I am a data analyst with over 5 years of experience in management consulting and data analysis. I have a permanent job in the UK at the moment and would like to start working as a contractor within the next year or two. My area of expertise is spreadsheet modelling in Excel; I also use VBA, SQL, SAS, Access, and a few other programs to gather, store, and analyse data.I come from Eastern Europe, currently live in the UK, but also have a US Green Card which entitles me to live and work in the US. I have two options at this point: stay here in the UK or move to the US. Either way I want to start working as a freelancer. The goal is to earn more money than I currently make by working only 6-8 months a year and spending the rest of the year backpacking in exotic countries, looking for work, and upgrading my skills. Do you think I should stay in the UK or go to the US to achieve this goal? Any advice would be highly appreciated.

UK contracting rates tend to be slightly higher, but so are living costs, taxes, etc. I don't know if there's a big net difference; whatever there is gets rolled out by arbitrage and contractors' natural willingness to relocate.I expect the bigger factor will be where your network is - most of your contract work will come through who you know. Therefore, I would go for whichever location offers you the best network.

I don't have a big network anywhere, just a few people i know in both countries.

Sounds like it's down to your preference then.You coulc also get in contact with contract agencies in both countries to see how they view your specific experience and skills in the market. There is an area of the Top-Consultant site where independent contractor positions are posted so you could invest in a month's subscription to check out typical opportunities.Living in the UK, you'll already have a good idea of your outgoings. Check out living expenses for your preferred US cities, travel expnses based on a larger job catchment area, and taxes for your preferred cities/states. See where the numbers come out. Good luck with the transition.

up

Down? Sideways?I don't get it.