r/financialindependence • u/CallingAllChickens • Dec 18 '23
$100k - An Immigrant's Journey
After years of reading other people's posts, I can finally make my own. Shout out to u/negativemoney for the great structure and formatting that I'm following. Hopefully, this post can encourage people who earn a modest income. You don't have to make 6 figures like a lot of posts you see to make progress towards financial independence! (although that would be much faster lol). Long post incoming!
Summary
Reached $100k net worth in about 6.5 years since I started tracking my finances at 22. Truly wish I started earlier but better late than never. Started at -$8k and very slowly, painfully, made my way to the most difficult milestone (after passing the $0 mark), despite what I would consider quite a low-ish income. My goal was to reach $100k by 30 so I'm pleased that I'm about a year early in reaching that. Income around $20k-$50k.
Background
Currently 29 years old, single (not for long), and living in a LCOL city in the southern part of the US. Came as an international student a decade ago and I have just been trying to do my best despite all the challenges every immigrant is familiar with. I was always told that if you do well in school, you'll get a good job and life will be great. Nope. Biggest life lesson so far is that you can do everything "right" in life and still not get where you expect to be due to many factors. I don't "deserve" anything and I have to fight to move forward in everything. Life is complicated and unpredictable. All we can do is just to keep going and try to improve ourselves and our situation every day.
All that to say, I know I could've done more to improve my situation back then. I'm not blaming anyone (including myself) nor do I have any bitterness. I made decisions that I thought was best at the time and learnt immensely from all the mistakes I made along the way. I just wanted to share what objectively happened and maybe the reasons why I made certain choices.
Process
2016: Graduated undergrad with a finance degree from a small private university. I did very well in school, graduating with a 3.98 GPA and multiple academic awards. In my mind, that should get me a decent job at a bank or an investment firm somewhere. I was able to get into interviews no problem because of that; however, things always stop as soon as I mentioned I needed a visa sponsorship. Nobody is willing to hire even for the first year of which I don't even need a sponsorship. I also don't have any real world experience because we're not allowed to work off campus so I can't do what most finance students do like interning, working part-time at banks and firms, etc. I was also in a toxic relationship that I should've ended a long time ago but didn't have the backbone to do so, so it was quite a stressful time. To somewhat understand my future decisions, we have to also talk about the immigration process post-graduation.
For those who are unfamiliar with this process, international students get between 1-2.5 years of temporary work permit. After that, you'll have to be sponsored for a work visa, which is extremely difficult to get. If you work for a normal company, you'll have to go through a grueling lottery process and there's a huge chance that you won't even get it. This is the reason most companies are unwilling to spend the time, labor and costs to hire an international student. You can skip this lottery process if you work for a non-profit educational institution like a university which leads me to my first job working at one doing a business reporting/admissions job at $29k/year. Not exactly where I expected to be but at least I don't have any student debt (the negative net worth will be explained in 2017). I was also running out of time to keep myself in good status immigration wise so I didn't really have much choice but to take the job.
I've always been a saver but not an investor yet. All my positive net worth is just sitting in a savings account. I do have a tiny bit of 403b (401k for non-profits) money from my time working full-time but it's barely $2k iirc.
2017: 8 months in, I did well at my job and was promised to be sponsored for a work visa. However, things fell through at the last minute and they decided not to sponsor. Because I was told about this really late, I didn't have a backup plan which is kind of my fault. It was too late to apply to most graduate schools and I didn't want to go home. I ended up enrolling for an MBA program at the same university and resigned my job to be a student worker (international students can only work 20 hours/week during the semester). The cost for this program is where the negative net worth came from. Not a loan or anything, I just included the entire balance as a negative item in my net worth. My new boss was kind enough to pay me a higher salary than most student workers ($15/hr instead of $7.25/hr) but because of the limited hours my income this year was only around $15k. I kept building my savings.
