('Muppet' is my new favorite Aussie insult; I am adopting post haste)

I’m happy to report I can speak and write Oxford English “Very Well”, and that is going to have to do. I don’t have the energy to take that exam again, it is for the young. Hug an ESL person who passed. They’re heroic.

I have no idea how to prove I got OpenText’s award. It’s a video on YouTube and a trophy. Anyone still work there by chance??

Trying to find written evidence of some of my previous awards is definitely a joy. If you give someone an award, please put it on your website for a few years because it’s impossible to attach a trophy to a resume or application

At least someone believes. You’re a real one, PX

I cross post to everything except x, but I’m still really confused on people preferring Bluesky’s dubious corporate moderation over like volunteer friends and administrators, who we like… know. And who will alter policy to protect users. Especially queer pals. I’m just really confused.

@geichel it does depend on how rural you’re willing to be and work, though. Some countries are more amenable to people fixing up houses in the country.

@Lazarou @munin there are options out there but you have to be flexible and do a lot of research.

There are digital nomad visas. There are apprenticeship programs for in demand repair skills in several countries. There are countries where you can open a business with a substantial investment, but nothing insane.

However, all of these things have the same thing in common: time, money, and a lot of planning. You can’t just decide to move to Canada if you’re not a Canadian same with any country people are talking about going to legally.

What I’m saying is don’t just talk. Have a plan - research that plan and find out what’s actually possible. Don’t assume you can’t immigrate and don’t assume you can without tons of work. Don’t assume it will happen quickly - prepare now.

Let’s talk about what it’s taken for me. First of all, it’s taken time - visas take a long time to process in most countries - months or even years. It’s also taken me having proven skill set in an in demand field. It’s taking me being in decent health.

It’s taken me being of a certain age (most countries cut off at 45 for skilled work). It’s taken thousands and thousands of dollars in legal fees and moving fees. It’s taking me having an employer in that country to sponsor me.

It’s taken friends and professional contacts in country to advise and reference me. Even so the simple fact that I’m 41 will cost me thousands more dollars and a lot of stress. I’m not saying you can’t do it. There are avenues other than skilled work.

I need to reiterate for people who are waffling on whether they’re going to leave the US next year it is not easy. I suppose the only exception is if you’re extremely wealthy, (I’m talking of millions and millions of dollars).

Y'all... I am on this expat American in Australia forum and there is this thread of stuff people desperately want their families to bring to Christmas and I am deceased - the comment section is mostly:

- Ranch Seasoning
- Pumpkin Pie Seasoning
- OTC meds that are clearly available under other names in Australia, like Guaifenesin and Bacitracin
- American Ketchup and A1 sauce
- Hershey's Candy

Is this really, really who we are? Really?

I do understand the girl scout cookies. That one is fair.

Planning to furnish an entire apartment on the cheap, and stubbornly trying to just not do IKEA, but it’s going to be IKEA again, isn’t it? It’s all going to be IKEA.

@Edent I cannot get the link to open in my phone, but I believe so. My area of expertise is critical infrastructure cybersecurity, though.

I really hate to ask for more shit, but I really need to up my academic and publication portfolio for the next four months or so after being horribly depressed and burnt out. I can draft a 15 page singe spaced white paper on my subject matter in day if given an outlet and direction. If anyone has anything, -please- let me know.

15 page whitepaper 1 complete with citations