I Moved to the U.S. Without a Job Offer—Here’s How I Made It Work

When I made the decision to move to the United States, I didn’t have a traditionel job offer, a super clear business plan, or even a specific idea of what exactly I wanted to create. I was hired by my own company but what to do and how to make money was a question mark. The only thing I knew for certain was that I had to make the move. I had spent years working as an entrepreneur, building small businesses on my own, but I didn’t have a concrete path or grand idea that I was waiting for. What I did have was a strong belief that the perfect moment or perfect idea would never just fall into my lap. Sometimes, you just have to take the leap and trust that things will unfold as you go.

So, I made the decision to leave everything behind, take that leap, and move to the U.S. with nothing but ambition and an open mind. It was risky—no safety net, no job offer, and no clear plan beyond a vague idea of wanting to make an impact in the sexual wellness industry. But I knew that, with the right approach and persistence, I could make it work.

If you’re someone who’s considering a similar leap without a clear plan, this post is for you. I want to share how I made this work, the steps I took, and the lessons I learned along the way.

Why I Chose to Move Without a Job Offer

The idea of moving to the U.S. had been on my mind for quite some time. As an entrepreneur, I’d already experienced the freedom and challenges of running my own businesses, but I was craving a new challenge—something bigger, something more impactful. While I didn’t have a perfect business idea ready to go, I knew that if I stayed in my comfort zone, waiting for the “perfect” opportunity, I’d never take the leap.

I had always been drawn to the entrepreneurial spirit of the U.S.—it was a place where people seemed to take risks, build ideas from the ground up, and grow companies that could scale quickly. I knew that if I could get myself to the U.S., I would be in the right environment to find my next big opportunity. But, rather than waiting for a job offer, I realized that moving without a clear business plan might be the most exciting way to move forward.

I didn’t want to wait for the perfect business idea to magically appear. I had to act, get my hands dirty, and trust that something would come out of it. In fact, I felt that without that push, I might never really know what I was capable of.

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Building a Business from the Ground Up

Step 1: Figuring Out What to Build

As an entrepreneur, I had been working on various projects, including some in the sexual wellness industry. But I hadn’t yet built anything that felt like the right fit for my long-term vision. When I moved to the U.S., I knew I wanted to focus on helping people navigate the U.S. visa process—specifically for entrepreneurs. I had my own experience of going through the visa process, and I knew how complicated, expensive, and stressful it could be. I thought to myself, “What if I could simplify this for others?”

So, even though I didn’t have everything figured out, I started brainstorming ideas, testing assumptions, and reaching out to others who had been through similar experiences. I realized that this industry, especially for entrepreneurs, was ripe for disruption. The demand was there, and people were looking for a better solution.

Starting the Legal and Financial Setup

Building a business in the U.S. without a clear path is already a challenge, but I knew that getting the basics right was critical. Even though I didn’t have a concrete product in place yet, I needed to start by making sure I could legally operate in the U.S.

Thankfully, services like Doola and Firstbase made it incredibly simple to establish my LLC and handle the necessary paperwork. This part of the process was something I didn’t have to worry too much about, thanks to these online tools. With a few clicks, I could legally start working on my business from anywhere in the world, without needing to hire an expensive lawyer or navigate complex bureaucracy.

For setting up a business bank account, I used Mercury Bank, which was an amazing resource. It allowed me to open an account for my startup while I was still outside the U.S. and without needing a physical address in the country. This was a huge relief as I could focus on my business instead of worrying about administrative roadblocks.

On the financial side, I made sure I had enough savings to cover my expenses for the first few months. I had to be strategic with my finances, knowing that the early days would be tight. But I also knew that without putting in the work now, I wouldn’t be able to build anything sustainable in the future.

Managing Early-Stage Cash Flow

As anyone who’s started a business knows, the first few months are the most financially unpredictable. I had to be frugal—very frugal. My focus was on spending only on essentials: tools, software, and services that would help me build the business quickly without burning through my savings.

One key lesson I learned was that cash flow management in the early stages is critical. I used various financial tools to track my spending, ensuring I didn’t overspend on things that didn’t directly contribute to business growth. I also kept a close eye on my income, making sure that the money coming in was steadily growing, even if it was just small amounts at first.

Networking and Building Connections

One of the most intimidating aspects of moving to a new country without a job offer is the challenge of building a network. In the U.S., you don’t just rely on your resume; you rely heavily on relationships and personal connections. So, I had to quickly figure out how to meet people, get advice, and open doors for myself.

Social Media: Your Gateway to Networking

One of the first things I did was build my LinkedIn presence. I reached out to people in the startup space — folks who had gone through the process of moving to the U.S. as entrepreneurs. I started conversations, shared my story, and gave advice whenever I could. Slowly, I began building my network.

Attending Events & Meetups

Networking doesn’t just happen online. You need to get out there and meet people face-to-face, especially when you’re new to a place. I attended as many local startup events, meetups, and networking groups as I could. Through these events, I met potential collaborators, customers, and even investors.

I learned that building relationships takes time, but putting in the effort to meet people in person (or virtually in the beginning) paid off. Those connections gave me the support I needed when things got tough and also helped spread the word about my new business.

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Navigating the Cultural Shift

The cultural shift from Europe to the U.S. wasn’t easy, especially when it comes to work culture. But once I settled into the rhythm of things, I realized just how much energy and ambition the U.S. fosters.