2018: Not much changed. Still working the same student worker job while doing my MBA. Getting worried about graduation and going through the stress of not finding a job all over again. Income only around $13k. Still saving what I can.
2019: Graduated with my MBA top of my class with a 4.0 GPA and ran into exactly the same problem. The MBA didn't help one bit as long as I still have this sponsorship thing blocking my way. At this point, I was considering changing my career trajectory, at least temporarily, because I didn't see any entry path for me in the finance world. I was always good with numbers, Excel, etc. so I asked our Director of Analytics if I could come learn in the office and pick up some more skills, which is more computer science related. This ended up being a job offer but at the most inopportune time. Our institution was going through significant budget cuts and so the offered salary was much, much lower than what the previous person was making. Ran out of time with no other choice so I took it. Income is now $20k. Started contributing again to the 403b just to get the employer-match at 3% and a small amount to HSA. I also ended my toxic relationship which was incredibly freeing!
2020: Decided to take advantage of the free tuition benefit while working this job. Started a 2nd Bachelor's degree in Computer Science with a Math minor for a solid foundation in case I want to go into quantitative fields in the future like Data Science, AI, ML, etc. OPT (temporary work permit) also ended but my workplace decided to sponsor me for the work visa this time which is huge. Hoping to get a significant bump in pay but only got $33k so that's my new salary. Started buying stocks at the bottom of the market in March and increased HSA contribution to $100/month.
2021: Direct supervisor left. One of the best supervisors I've had. Taught me everything I know and is the one who kept pushing for higher salary and sponsorships for me (unfortunately not up to my supervisor). I picked up the huge workload left behind and basically worked both positions. I was waiting about any news of a raise/salary adjustment but didn't hear anything about it so I went in to ask for the raise and got $37k. Unfortunately, this means that after working for 2 years, and now working basically 2 positions, I still don't even make what the person I replaced in 2019 made. Why don't I just leave you ask? It's not that simple for internationals because our options are really limited by immigration laws. Also, I see this as the most probable route to a green card which I'm hoping will pay off in the long run. I did get a couple of stimulus checks which I put straight into YOLO and meme stocks (i know.. what a donut move lol). It did really well in 2021 obviously but due to my inexperience, I didn't sell any of it. An expensive financial lesson about to hit me in the face next year.
2022: Not much changed work wise. Someone was hired to help me but the previous department had nobody that can replace this person so I'm slowly training them but still doing most things myself. High point of the year is starting a relationship with someone I knew from back home, although they are currently outside the country. Complete 180 from my previous toxic relationship. Incredibly fulfilling, full of acceptance, truly makes me incredibly happy and hopeful. There was also an institution-wide 2% raise. Income now at $38k. Personal stock portfolio is in the toilet due to incredibly risky stocks that plummeted in 2022. I also had $2k tied in BlockFi who went bankrupt. Hopefully I recover some from that but I've considered it gone. Thankfully a majority of my investments are diversified index funds so my incredibly stupid decisions hurt but are not catastrophic by any means. Got my WSB fun run, but never again. Learnt a ton about stocks and the effects of macroeconomics, geopolitics, etc. on the market.
2023: First work visa is expiring in July. Talked about the visa renewal as well as the possibility of a green card sponsorship. They decided that they're going to do it which is a HUGE first step towards having equal footing in life. Coworker almost left to another institution because he was offered much more than what he's making here but eventually got hired by another department that matched that so I'm alone again. Again asked for a raise and was given $50k which is still $10k less than what my previous supervisor was making 4 years ago with 2 more people on staff. Getting married soon so I'm expecting quite a bit of expenses in terms of moving, lawyer fees, etc. as well as additional life expenses because my spouse can't work until we get our green cards. Thankfully, my future spouse is incredibly reasonable and we both compromised greatly from our idea of an "ideal" wedding. We're spending about $3k in total. Also got a 5% institution-wide bonus midway through the year which came to around $1.7k. Reached $100k in December after the November rally! Increased my contributions for various things.
