I’ve read this sub and have seen so many similar comparisons but thought my background may be slightly different than others.

I am a Japanese native and have been in Tokyo for the last 10 years, but also lived in other parts of Asia and the US throughout my childhood.

I find Tokyo depressing, stagnant, lacking diversity and nature, questionable work life balance and isolated from the world.

I get paid well as I work in fintech and not for a Japanese company, so I know I am better off than others here but would like to move out soon.

My options are New York or London through my current job. I would definitely need to negotiate my salary but what would be a better option given the following;

I’m planning to move with my partner who is in IT and a small black Shiba dog. We do not plan to have children. I don’t see this as a permanent move though things may change.

Things that I would prioritise -vacation days -parks, any green areas -ease of travelling -dog friendlyness -ease of getting a masters -ease of job hunting if necessary -diversity in food, including groceries

Things I’m concerned about -safety -rent -weather -making friends -cleanliness -work culture

I’m well aware of what is said about the two cities but I want to know how bad is it “actually”.

  • whalefal@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Assuming you’re remotely good at what you do and can get hired at any of the (many) higher paying bigtech / fintech companies in NYC, your pay in London will *at best* be half of what it could be in NYC and you’ll probably pay more in taxes. The difference in cost of living will not make up for that. Those saying it will don’t understand how much money there is in tech.

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    Also, if you value your career, you have waaaaay more opportunities in the states for tech. More interesting / cutting edge work as well.

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    That being said, I would move to London if I could get US pay and career opportunities there. And the option to spend the winters working remotely from somewhere sunny.

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    If you can get work visas in the US, move there. You will have to give up on cleanliness though. You can always move to Europe or anywhere else later with your savings from the much much higher american pay. The reverse will be very hard financially.