Spouse asked us to move back to her family after a decade in the DC area. I am military background, now twenty years in tech, and finding it very difficult to get work.
The job market here is not great as most know, but I've specifically started to see anti US behavior in the people I interact with. My first role had a mix of Scottish and English folks, the juniors on the team specifically sabotaged my work and my manager thanked them for deleting it.
When I spoke up to see why my military and gov background strict work (fully documented work too) was deleted without reason they floundered and proceeded to cut me loose.
These folks (juniors) also took photos of my wife and I during a company holiday park at Silverstone the current "lead" funded out of pocket for the org.
I was flabbergasted because I thought my experience would be good enough, but I didn't realize my nationality which the only thing I really have to show is my accent became an issue.
The last few job interviews one manager hinted with back channel conversations to that org, and the most recent gave me feedback that was the opposite of what I said I was capable of.
Majority of my wife's family men are uncomfortable around me, I suspect it's because they don't like foreigners, but up until recently it wasn't an issue.
I don't make myself known on purpose, I don't wear any distinct clothing or anything, and I specifically avoid political conversations.
That first gig? Did I mention the lead of a parallel ship that sits with us stood up and walked over to me specifically and said "maga" when I had the election map on my screen. The boss of his and my boss sat behind me turned to us and said nothing.
I told him please don't say that it's highly offensive.
After that the team's behavior got worse and worse until I was forced out.
Other places I'd be repeatedly called "that yank"
Maybe it's just how things are now and my misconception that my being a former NATO troop with friendly relations to Brits while here years ago was still a thing, but apparently not.
Now because I can't find work both highly specialized nor general I may have to abandon my visa process (year 2/3 now) and head home.
This is after passing the written and driving test within 25hrs somehow.
Sigh.
What are your thoughts? Is things here risky now compared to the past?
Don't get me started on the flag thing occuring..