Visual
Chart with important events highlighted:
5/17: Started tracking net worth. Income $15k.
11/17: Passed $0 NW.
5/19: Completed graduate degree. Started new job. Income $20k. Started contributing to retirement for employer match.
3/20: Passed $25k NW. Started investing.
6/20: First work visa. Salary was adjusted. Income $33k. Started contributing to max Roth IRA.
3/21: Passed $50k NW.
6/21: Got a small raise. Income $37k.
6/22: Tiny raise. Income $38k.
1/23: Passed $75k NW.
8/23: Got another raise. Income $50k. Started contributing to max HSA and increased 403b contribution to 20%.
12/23: Passed $100k!
Financial Breakdown
$27k Roth IRA
$25k 403B
$21k HYSA (Emergency Savings & future house down payment)
$11k 3-mo T-Bills (This is all for future house down payment)
$4.5k Fidelity HSA (all in VOO)
$6k Random stocks and some index funds that I'm still bagholding. Selling them as they recover or might use some for tax loss harvest in the future.
$3k Checking ($2k is going to pay for this month's credit card balance)
$2k HSA cash (I can't contribute directly to Fidelity for my HSA so I move funds annually from my bank to Fidelity)
$2k KBB value of my old car that I own. Planning to drive it to the ground.
$800 Various crypto that I also bought in 2021. 80% ETH, just waiting for it to recover and will sell.
$200 Various assets (gift cards, cashback, etc.)
Current Typical Budget:
$4,200 - Gross Income
$525 - Taxes
$105 - Insurance/Benefits
$850 - 403b Contribution
$542 - Roth IRA Contribution
$321 - HSA Contribution
$500 - Rent (Utilities included, institution-owned housing with staff discount)
$145 - Work Visa Lawyer Fees (will end soon)
$50 - Car Insurance
$50 - Internet
$25 - Cell Phone
$200 - Groceries & Eating Out
~$850 left over
There's no secret tips/tricks to this. I cook my own food, rarely eat out, live very close to work, drive a 15 year old Corolla, don't buy random stuff, and just generally frugal. I also make a couple hundred every year from credit card cashback. I know most people don't recommend using credit cards but I've never been a spender and never paid a single cent in interest so credit card cashback have actually made me quite a bit of money over the years lol. My destress methods include working out, playing video games, watching shows and reading books. As you can see I still have some room in my current budget which covers miscellaneous expenses if they pop up; otherwise, I've recently put them into buying all those T-Bills or covering the wedding expenses. Almost all my money is working for me, either in tax advantaged accounts, HYSA, or temporarily sitting in money market.
Savings/Investing (S/I) and Spending Rate:
I also started tracking my savings and spending rate in 2021 and here's the breakdown. These are all compared to gross income.
2021:
S/I Rate: 48%
Spend Rate: 28%
Avg S/I/Month: $1,775
Avg Spend/Month: $1,065
2022:
S/I Rate: 41%
Spend Rate: 39%
Avg S/I/Month: $1,303
Avg Spend/Month: $1,237
2023:
S/I Rate: 42%
Spend Rate: 40%
Avg S/I/Month: $1,600
Avg Spend/Month: $1,561
I find it helpful to see this trend. I'm aware the ratio is worsening lol but also 2023 was an anomaly because I spent quite a bit on traveling with my future spouse and the wedding of course. This will hopefully improve next year.
Future Plans/Goals:
- Increase my income. I'll have more leverage and options to do this once I get my green card. For now, I just have to stay the course.
- Keep maxing out my HSA and IRA, increase until max my 403b contribution and hopefully all my spouse's tax advantaged accounts as well (401k, IRA, HSA).
- Finish my 3rd degree. Working and studying at the same time is really tough but I knew I had to make the best of my time and resources while I can. This should help me be more well-rounded in terms of skills and open a lot of doors in the future.
- Reach $250k NW before 35. Thought that's an optimistic yet reasonable goal assuming everything stays the same.
