My decision whether to move to the US vs. the UK/EU will be primarily be driven by ability to attend rock/metal concerts and access to art/travel/culture/diversity.

If I am happy and living a stress free life (stress free == balancing stress with doing something that I love), then I'd be able to perform better with a clear mind and grow well.

Money has always been an output of my working with good ethics and high values.

I might be very biased, but I'd say if you are interested in art, culture and travel, then eu/UK is the right choice. Because of Brexit, an EU move probably gives the best opportunities

@nibor my thought process is as biased as yours.

I don't know the art/music scene in the US but let's assume I get into a major city like New York where all the bands tour and exhibitions are held.

I still wouldn't be able to travel as easily to another city where another band is playing, as I could do in Europe.

Based on my information, it's like hop into a train from Paris to Amsterdam > enjoy the Van Gogh exhibit > return overnight > back to work.

Bands avoid the UK. Is really annoying. Go for the USA.

@atheist
Why do they avoid UK and why is it annoying?

@atheist they do, and for good reasons. The logistics, expenses etc were a pain in every tour manager’s arse even before Brexit. This comes from someone who used to do that wretched job.

@Floydimus US is even worse though in that regard, especially considering European bands. Even US bands seemed to tour rather in Europe than in US, at least pre-rona. All that I worked with really preferred that. Never ever did I hear a good word from anyone about playing in the States.

None of this applies to the really big ones who’ve got the money backing to not care, but for me continental Europe seems to be the best place for culture and art and stuff.

Well the UK is shit, trust me! City centres at weekends or for drunk chavs, vomit and violence. Europe on the other hand is far cooler. There’s fuck all opportunities in the UK as the Tory’s have fucked everything plus its full of racist wankers who voted for Brexit ‘cos the Tory press told them to. Stay away from UK!

@100110111 Thank you and your response makes a lot of sense.

When I was in the UK and got to see Rammstein perform live, the number of lorries they got for their equipment just blew my mind.

I was like, the boys crossed the English channel with so much stuff.. beyond awesome.

@helloworld Lol US in that matter seems worse.

Between UK and EU, surely EU seems better except for language.

Here's my plan: 1.5 years in the UK. Tour the island and then move to EU for 3.5 years before returning home.

When it comes to "art/travel/culture/diversity", you really just need to pick that place which has the most of what you like. (And maybe also the least of what you dislike, if that's important to you. If they're not the same place, then decide which one is more important to you.)

@Floydimus I think it's just "USA is big, UK is small", so bands tend to tour there first. It's annoying because I like music.

@atheist if you are talking about American bands touring the US, well then I don't like much of American music anyway.

If you are talking about European bands touring the US, then I believe there could be instances where I can see them perform somewhere in Europe.

@Floydimus I think the problem is more, bands do London, Edinburgh and Dublin, if you don't live there you're out of luck. I'm now in London but when I wasn't it was a pain.

@atheist I understand the pain.

I am planning for a major city (preferably London) because that's where major companies are.

@Floydimus more people too. Pre covid, London was awesome for tech meetups, I was out a couple of times a week.

Vegas is awful for a lot of reasons, but the music scene is not one of them.

In particular, the Hard Rock’s House of Blues hosts a lot of concerts (some of them very good). Many of the other casinos also have regular concerts, though the type of music differs between them, ofc. And bands touring the US almost always plan a stop in Vegas. It’s probably in the top five best cities for concerts in the US.

The food in Vegas is also quite good: if you like it, you can find it there, and it (probably) isn’t super expensive. The area is also hot and dry and dusty (and ugly), though. It’s kind of an awful place to live, but has great roads, no income tax, and plenty of work.

But in general, I cannot in good conscience recommend moving to the US. It’s getting crazier here by the week.

(I didn’t mention clubbing because I’m fairly certain you would hate it! But there are a lot of great clubs, too! And they’re all free (or massively discounted) if you’re a local)

@atheist well, I come from Mumbai. London is amazing city, I didn't find it a little populous but that was because there were many tourits like me.

@Root I'd agree on blues point + I often see Vegas on the list.
However, the fact that it's crazier is true and I am also factoring healthcare as one of my relocation criteria. We all know a out US healthcare system.

@Root at this point, we all know each other so well. Hahaha yes, Clubs are not for me but I appreciate your suggestion.

*Laughs in Wacken*
EU is your decision.

@Ranchonyx EU is my decision.

It's midnight here and I am reflecting on some life choices.

I think you are right. I must plan strategically to get into Europe.

How's the work life balance in EU?

@Floydimus Highly fucking depends on the job. I believe, since I am just a student right now, @Fast-Nop could explain that better.

@Floydimus Usually better than in either India or US. I'm on 35h (though 40h are more common), 30 holidays, and flextime - i.e. time is logged, and I slack off overtime later.

@Ranchonyx how long before you join the workforce?

@Fast-Nop exactly like I have heard. Your bloody Europeans know how to enjoy your life :)

I love it. Thanks bro for the inputs.

As of now, my challenge is timezones and not workload.

Infact workload has never been an issue.

@Floydimus Probably about three quarters of a year. I'm finishing my Abitur (HS degree sort of) and then will be jobbing in tech related jobs around here for the rest of the year and will then go for a dual course of study probably.

@Floydimus what @Fast-Nop explained is pretty much the standard. Of course it varies from country to country, but many European countries have labour laws to dictate how far companies can exploit employees.

I’m on 37,5h with 35 holidays and flexitime.

I think your language concerns aren’t that big of an issue really. English is a working language in Europe and widely spoken. Obviously being a native speaker of the local language does make things easier, but EU being a multilang area does facilitate workplaces where the lingua franca is English.

@100110111 this makes me finalise Europe. European government is doing some great things.

@Ranchonyx nice. All the best bud.

@Floydimus thanks mate. You too

@Floydimus I’m seeing Rammstein next June/July myself. Should’ve been two years ago but they keep moving the date because of Corona