Momo faced several challenges when relocating to North America, including the inefficiency of government services like obtaining an SSN, the high cost and complexity of renting an apartment, and the cultural and language barriers. She also had to adapt to a new lifestyle, leaving behind her established life in Beijing, including her friends and familiar routines.
Momo notes a significant difference in work-life balance between North America and China. In North America, she often finishes work by 4 PM, which is considered early, whereas in China, she would work until 6 or 7 PM. The flexibility to work remotely and manage her own time has greatly improved her work-life balance.
Holding an L1 visa restricts momo's career mobility as she cannot change jobs within the first year. This visa, often referred to as the 'cattle visa,' limits her ability to seek new opportunities unless she returns to her home country. This restriction can be challenging if she faces unfavorable work conditions or desires a career change.
Momo primarily cooks at home to manage her dietary needs, using apps like WEE to order Asian ingredients, which are more expensive and sometimes less fresh than in China. She has adapted by improving her cooking skills and occasionally making complex dishes from scratch, such as homemade liangpi, to satisfy her cravings for Chinese food.
Momo experiences significant cultural and language barriers, including difficulty understanding fast-spoken English and cultural references like memes or jokes. She often feels left out in social settings, such as company parties, where she struggles to engage in conversations. These barriers have made it challenging for her to form friendships with local colleagues.
Momo does not find her work in North America more meaningful than in China. She views work primarily as a means to earn a living rather than a source of personal fulfillment. However, she appreciates the greater respect and less hierarchical work environment in North America compared to China.
2024年马上过去了,踩着一年的小尾巴祝大家新的一年工作顺利,生活开心。
说起工作,你是否也曾想过:大洋彼岸的工作生活会不会更理想? 很多年前,一部经典电视剧《北京人在纽约》中有句台词让我第一次感受到在异国他乡工作的复杂情感:“如果你爱一个人,那就送TA去纽约;如果你恨一个人,也送TA去纽约。”
如今,我们在社交媒体上随处可见身处异国他乡的打工人分享他们每天的日常工作生活,有让我羡慕的,没有年龄焦虑,下班时间早,假期多,也有一些让人很头疼的事情,比如很难享受到国内便捷的生活服务,语言障碍······
本期,我们邀请到了特别嘉宾momo,她凭借一次机缘巧合来到北美工作。她将和我们聊聊:
如果你对这些问题充满好奇,千万别错过本期内容!欢迎收听~
本期你将会听到以下内容
02:58 momo通过怎样的契机,毕业之后来到北美工作 ?
07:00 美国生活与北京生活相比,有哪些不适应的地方 ?- 租房, 办事效率, 快递···
11:15 在北美下午4点就可以下班?
12:56 民以食为天,中国胃怎么解决“吃”这个头等大事 ?
17:55 北美打工人幸福之源: 居家办公,时间自由,对i人友好
22:27 躲不掉的身份问题: 拿着L签的北美打工人没有跳槽的机会
25:51 语言和文化产生的爆笑事件
33:07 漂泊到北美,交朋友是件容易的事吗?
35:22 换到国外工作后,工作的意义感有更强烈么? NO!
momo落地美国的第一天
momo自制的水果蛋糕
Bgm: Talyor Swift - Wecolme to New York