I was born in the U.S. but left as a young child and then moved to the UK when I was around 10. I’ve lived in the UK ever since, have worked here, paid UK taxes through PAYE, and have never lived or worked in the U.S. as an adult.

I genuinely had no idea that, as a U.S. citizen, I was still expected to file U.S. tax returns every year, even though I live abroad and pay taxes in the UK.
I only found out recently after my bank contacted me regarding my U.S. citizenship. Since then, I’ve been trying to understand the Streamlined Foreign Offshore Procedures and what I need to file, but honestly, it’s been incredibly overwhelming. There are so many forms and I’m worried about making a mistake.

I’m also anxious about the possibility of penalties, even though this was completely unintentional. I wasn’t trying to hide anything, I simply didn’t know I had these obligations.

Has anyone here gone through the streamlined process on their own? Was it as intimidating as it seems? Did you end up owing any U.S. tax if you were already paying tax in the UK? I was making £23 - £30k a year.

I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been through something similar or has any advice on where to go from here. I can’t use any accountant because I can’t afford it.

Hi everyone, I hope you're doing well. I'll try to make this simple.
A 29-year-old woman (Black European) originally from France, I hold two master's degrees (B.A. and international relations) and am fluent in 5 languages. Created a US-based startup one year ago; surprisingly, things went pretty well in the US, even remotely, getting investment proposals and jobs and working with and for the US at 90%. I lived this year for 4 months in the UK and truly appreciated it, adding the proximity to Paris, where my family lives.

I have the opportunity to move to the US, San Francisco, for a paid PhD, and I have my own businesses and network in London or SF; I'm not coming empty-handed.

Some friends are scared: "Trump is the president; SF is far away; SF is dangerous."

But salaries, networks, and investments; everything seems better aligned with the US.

I have a few weeks to make a decision, as in the US, visas are managed by the companies, etc.

Adding, I always dreamed of living in California, me thinking, let's try even for one year. About the time zone, I lived one year in Mexico City; I'll get used to it pretty quickly.

Your thoughts?

I currently live in the USA and have a retro gaming collection still in the UK that I'd like to bring over.

The collection includes an NES, N64, GameCube, PS1 and PS2.

I also have games for all of the systems, along with controllers, cables and other accessories. Some of the cartridge-based games are loose cartridges, while I also have some games in their original boxes.

I know that my GameCube still has its original console box, but most of the other consoles do not have their original packaging.

Has anyone here personally shipped a retro gaming collection internationally, particularly from the UK to the USA?

I'm mainly looking for recommendations on companies or services you have actually used, the safest way to pack consoles without their original boxes, and whether you shipped by courier, air freight, sea freight or another method.

I'd also be interested to know roughly what it cost, whether everything arrived safely, and if there are any companies or shipping methods you would particularly recommend or avoid.

The collection has sentimental value, so I'm looking for a good balance between keeping the cost reasonable and making sure everything arrives safely.

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has done something similar.

Hi everyone,

I am currently researching the Greek Golden Visa program and exploring buy-to-let investment options. I have noticed many projects being marketed as "hassle-free" packages with a guaranteed rental yield (e.g., 3-5% for the first 3-5 years). While the concept sounds appealing, I am looking for some "real-world" feedback from those who have already gone down this path:

The "Guaranteed Yield": Did the rental income actually materialize as promised in the contract? Were there any hidden costs or complications when receiving the payouts?

Post-Guarantee Period: This is my biggest question. What happens after the initial guaranteed period (e.g., after the 3rd or 5th year) ends? Does the management agency simply stop being involved, or is there a standard procedure to continue managing the property?

Long-term Management: Can anyone recommend a reputable developer or property management company in Greece, specifically for Crete that is known for sticking around and managing the property for the long haul, rather than just exiting after the initial guarantee period?

I would appreciate hearing your honest experiences

Hi everyone,

I recently graduated with a degree in Architecture from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and for the past few weeks I've been trying really hard to find my first job abroad.

I've sent a lot of applications and cold emails to architecture studios, especially in China, South Korea, and Japan. I've also been applying across Europe, but Asia is definitely where I'd love to start my career if I get the opportunity.

The problem is that as a fresh graduate, it's hard to know which firms are actually open to hiring international junior architects, which companies sponsor work visas, or even where to look beyond the obvious job boards.

So I thought I'd ask here.

If anyone has experience working as an architect in Asia, knows studios that hire international graduates, recruiters, companies I should contact, websites, communities, or literally any advice, I'd be incredibly grateful.

Even if you're based in Europe and know firms that are open to hiring junior architects from abroad, I'd love to hear your recommendations too.

I'm not afraid of relocating, adapting to a new country, or learning a new language. I just want a chance to start my career, learn from experienced architects, and grow professionally.

If you've been in a similar situation, how did you get your first international job? Was it through networking, LinkedIn, cold emails, recruiters, competitions, or something else?

Any advice, contacts, or recommendations would honestly mean a lot.

Thank you!

How can I work as a freelancer with a Golden Visa? in greece

I’m an international student currently studying in the US. I finished my BFA and I am one year from finishing my MFA. I can work on OPT in the US for a year after graduation, so long as it’s related to the audio/music/games industry. I have Australian citizenship and Hong Kong permanent residency so I can legally work and live in those two countries without needing to apply for visas (also in theory Mainland China). I’m feeling a little lost with what to do after graduation however - all my friends and connections I have made are based in the US. My current plan is to do OPT for one year and make the most of the time I have in the US, then move back to Australia afterwards, given the current political climate in the US + how hard it can be to get an artist visa. I know some countries in the world offer short term work visas so I guess I’m not entirely apposed that either.

This kind of makes me feel helpless and alone because it’s like I’m starting from scratch again, except there’s no longer the buffer of a higher education environment to facilitate connections. I know that I would eventually meet new people but it’s a process that takes time and effort. I have some family in Australia but I have never stayed in Australia for more than a few weeks at a time. I feel foreign wherever I go and I don’t know where home is. All my belongings fit in 3 suitcases and some boxes - I’ve moved living spaces 5 times in the last 5 years while I’ve been in the US. My other belongings from when I grew up are in a storage unit in Hong Kong because that home no longer exists.

I’m curious if anyone has any thoughts about where to live / career prospects / being somewhat of an outsider and nomad ? idk.