We finally arrived on tuesday and we are staying at kristina's parents at the moment. Kris is delighted to be home of course. I am trying to settle in myself but finding it a bit hard. I have to wait 2 weeks before i try for my SSN. Her parents have 3 cats and 2 small dogs who are all house animals so its a bit crowded.

Not working is a bummer so will have to wait till after the wedding to find work. Kris had an interview this morning and she has the job is she wants it but we have a small dilema.The wage is 38k which is prob 20 k less than what she earned in ireland. Then again she was a senior OT in ireland but the job is early intervention here. There is a chance of a permanent job in hartford CN where the pay is much the same as in ireland. We cant afford to move yet until after the wedding . I worked in the same company in ireland for nearly 3 years so looking again for a job in IT will be tough.

My question is how long does it take before the home sickness goes away.Im not so bad today as im trying to keep busy. Im worried about the job situation for me as i left a good job in ireland working for HP. In saying that i firnly believe that we both will have a great life in the states.

I havent been on here for ages as only have dialup here but we are getting broadband next week. Thanx to everyone who helped me out over the last month or so.

It does take a while to settle in; for some people, years. It's hard when you can't work, but you have to look at it as a forced vacation! Remember, it's probably the longest vacation you'll have until you retire, so it's worth kicking back and letting yourself find your feet here.

I don't know what to tell you about the adjustment and the home-sickness... but I feel sure that it will get better... You have a loving relationship... and are embarking upon a new journey... I wish you all the best! Blessings,
Lynne

Had a near disaster with one of her parents cats. I was letting the dogs out and i left the patio door open by mistake.One of her cats who is 13 and a diabetic got out but luckily i got her back in after about 10 mins. So im the shits now with my gf and her mom for leaving the patio door open.

Great start to life in the states.

Not to make light of your situation, but it reminds of the scene in "Meet the Parents" where he lets their cat out.

Hang in there. My husband has been here 6 months and starting to adjust.

I thought about that movie too!!!
Don't worry, I'm sure you will adjust soon, and it's going to be a lot easier after you get a job and you guys move out and get a place on your own.
...Just tell your girlfriend she needs to be very patient with you!

Wish you the best!

Hi,
As an FYI, you are not *required* to wait 2 weeks to apply for your SS#--that is a hedge to give them time to enter you in the system. However, many people have success in applying earlier. I suggest that you read up in the Guide here, and look for mdyoung's tips on a successful K-1 SSA application. Sounds like you might have the time.
If you get down to their office and they have never heard of you, you do not have to fall into the 'manual verification' trap. Read on.

If you've got some time on your hands, and things weighing on your mind, a little project like this might be just the ticket. And, you'll get a lovely tour of your local Social Security office.

"Welcome to America, m' man!"
-quote courtesy of the coolest immigration officer ever, at MSP

Good to see you made it here safely. Sorry about the cat though.....sounds like a mouse...er, mess to me!

I think you're fortunate that your g/f found a job right away. That sounds like something in the plus column. I know that it's really tough on the men with the not working bit. If you can, like clmarsh said, try to find a way to think of it as 'grounding time' then you might be less frustrated. I think you've got the right attitude - believing that your future life will be good. How about some volunteerism? A soup kitchen or the Boys Club? I know that voice will get you lots of smiles from US citizens....I see it when they first hear my man. Maybe you can use it, your positive attitude, and your brain to help some folks in need.

In the meantime, take heart in knowing you're not the only unemployed irishman in the US....I've got one in the next room.....he's still cute as the devil, though.....

It took me a while to feel at home... I couldn t work the first 4 months .... So It was pretty hard to stay home and to not have a lot of friends...
As soon as i got a job things got much better....
Well good luck things will work out

Rejane