In addition, Silicon valley is definitely an awesome place to be in terms of everything. Not sure why so many people on this thread are against it.

I still think that the "career" part of the discussion is missing the point: Is the move beneficial for the OPs very personal development, career outlook? Or is it only beneficial for the current employer?

I once said pass when I was "offered" to move to another country only because my employer could not fix some internal account issues... but if the career chances in silicon valley are better from a purely selfish perspective - that's an entirely different story. After all does the family also benefit from a good career, not only in the size of the family car but in many aspects as the cash you can earn buys you chances from travelling to education for the children.

On the family part: I agree that Switzerland is a very good place to raise kids. But could anyone tell me why it is so terrible to do the same in California? That wasn't on my list of places kids shouldn't be...

"beneficial" is so subjective isnt it?

For me, there has to be tangible benefits. Yes, I am that mercernary - why shouldnt I be? The company is an entity in the end, nothing fluffy there about being one big family. That is BS. When times are hard, they will not think twice about firing you - even if you've uprooted your family twice around the globe for them before.

I wouldnt uproot my family on the basis of "networking opportunities" and vague terms like "career boost". If there is a substantial increase in job scope and salary (which in the long run will pay for the kids' education, retirement funds etc), then without hesitation, I will tell the family pack our bags..

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OK if we say "screw his current company", we're still looking at the following:

Same money now, but more/better opportunity of promotion with the move. Also better chance of a lateral move in a competitive company in Silicon Valley along with a better opportunity of future promotion. My fear is if you're an expat here for an extended period, get fired, you could be in a great deal of trouble.

You see, suddenly the advice gets concrete.

I think the same as you and Summerrain: If it is the better place to be for the next five years from a personal development perspective... I'd probably go. As there are no kids as of yet, you do not need to worry about the school system yet in my eyes...

Trev - with Switzerland-coloured glasses, Silicon Valley is:

...also keep in mind that:
-120k here aren't 120k there.
-Sunshine, the sea, the mountains,
-Affordable (insert desired product/service)
-More Variety (insert desired product/service)
-Pleasant climate
-Mutiethnic/cultural population

Where in the OPs post did it say the California was a bad place to raise kids?

Ahem...



and

The entire post was about two options, staying in Switzerland ("family") or moving to the silicon valley ("career").

I do not understand why you cannot combine career and family in silicon valley.

I think OP was asking for more general opinions on which you'd choose - rather than this move per se.

Just to clarify: In silicon valley the husband would have less time with family yes? Therefore detrimental to family life and better for career. Its got nothing to do with whether the place is bad to raise kids more the situation.

I got confused how people started getting all defensive about the states...

I've had several times the opportunity go to go silicon valley (San Jose). I didn't go because I'm very Europe oriented and I know with my work ethic I would not fit in 'rat-race central'.

...what is it that you do if I may ask?

Errr... I think that the issue is more related to moving from one place to another, changing life, taking risks. It's not much an issue of Switzerland vs California, it's not much of an issue about quality of life here or there. The point is more that changes brings discomfort, uncertainty, stress, surprises, hassle, unstability, tensions, etc. and many other things that are not nicely compatible with trying having a baby, being pregnant, taking care of a new born. If someone here writes "I'd stay in Switzerland", it's not because of aversion to California, it would be more in this case in aversion towards the tough changes of life at a key point of life when stability is so good to have.

/Paul

I don't think this is true although the op can clarify. Normally a US company with a presence here will demand US standards for employees. Sometimes even longer hours because of the need to be contactable during the evening.

Yes, but on the other hand, you would enjoy the full benefits of...what are they called again...oh yes, opening hours. (That's when people purchase products after 9pm...or so I've heard )

What do you mean? I was in san diego the other day and everything was shut by 8!

From my Swiss perspective with six years of constant SVP fear-mongering this surely means:

To me, in my 20s, I was all about my job. When I was in my 30s and realized that even promotions wouldn't make me happier AND choosing not to take promotions would soon force a capped salary, I chose family.

Unfortunately, by that time, I was unhappy enough with my work situation that I burned a bridge or two.

Soooo... if you're going to reject seemingly "immediate" potential for growth in favor of future possibilities, make sure it isn't at the expense of any bridges because the future you are envisioning may be much different than you plan.

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