Moving to the U.S. and starting my career from scratch

When I tell people that I moved to the US in my 40s, the first question they ask is ‘Why?’ My answer is ‘for love.’ I met an American and I wanted to build a life with him, so I left lifelong friends, family, and an established career to seek out adventure in the U.S.  

I spent the first few months living here seeking out things I perceived would make me happy and help me acclimate– friendships, and building a social life. I addressed my biggest fear of my move– driving on the right side of the road and taking my driving test! I was convinced I would fail after driving for so many years on the left side, and developing some truly dreadful habits. Turns out the test was easy, and despite terrifying my neighbors in the early days of driving around the neighborhood, I had worried unnecessarily.  

I also spent way too much time trying to work out why I couldn’t find ‘rocket’ in the grocery store (turns out it’s called arugula over here). During my acclimation, I had never considered that finding work would be a challenge. I was a dual citizen and therefore able to work in the United States (thanks to my American mom), I’d built a successful 20-year career in PR, and later Celebrity Engagement with several leading UK nonprofit organizations, I had a proven track record of success, and some fantastic references. I had assumed that when I was ready to start work, charitable causes in Washington, D.C. would snap me up. I was wrong. Despite a year of planning to move to the U.S., I had neglected to ask myself two vital questions: a) Am I hirable? and b) What tools do I need to set myself up for professional success across the pond? 

Finding British products in the grocery store!

The impact of that was a huge blow to my confidence and self-esteem. It was utterly crushing. I was out of work for months. (Previously, the longest I had ever been out of work was a couple of weeks.) I circulated my resume to potential employers for jobs I could do with my eyes closed, only to never hear from them. Employment agencies told me I was overqualified and they only worked with entry-level positions. I applied for government jobs but never made a single cert. Having built a solid reputation in London, (I’d even been headhunted for the last two positions,) suddenly nobody knew me, and they didn’t recognize the companies I had worked for. It was like I was at the beginning of my career, and had to work my way up again, except I couldn’t even secure an interview for a junior position.  

It was a journey. A humbling experience and one that made me realize how important my career is, how important financial independence is, and how a strong work ethic is at my core. I became despondent. What on earth could I do to succeed? After almost a year of not working, I found an amazing job as the publicist at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in DC. Three years later I moved to Bucklesweet, where I continue to learn and develop my skills. So it all worked out in the end, but it wasn’t an easy journey. Emigrating to a new country means moving out of your comfort zone. It’s a bit like a new relationship, exciting, fun, exhilarating and you’re having a great time, but you also need to keep an open mindset. Don’t give up if things don’t work out immediately, see it as an opportunity for personal growth.  Here is what I learned and what I advise anybody looking to continue their career in a new country: 

Volunteer: You never know where it might lead 

I began volunteering at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. Not only did I enjoy it, but I also started building professional networks and making connections. When STC advertised for a Publicist I knew I had the skill set to do the job, but was reluctant to apply. I’d never worked in a theatre or the U.S., I knew I’d be up against established DC publicists, how could I possibly be considered for the role? Nonetheless, I still applied, because one thing I’ve learned is if you don’t try, you’ll never get anywhere.  

First show that I worked on at STC.

Much to my surprise, I landed the job. I later learned that I had indeed been up against some strong DC-based candidates who had more DC theatre experience and were better connected with journalists, but what gave me the competitive advantage was that I had established strong internal relationships and had learned an enormous amount about STC’s work after months of volunteering.  

Take any job 

I took a minimum-wage job at the local pool during the summer. I organized and promoted the pool community events, Luaos, Crabfests, Food Truck nights, etc. Among the High School and college students I was the oldest and most seasoned employee. It was a humbling experience but I got an amazing tan that summer and I met lots of people, some of whom worked in the marketing and communications industry. I was starting to build my professional network. 

I also started selling Silpada jewelry, organizing home parties, and managing a little business. Not only did it give me a sense of purpose, and provide me with an income, I was using my PR and management skills all while wearing amazing jewelry. When I finally secured a job interview, I found I had some U.S. work experience to talk about that illustrated my skillset. 

Network and pursue every opportunity - you never know whom you might meet 

At Silpada parties and my job at the pool I met people, who knew people, who connected me to people. Many didn’t lead to anything, but I did meet someone who turned out to be a journalist for Voice of America. She offered to look at my resume and offer guidance. I took her up on her kind offer. This leads me to my next point. 

Ask for advice 

It turned out that my resume was horrible and just “so British” (the words of my new journalist friend.) As we sat in a bar in Clarendon, she put a red pen through my resume and offered advice on format, terminology, and tone. It was the finished result that was submitted to STC. Coincidence? 

Let people know you’re looking for work 

Initially, I felt ashamed for being out of work, and a sense of failure consumed me for not being able to find a job. But once I started to accept that as long as I was trying to find work, I had nothing to be ashamed of, I proactively let people know I was looking. I was stunned at the abundance of support I received.  

The biggest tip I can offer is: Being proactive is the best way to go. A bit like the lottery: you have to be in it to win it. Nobody is going to knock on your door offering you your dream job if they don’t know who you are or what you have to offer. 

My first 4th of July party in the U.S.!