Work Culture: Embracing the Hustle

One of the first things I noticed was the “hustle” mentality in the U.S. It’s not just about working hard; it’s about working smart, taking risks, and being adaptable. Coming from Europe, where work-life balance is more heavily emphasized, this was an adjustment. But it also pushed me to be more proactive in my efforts, focusing on growth and resilience.

Making the U.S. Feel Like Home

Adjusting to daily life was another challenge. From finding housing to navigating the local culture, there was a lot to get used to. But I realized quickly that it’s all part of the process. Over time, I started to embrace the diversity and energy that made the U.S. feel like the perfect place for my next chapter.

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What I Learned Along the Way

If you’re thinking about making a similar leap, here’s what I learned from my experience:

• Don’t wait for the “perfect” idea: The right idea won’t come to you while you’re sitting around waiting. Sometimes, you have to make the move and figure it out along the way.
• Be resourceful: There are so many tools out there to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting a business in the U.S. Don’t hesitate to use them.
• Build your network: Relationships are key to success. Whether through social media, networking events, or meetups, make an effort to build genuine connections.
• Focus on cash flow: Financial stability in the early stages is crucial. Keep a close eye on your spending and income as you grow your business.
• Embrace the journey: The path will not be easy, but if you’re willing to adapt, learn, and push forward, the rewards will come.

Networking Hacks

1. LinkedIn Templates for Outreach:
   Personalize messages when reaching out to potential connections. Here’s an example:Hi [Name], I noticed your work in [industry/topic], and I’m inspired by [specific achievement or article]. I’m new to [city] and building my [business/project]. I’d love to connect and exchange ideas if you’re open to it.
2. Attend Meetups and Industry Events:
   • Use platforms like Meetup, Eventbrite, or Alignable to find local events.
   • Bring a concise “elevator pitch” to introduce yourself and your business idea.
   • Follow up with new contacts within 24 hours, referencing specific parts of your conversation.
3. Use Co-Working Spaces:
   Spaces like WeWork, Industrious, and local hubs are not just for working but also great for connecting with other professionals. Many organize weekly networking events.
4. Be Active on Social Media:
   • Share your journey on LinkedIn or Instagram using location-specific and industry hashtags.
   • Engage with local influencers or industry leaders by commenting thoughtfully on their posts.

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Survival Tips for Entrepreneurs

1. Stretching Your Savings:
   • Rent Smart:
     Opt for co-living spaces or shared apartments (check sites like Craigslist, Roomster, or Facebook Groups).
   • Use Public Transportation:
     In cities like New York or Chicago, public transit can save thousands compared to owning a car.
2. Frugal Living:
   • Cook at Home: Save on food costs by meal prepping.
   • Freelance Work for Cash Flow: Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Toptal to find part-time gigs while building your business.
3. Find Free or Discounted Resources:
   • Business Education: Take free courses on sites like Coursera, edX, or SCORE for small business advice. Also there are so many great thing on Youtube.
   • Mentorship Programs: Organizations like SCORE or SBA (Small Business Administration) provide free mentoring for entrepreneurs.
4. Barter Services:
   Trade your skills for services you need. For example, if you’re skilled in web design, offer to build a site for a photographer in exchange for professional headshots.

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Checklist for Moving and Starting Fresh

• Pre-Move:
  • Save a financial cushion for 6–12 months.
  • Research visa options and hire a qualified attorney or service if needed.
  • Join relevant Facebook or WhatsApp groups for expats or entrepreneurs in your target city.
• Upon Arrival:
  • Open a U.S. bank account and get a local phone number.
  • Register for a local mailing address (services like UPS Store or Earth Class Mail can help).
  • Begin networking immediately—sign up for at least one professional event weekly.
• First 3 Months:
  • Establish a routine to balance work and personal life.
  • Experiment with free marketing strategies to test your business ideas (e.g., social media, collaborations).
  • Build a savings tracker and adjust spending as needed.

Conclusion:

Moving to the U.S. without a job offer wasn’t easy, but it was the best decision I’ve ever made. It allowed me to grow as an entrepreneur, build a business, and take my life in a direction I never thought possible. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for success, but sometimes, taking the leap without a plan is exactly what you need to push yourself to new heights.

If you’re thinking about making the same leap, remember this: you don’t have to have everything figured out right away. Trust in your abilities, take advantage of the resources around you, and focus on building relationships. The journey will be challenging, but it will be worth it. Don’t wait for the perfect idea or job offer to fall into your lap. Make the leap, and see what comes next.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a visa to start a business in the U.S.?
A: Yes, a visa is required. Common options for entrepreneurs include the E-2 Visa (for investors from treaty countries), the O-1 Visa (for individuals with extraordinary abilities), and the L-1 Visa (for transferring executives within multinational companies). Each has specific requirements, so consulting an immigration expert is recommended.

Q: How much money should I save before making the move?
A: This varies widely depending on your location, lifestyle, and visa type. However, many entrepreneurs recommend saving at least $30,000–$50,000 to cover visa costs, relocation expenses, and initial living costs while building your network and business.

Q: What are the biggest cultural differences entrepreneurs face in the U.S.?
A: Some key differences include:

• Networking Culture: Networking is more proactive and relationship-focused in the U.S.
• Work Hours: Hustle culture often emphasizes long hours and constant availability.
• Direct Communication: Americans tend to be more direct in professional settings, which can feel different if you’re from a more reserved culture.