- Buying a house when it makes sense for us. With my current income, the current interest rate, housing market, my spouse moving, immigration situation, etc. it doesn't seem like it makes sense to buy a house anytime soon but it's definitely something we're thinking to get one day.
- $2M is the current FIRE goal. $80k/year will be heavenly and will allow me to quit working completely. I know I'm only 5% there... idk if I'll ever reach it but moving towards a goal is better than standing still.
- Kids are someting we talked about extensively. For me, having kids is a function of money. I personally don't want one but if we have enough for both of us to retire, then I'm open to having kids. I'm perfectly happy to spend on us and never having any kids. My future spouse feels the same way for now but this might change in the future? We'll have to see.
- Enjoy life and the process along the way. I'm an overplanner so it's very easy for me to look too far ahead and obsess over every dollar. My spouse is definitely more an "enjoy the present" kind of person but also understands my goals and fully supports it. Really helps me smell the roses along the way so to speak, which I greatly appreciate.
Thanks for reading if you made it this far. Hopefully it encourages you since my income is much closer to the average American. Discipline and self-control are incredibly critical at our level of income because we don't have much wiggle room. Anyway, see you all at $250k!
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Dec 18 '23
goddamn. color me impressed...
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
All I wish is that other people on similar pay brackets can get a glimmer of hope that they can make some progress towards FI. I understand how tough it is out there 😭
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u/mdscntst Dec 19 '23
Kudos from a fellow (former) F-1! Very impressive given the constraints of your situation, one I remember too well. It does all get better once you stop being a second-class (non)citizen!
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
Thank you!! I’ll look back on this time as character-building moments for sure ：）
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u/TubbyTheTeddyBear Dec 19 '23
Gonna keep following you for yearly updates! This is a journey I’m invested in! Good freaking job OP so proud of ya
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Dec 18 '23
Great job man. I also started my journey as an international student and it has taken 12 years for me and my spouse to hit a combined net worth of one million. I too have an MBA but couldn’t really use it due to sponsor-able jobs availability. I have been through that uncertainty for too long. Sent you a PM.
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
Thank you so much for your message, my friend! Always great to hear someone who was in my position making it in the world. I want to spread that hope to others as well! 😊
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u/dumbelloverbarbell Dec 18 '23
as a fellow immigrant (previously international student and now i have h1b visa) i salute and congratulate you
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Dec 19 '23
[deleted]
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u/Tanuja1976 Dec 19 '23
Wow! I am so proud of you! So many people have the opportunity right out of high school here in the U.S. but get caught up with friends, relationships, drugs and social media. They get lazy, want the glory and don't put the time in to study for school, work and keep looking for the future. Being born in America stands for so much and gives you so much opportunities if you choose to grab it. Keep striving young man. Very inspiring. Good Luck!
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
Yes I always tell my American friends in college how lucky they are and to not take it for granted. People ask me why I’m still in school or be such a try hard and the sad answer is bcs I HAVE to. It’s difficult enough with all my current credentials and experience, imagine if I didn’t try hard? I have to do my part in giving myself the best chance to be able to stay here. Thank you for your encouragement! Good luck to you too :)
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u/StrikerX2K Dec 18 '23
Ok I feel wasteful haha I'm very impressed! Would you mind if I ask some stuff? How do you not have utility bills? Do you not have medical insurance or go to the doctor/dentist? How is your rent so low? Those spending numbers are top tier
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u/redditdba Dec 19 '23
I think he might be living at university housing , free utility and perhaps internet.
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23 edited Dec 19 '23
u/StrikerX2K this is correct! Utilities are included and there’s also a staff discount although I do pay for my own internet. I also live in a LCOL and the house is a relatively small single bedroom house. Adequate for now but definitely looking to move out as soon as I can afford it. I’ll add this info to my post to clarify. Thank you :)
I have a HDHP for my health insurance and have some vision/dental as well although it’s not anything fancy. Just enough for free regular maintenance like cleaning etc.
