Lateral to the US or stay? Forum

[Anonymous User]

I'm a second year associate and I received a few lateral offers to go back to the US, all of the firms are good firms (v25). I'm at a firm in the UK. Half a year ago I would have jumped at the opportunity as my work was dreadfully boring and I missed the US a lot; I only accepted the UK position as my then fiance lived in the UK (a relationship which has subsequently ended). However, now the work has gotten a lot more interesting, the hours have and continue to be manageable, and the compensation (due to the CoLA) is considerably higher. So I figured I'd stay for another 6 months/year. Basically right after deciding this, I got offers for interviews and now have the opportunity to go back to the US.

My long-term goal is to live in the United States and settle down there, but from a current-time standpoint, staying put makes sense: more money, less work. But I'm experiencing some high levels of FOMO, as what if I cannot lateral 6-12 months down the line and am so missing out on the chance to go back to the country I actually want to be in? Or am I just overthinking this and should I just stay?

[crazywafflez]

I'd personally lateral now, as bonuses are hot and the lateral market is good and you want to be there anyways.
That said, you will still be able to transfer in a year or so, you just might get a slightly less signing bonus or a few less options. Just depends what you are more comfortable with.

[Anonymous User]

I'm a second year associate and I received a few lateral offers to go back to the US, all of the firms are good firms (v25). I'm at a firm in the UK. Half a year ago I would have jumped at the opportunity as my work was dreadfully boring and I missed the US a lot; I only accepted the UK position as my then fiance lived in the UK (a relationship which has subsequently ended). However, now the work has gotten a lot more interesting, the hours have and continue to be manageable, and the compensation (due to the CoLA) is considerably higher. So I figured I'd stay for another 6 months/year. Basically right after deciding this, I got offers for interviews and now have the opportunity to go back to the US.

My long-term goal is to live in the United States and settle down there, but from a current-time standpoint, staying put makes sense: more money, less work. But I'm experiencing some high levels of FOMO, as what if I cannot lateral 6-12 months down the line and am so missing out on the chance to go back to the country I actually want to be in? Or am I just overthinking this and should I just stay?

One plus point is that, to the degree you can guarantee bonus AND then take time off, it can be real nice. I applied early in the year but had to take multiple months for the UK statutory notice period, since it's not at will like in the States.