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Ask HN: Remote workers in a non-tech city, what's your experience?

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Re: Ask HN: Remote workers in a non-tech city, what's your experience?

#71

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Can you elaborate a bit more on the pitch as a a Canadian?

It was pretty simple, I just wrote a cover letter that said (in better wording) "I think I'm a really good fit for your company but I am in Canada. Are you aware that you can hire me without a visa if I don't work in the US? We just need to fill out the W8-BEN and I've done it before". Many were still not interested, but it only takes 1!

Thank you, thats a great tip! I may copy your letter..

Re: Ask HN: Remote workers in a non-tech city, what's your experience?

#72
post #45

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I would have never even thought to check until reading this, but apparently I make more than both the mayor of Dallas and the governor of Texas? I'm surprised they aren't paid more than they are. I suppose people who go into politics tend to already be rich and this is just another reason why.

I can't believe that the Mayor of SF gets paid a $350k salary. I did not realize that.

What's not believable about that? High or low?

Re: Ask HN: Remote workers in a non-tech city, what's your experience?

#73
Saskatoon: - the internet is decent. It is better in a hub city, but as long as one can live with occasional disconnects, it's fine.

- Deliveries : add 3 days, weeks or months (depending) on time to delivery. "overnight" does not exist. International diplomacy makes a difference here - so ship from countries that are at least "not aggressively unfriendly". (fwiw : faster to get things here from China than from USA. Odd, but that's both politics and situational issues). EU is about as far away (time wise) as California, and UK is closer than NY.

- Community - have one. Do not be alone, especially if you have a family. Getting out of tech-centric circles tends to be good anyway.

We moved near a bunch of family. It wasn't an easy move, but the quality of life improved quite a bit for us.

Re: Ask HN: Remote workers in a non-tech city, what's your experience?

#75
I suspect you're asking whether you'll regret taking a job for a local company with an option to work remotely rather than holding out for a more "tech" focused company that enables better networking opportunities?

Why would you hold out if you're uncertain? Or are you hesitant you won't like it?

Who says you can't test the waters for a few months while looking for other remote opportunities?

I don't know what's important to you but I'd ask that first. Remote opportunities abound; there weren't this many remote opportunities 10 years ago. Find what works you and don't be afraid of change. You can always relocate when your personal life settles or you may decide not to.

Re: Ask HN: Remote workers in a non-tech city, what's your experience?

#76
I have houses in Milwaukee and Tucson and go back and forth between the two. There's enough remote jobs out there now that I feel comfortable going back and forth between the 2 cities. There are times when I wish I could build camaraderie with teammates by being in the office together, but for the most part I feel pretty comfortable being remote. We do audio calls at least once a day so it's nice to have that sort of communication. If it were only IM I think that would be too difficult to do.

Re: Ask HN: Remote workers in a non-tech city, what's your experience?

#77
post #63

I've been working remote for 7 years. Mostly in small towns in Texas, but a couple in a big city. It was fun and good for awhile. It got lonely and hard after year 5. I didn't do a good job of getting enough rest and time away from work, and got burned out. It took 3 months of part time to get back to normal. Your team has a big impact on your well-being. If they encourage healthy work/life balance and you have a hea…

> I've spent this afternoon working on a patio at a little cafe in the downtown area of a small town This sounds like hell to me. My joy is being on a small team in a room with 6-10 other people where we collaborate with each other, calling out, asking for advice on solutions, designing together, getting lunch together, and being in each other presence. Sitting an a cafe staring at a screen and ignoring all the stran…

I do miss working with people. I took a job in LA in February 2020 because I wanted to work in an office with a team. That office shut down the week I got there. I moved back to Texas 3 months later. Now I work for a company mostly based in NYC. Hoping to get to visit soon. But. Covid.

Re: Ask HN: Remote workers in a non-tech city, what's your experience?

#78

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I would have never even thought to check until reading this, but apparently I make more than both the mayor of Dallas and the governor of Texas? I'm surprised they aren't paid more than they are. I suppose people who go into politics tend to already be rich and this is just another reason why.

For many, this is an investment into a name recognition and making important connections. After they retire, they are hired by law and lobbying firms, financial institutions, and companies in other industries that may benefit from their connections (famous "revolving door") as lobbyists and power brokers. This is when and where they make most of their money.

Sometimes I wonder if the mindset on HN seems to unhealthily skew towards the “hustle”.

Believe it or not there are people who get into public service for the “service” aspect and not just because it’s some calculated career move.

Re: Ask HN: Remote workers in a non-tech city, what's your experience?

#79
I want to ask a question to the group, too. How do the companies headquartered in SF and NYC and places like that decide your salary and if you are in a cheaper locale? Do they give you a lower salary, are taxes weird, is there an awkward conversation with HR? Has anyone moved from an expensive place to a cheaper place and dealt with awkward company reactions (HR)?

Re: Ask HN: Remote workers in a non-tech city, what's your experience?

#80
(From throwaway) I have been doing that for the past 5+ years.

I used to live in Bay Area. Gained lot of knowledge (tech, product, business etc) through trial and error with multiple attempts over the years in my career. Finally am at a point when I can bootstrap almost any idea as a solo founder and fill gaps with contractors as needs arise.

One of my tech companies (solely owned by me) makes 10+ millions (USD) in profit every year. This help me lead a good lifestyle in one of the most livable but expensive cities in the world (and it is not a tech center). I work from home and spend a lot of time with family. I love how much time I can spend with my wife and kids. This is the biggest benefit.

I have some ideas which have a strong chance to be a unicorn. But I have de-prioritized them, mainly because Covid has been really challenging and I want to focus on supporting myself and the family during this difficult year.

If I was still in Bay Area, there is a good chance that peer pressure might have pushed me to prioritize work more. One one hand I would have had a higher chance of making a lot more money, on the other hand sometime you think what's the point of it if I can't spend time with my family. So it might be a Pro for some and Con for others.

One thing which did help is that I made this move after I already had reasonable success!

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