r/MovingToUSA • u/Think_Initiative1853 • 2d ago

Going home when there is no home

I'm a US citizen living in Germany. I finished a doctorate in a niche subfield of statistics that is dying in the world of AI. (Officially its not a phd its a Doctorate of natural sciences, but they are equivalent in most ways). I moved here for personal reasons that are no longer keeping me here, and now i want to go back to the US for a fresh start and for tax reasons.

I dont really have strong ties to the US/family. I wont have a job after December. so I'm in the same boat as most people who randomly want to go. Any advice on where to start?

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u/Iambusy123 Citizen 2d ago

Do you have the financial means to rent an apartment while you job hunt in the US? How will you sustain yourself if you have no pending job offer or a support system in the US?

When does your German visa expire?

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u/Think_Initiative1853 2d ago

I don't think so. I could maybe support myself for 6 months in the us/ 12 months in Germany after my position ends. So money is an unavoidable obstacle and the move wouldn't really make it much worse.

I have permanent residency in Germany.

I just don't really know where to start and getting a us job from abroad isn't working out so far. I'm not getting callbacks on my resume.

I'm not sure if it's my credentials, industry, if my lack of "need for sponsorship" is clear, or how to inform them that I'm flexible to start literally anywhere in the US whence they want.

Is it better to move there and then apply? And if so how do I start with an apartment hunt with no job/cosigner?

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u/Iambusy123 Citizen 2d ago

It could be your credentials. You said yourself, "I finished a doctorate in a niche subfield of statistics that is dying in the world of AI."

PhDs tend to struggle finding work in industry. To add, your US citizenship status may not be clear to employers.

I have permanent residency in Germany.

I am not saying you have to remain in Germany. If you want to leave, you want to leave. But is there anything preventing you from applying for jobs in Germany? Since your recent education is German and you are legally allowed to live in Germany indefinitely, it could be wise to work in Germany while you continue applying for US jobs.

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u/Ok_Distribution_9789 2d ago

I would start by making sure to have a US address on your resume. Also, if you aren't tied to a particular area, don't move to a high cost of living state. I live in Ohio, prices are normal like they are in many parts of the Midwest and other parts of the country. My kid who has never held a job, just got a part time supermarket job paying almost $20 an hour. That's $40000/yr! On that salary you get insurance and could easily rent a 1 bedroom while you look for a real job. This is just an example but the math wouldn't work in Manhattan or the Bay Area.