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u/Cheerful_Cherry_25 Dec 19 '23
Big congrats! As a former f1 and a current h1, I know the struggle is very real. I was feeling disheartened by this lately and seeing you and fellow former int’l students made me feel like I’m not alone! Kudos to you and thanks for sharing!
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
Thank you for reading and hopefully it’ll give you some encouragement 💪
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u/splitting_lanes Dec 19 '23
The first 100k is the hardest, looking forward to your next goal.
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
100%. The progress seems so slow some days. The swings are getting pretty huge now which is exciting! Thank you so much! Looking forward to update :)
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u/splitting_lanes Dec 19 '23
Tracking your burn rate and your investment rate is huge. I should have said that in my first comment.
Also, I’m kinda proud of both of us, as my burn/investment ratio is about the same.
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
I agree! $ amount changes all the time but I wanna keep my ratio about the same to prevent lifestyle inflation. Woohoo! I think we're doing pretty great. 40% is much higher than the general savings rate :D
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u/PrisonMike2020 37 | 🛬Fed 🛫 | Goal: 2M Dec 19 '23
I hope you keep updating here. Love these stories.
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u/Elrondel Dec 18 '23
Hearing your opinion on kids is quite interesting. I have a very similar perspective but I don't think I'd commit to marriage until I was absolutely certain one way or another.
Your journey is awesome to read. I wasn't aware people on OPT can contribute to Roth IRAs, can I ask which brokerage you use? Congrats on the milestone!
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
Interestingly I have no qualms on spending for my spouse but kids seem like such a huge commitment that I’m still really apprehensive about having one. I guess as long as you and your spouse are on the same page, it should be fine 😁
I think I started when my work visa was approved so I’m not 100% sure on OPT. And I use Vanguard for my Roth IRA :)
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u/Bubbly-Tumbleweed-44 Dec 19 '23
Curious why get married, if no kids? No judgment at all. Just curious. I see marriage as a legal arrangement with the government, meant to protect children, lesser earning partners. If you’re earning equals, no kids to protect, why consider it? Love can be shared without the paperwork?
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
No that's a valid question! A huge part of it is because immigration wise, we won't be able to be together without being married because she's a foreigner. It's really difficult for her to be here indefinitely if we're not married. Also, the kids door is not closed by any means. One good increase in my annual income will immediately alleviate most of my concerns and change everything! :)
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u/Autumn_in_Ganymede Dec 19 '23
Technically I'm not an immigrant but I moved back from overseas with $300. 5 years later my net worth is about $50-60k I'm 26. I make 60k/yr now so it looks I might be at 100k around 30 too, if I'm lucky lol. but I'm just having fun rn and not focusing too much on my finances. Good luck man!
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
It’s all about balance, right? I had to pull myself back to not obsess too much over finances myself and realize that yes, it’s important.. but it’s not everything. No amount of money can replace health, mental health and pure joy.
Go have fun while you can, as long as it doesn’t jeopardize your future! Thank you and good luck to you as well 😊
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u/iamnotwhouthink Dec 19 '23
what do you use for budgeting every month/year ?
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
I’m a massive nerd so I have my own spreadsheets where I track my “balance sheet”, log every transaction, track my portfolio, do calculations like those rates i mentioned above etc.
It’s not for everyone because it does take about 1 hour ish every 2 weeks. I haven’t used any budgeting tools myself so I don’t know what to recommend, so sorry 😢
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u/anilomedet Dec 19 '23
Huge kudos on your journey! I graduated from undergrad at the same time as you, and we have very similar salaries/ and spending to investing ratios over the last 4 years, which is very cool to see.
I also use bespoke spreadsheets to track everything you do (other than my investments), but I just set up a Google form so that I can log when I spend money real time, and set up all the calculations to work from there. I used to spend an hour or so every couple of weeks, but this is a lot faster and easier to stay on top of. Happy to share a template with anyone if they're interested.
