Andreas Pyper's journey to America began almost by accident. In 1997, he and a group of friends entered the US Green Card Lottery as a joke. His wife Amanda won. A few years later, they packed up their lives in South Africa and moved to California.What followed was anything but easy.Andreas arrived in America as an experienced HR manager, but found himself starting again at the bottom. His first job was as an HR filing clerk. He had no US credit history, no professional network and no company waiting to welcome him. His wife also had to start over, completing the requirements to become licensed as a therapist in California.The first 18 months tested their family and their marriage. They experienced financial pressure, loneliness and uncertainty. Later, they lost their home during the 2008 financial crisis and had to rebuild again.But Andreas kept going.Today, 26 years after moving to the United States, he is a Human Resources Director for a large county organisation in California. He shares the practical lessons he learned along the way, from building a US credit history and choosing the right employer to understanding pensions, healthcare and the importance of accepting that you may have to take a few steps backwards before moving forward.Andreas also has some strong advice for South Africans considering America: build relationships with Americans, don't expect your South African career success to transfer immediately, be prepared to work your way up, and don't underestimate the importance of having a strong marriage and family partnership.This is an honest conversation about immigration, resilience, humility, career rebuilding, marriage and making a new life work._______________________________________________________________SABLE INTERNATIONALFor over 30 years, Sable International has offered solutions that simplify the complexities of cross-border movement and financial management, so you can focus on what matters most: building your future beyond borders.Find out how Sable International can support your journey:https://bit.ly/3R3g1sy_______________________________________________________________TIMESTAMPS00:17 Welcome and Andreas' life in California02:32 Growing up in Durban and Cape Town07:44 His political upbringing09:13 University and national service10:31 Working in HR and the Green Card Lottery11:16 How his wife won the Green Card Lottery13:16 Discovering California16:07 His father's life after politics17:10 How the Green Card process worked19:19 Leaving family behind21:02 Starting again in America24:29 Building a US credit history28:25 His wife's professional re-licensing29:30 The difficult first 18 months35:29 Immigration and marriage37:25 Losing their home during the financial crisis42:24 Building their lives again42:41 The importance of government jobs and pensions45:10 Healthcare in America47:02 The biggest mistakes South Africans make49:25 Advice for anyone considering emigrating52:45 The one thing he would have done differentlyCONNECT WITH THE RELOCATED SOUTH AFRICANwww.relocatedsouthafrican.comIf this episode resonated with you, please share it with another South African considering life abroad.

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