot of things, but I really love a lot of things here too.

It still feels a bit like I'm just on holiday, and I'll be flying back to Nebraska soon... It's such a bizarre feeling. I'm not sad, I'm not depressed... I'm just, blah. I thought I'd be loving every minute, but it's still just life. There's still laundry to do, still dishes to wash... Bizarre and hard to explain is all I can say really. I'm sure some of you know what I'm trying to say!

Bring on the job hunt now... anyone else job hunting out there? How is it going? Any tips? I know I'm not expecting the same level of job I had at home, but I don't want to lower my sights too much. Anyone have any good stories of finding a job over here?? There have to be some employers who weren't too scared off by your whole CV being US experience?? Any advice?

Thanks for listening/reading. It really just helps to get it out and helps me realize although I'm not depressed, I'm also not 100% peachy. I didn't really realize until I started typing!

Sounds like you need a cream tea.
Eat one for me as well...

Congrats on your new life in the UK.
Is it rainy there yet?
If not, step outside fill up the lungs with the crisp air.

I am not familiar with the Cornwall area, though I think my husband took me there once.
WAIT....YES....Tintangel....!!!!
Beautiful...

Bring on the job hunt now... anyone else job hunting out there? How is it going? Any tips? I know I'm not expecting the same level of job I had at home, but I don't want to lower my sights too much. Anyone have any good stories of finding a job over here?? There have to be some employers who weren't too scared off by your whole CV being US experience?? Any advice?

I would say just be confident about your experience! Sure, it might scare some employers off that you have only USA experience, they may think you need lots of training, more attention, that it is too much hassle... but you don't want to work for those debbie downers anyway! There is a lot of talk on this forum about lack of UK experience being a problem, but I disagree. People get hired all the time with no UK working experience. Experience is experience, and eventually you will find something you enjoy doing.

Another tip is don't just apply for jobs online... get put yourself out there! Meet people, shake hands, socialize. Ask people you know to introduce you to other people that may or may not be in your industry. You never know who you'll meet at a pub who can get you a job!

And congratulations on your move!

Are you living in Cornwall or Peterborough? I'm a bit confused! If it's the former and you have any questions, fire away! 

Hi there,

Just wanted to let you know you're not alone in feeling this way...not depressed , but not peachy either. I've been in London for exactly a week, so I don't have any job hunting advice. But there's still a lot to get used to being here. I think someone else on here suggested that we make a list of what we like about the UK and try to do at least one of those things a day.

I also joined a gym this week and got all my frustrations out on a stationary bicycle! And when I'm thoroughly exhausted, I don't have anymore remaining energy to miss anything that was my old life. 

Have you been to the Cathedral yet?

Are you living in Cornwall or Peterborough? I'm a bit confused! If it's the former and you have any questions, fire away! 

Hmm  seems that I misread.
Spending a week in Cornwall does not mean this is a residence, so my mistake.

Thanks for the post Husker and your true feelings.

Good luck in the job hunt, it took DW about 8 months sodon't worry if it's not going your way. Also I know what her first year over here was like, I just love it now when she says she finally feels settled....it takes time and I'm sure people on here will help you through the tough times.
DW occasionally says "in the US...." and you are right, i often thought she was meaning "it was better", now it's often me saying to here "what do you do in the States"!

Thanks everyone.

To clear it up, I only took a holiday to Cornwall for a week, I'm living in Peterborough (though learning it's said more like "Pedaburra"   ).

Yes I have been to the cathedral, many times on my visits here! I absolutely LOVE it, and am planning a day trip by bus to Ely Cathedral this week and another day trip to Elton Hall. I love that kind of stuff!

Good luck in the job hunt, it took DW about 8 months sodon't worry if it's not going your way. Also I know what her first year over here was like, I just love it now when she says she finally feels settled....it takes time and I'm sure people on here will help you through the tough times.
DW occasionally says "in the US...." and you are right, i often thought she was meaning "it was better", now it's often me saying to here "what do you do in the States"!

The thought of it taking 8 months to find a job is VERY scary!! I'm living with family right now, so I don't think I'll actually feel settled until I've got a job and my own flat, hopefully I can make the move before Christmas.    

I think someone else on here suggested that we make a list of what we like about the UK and try to do at least one of those things a day.

 

One of my favourite things to do now is as simple as walking to the shops for the newspapers (one real one and one gossipy one like the Sun or Daily Mirror) and sitting down with a cup of tea, chocolate covered digestives and reading the papers. I'm also absolutely addicted to Come Dine With Me... its a good things it's just about on every hour of the day! LOL

I feel like life goes a little bit slower here than it does at home, and it's nice. It's probably not true somewhere like London, but I feel I can enjoy the little tasks and simple pleasures a lot more here.

Thanks for the support everyone. It really does help to just know others are going through it, and it helps to just get it all out! It's hard talking to my family here or my family and friends at home, because they just can't relate. I don't want anyone thinking I'm not happy here, because I am! Like I said, it's just a bizarre feeling!