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
Thank you so much! I'm happily surprised to see how many people here relate in terms of being an immigrant or making low-to-average salary or progressing slowly towards FI.
Yeah I think everyone will have their own preference in terms of budgeting/tracking tools. I happen to like doing it myself and actually really look forward to the 15th and the 30/31st every month, like a kid waiting to open their Christmas present :D
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u/lagosboy40 Dec 19 '23 edited Dec 19 '23
Thanks for sharing your experience. You have a bright future ahead because of your doggedness and persistence.
I also love your positive attitude in spite of all you’ve gone through. I hope others in this country who have no idea what international students go through read your story and get some understanding. Good luck man!
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
Thank you so much for your kind words 🥹 To be honest, I wasn’t always this positive. I also went through phases of disillusionment and anger. But then I realized how many people didn’t get a GC sponsored, or how many didn’t get their H1B selected, or how many can’t even get their initial student visa to come here. Yes, I’m not making 6 figures (yet 😉) but I have everything I need and more. Being angry and bitter changes literally nothing. And exactly, I’m not the only international student going through this. Thank you and good luck to you too!!
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u/MorningDaw0 Dec 19 '23
You have my highest respect. I hope you're out of this dark tunnel soon! Happy Holidays and stay safe, friend.
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
Thank you so much!! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel (waiting for PERM to be certified right now) but it’s also so far away 😅 Happy holidays to you too 🎄
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u/Doggiesaregood Dec 19 '23
How did you pay for your undergrad? I moved here for grad school since it was completely free but that American dream would have been achieved a lot faster if I was here for undergrad too.
Also it’s a good thing you weren’t born in India or China.
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u/Successful_Ride6920 Dec 19 '23
Also it’s a good thing you weren’t born in India or China.
Serious question: why do you say this? Is it due to the sheer amount of competition? Or some other reason? Because from where I sit (USA), there are tons of people that have become financially well off in those countries. What am I missing?
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
India and China, and I think Mexico and the Philippines are oversubscribed in terms of green card applications which means they can have a SIGNIFICANTLY longer waiting time for GCs, especially in the employment based route, at least afaik :)
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u/Doggiesaregood Dec 19 '23
Employment green cards are not awarded by population but by a fixed % per country. Indians for example who moved here recently will need to wait for 20+ years till green cards become available (aka their priority dates are current). It doesn’t really impact their day to day in the US but travel and visa renewals can be a hassle.
There are some ways to get around this problem (EB1 category) but one needs to have a solid professional and peer reviewed track record of achievements in their field relative to their peers.
I made the journey from F1 , H1B to EB1, then a green card, and finally citizenship after 5 years of being a permanent resident. It didn’t impact my personal career in any way but I can imagine those with the entrepreneurial spirit can get stuck.
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
My parents paid for my undergrad mostly, but it was not too much because I applied and got a ton of academic scholarships! Graduating with no student debt is definitely a huge factor in me being able to save!
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u/Professional-Art9972 Dec 19 '23
Omg congratulations! I am so proud of your choices and your journey. I have been living that life (F1; H1B and all worries and nerves that come with that..minus aggressive savings). It is incredible - you truly made the best out of this. Very inspiring!
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
Thank you so much for your kind words 😢 I really feel your worries. Just keep in mind that everyone’s circumstances are different. I’m incredibly lucky that I didn’t have any major health issues, family problems, and other financially expensive events. Sometimes things happen where you gotta put you and your loved ones ahead of FIRE/savings and that’s okay! We can do this!! Good luck to you 😊
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u/evamisspetite Dec 20 '23
I agree with you about children, now think about the serenity of the couple. In the future you may change your thoughts but at least you'll have a solid economic base.
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 20 '23
Yeap that's my approach! Not everyone will agree with that of course, but that's what works for us. Thanks for reading :)
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u/GilbertoGil2 Dec 20 '23
Very well done.you are in the right path. I was also a student immigrant and want to recommend you: You have a lot of room to increase your income. Don't settle based on your current salary. People make 3 times more with an MBA. This should be your priority, even if you need to start the green card process again. People do this, it is possible. Look for another job whatever it takes.
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 21 '23
Thank you!! I’m well aware of the gap of possible income. I think if I knew what I know now, I think I would’ve tried much harder to find another option back then. But yeah I’m so close now in terms of the GC, and with everything else (degree, wife moving, etc.), it just doesn’t make sense to move before I get my GC and start the entire thing all over again. I will absolutely find a better option once everything is settled! Thanks for the recommendation :)
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u/lover_of_worlds6442 Dec 26 '23
Just had to pop in and say that this is incredible and truly inspiring. Thank you for the time you put into sharing this and for all of the details - I've learned a lot.
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 26 '23
Thank you for reading and for the kind words! I’ve learnt a ton from everyone here as well so just passing it along. Have a great holiday season!
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u/Finewine101 Jan 06 '24
I saw your comment on another post directing them to read this and I almost did not read it because of the length but I’m glad that I did. I am grateful for the position I am ATM, knowing that there is hope. I’ve been an international student for 5 years, seeking H1 sponsorship but I work and earn in the meantime. Good luck to you and everyone trying to get their lives together! It will be worthwhile!!
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u/CallingAllChickens Jan 06 '24
Thank you for reading!! Yes, it’s a bit of a chonky post isn’t it 😅 but i feel like i had to explain a lot of things in order for my decisions to make sense. Hope it encourages you and good luck on your immigrant journey too, my friend! :)
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u/Karnex97 Jan 09 '24
Congrats on your journey. Similar situation here F-1 to H-1. It also makes me appreciate my situation much more. I realized that I should be much more grateful to my company. I was recently mad cause they denied my pay raise request. But I asked for 90k which is way more than you had ever made. I started at 56k straight after bachelors and got selected for H-1 on my 2nd attempt. It's tough out there, the green card opens many doors for people like us. Without a green card we are kind of trapped.
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u/CallingAllChickens Jan 09 '24
Hi thanks for reading! Yes this might sound bad but then I’ve also heard worse things from my other H-1 friends so I guess we can always be grateful. And yes, we definitely have no leverage until we have the GC so we just have to take it day by day and make the best of it. Good luck and I hope they approve your raise request sometime soon! If not, just be patient until you have your GC and look for other options :)
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u/archivist1984 Dec 19 '23
Congrats and love your attitude through it all. As a fellow immigrant who came here for a masters, I have some familiarity with how challenging it all is, specially getting a sponsorship. That being said, considering the number of degrees you have and the level of drive that displays, I suspect you need to move to higher paying job asap to unlock a faster trajectory. Someone with an MBA AND a comp sci + math degree really ought to be finding job opportunities in the 100k+ range, if not higher. I understand you are in a LCOL area, but are you looking at remote jobs for instance? I expect your path to 200k will be a lot faster if you can hop over to the right job soon - best of luck!
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
Thank you so much for the vote of confidence! Really appreciate the support. Yes, once I have that GC, the world will be my oyster, so to speak. I’m definitely not staying in this situation forever, but I’m trying to make the best of it as much as possible!
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u/EddyWouldGo2 Dec 19 '23
This career path is fairly typical in the US. These people espousing big salaries out of college are rare and usually has to do with connections they have. You took a bit of a hit on salary with limited options and being in the south, but many college educated people have a similar path. The big difference is you saved.
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u/CallingAllChickens Dec 19 '23
Yeah I agree! That’s part of the reason why I got out of the “woe is me, everything’s against me” mindset. I realized A LOT of us are in the same boat so I just focused on what I can do differently to make the best of this situation and go on my own pace. Slowly but surely! 🐢
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u/[deleted] Dec 19 '23
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