What careers can transition well into America?

[Fishingguy]

I had a friend who married an artist who had a nice career here in America. I'm wondering what other careers can RW continue in American without much difficulty.  Meaning continue using their education to make a living in America. Web designers, engineers, obviously..Russian language teachers etc? 

[Fashionista]

From what I see, anything related to communication, working with people or requiring complicated certification may not translate that well. Of course, there are exceptions. Anything related to what you can do with your hands or body in general will translate better. So, IMO, ballerinas, scientists, welders and prostitutes will do just fine. Professional teachers, creative writers, managers, doctors, psychologists and astrologists - not necessarily.

[OlgaH]

Fishingguy, I think it is also depends on a personality and willingness to go through continuing education. Among the immigrants from different countries I met many Russians who are nurses, doctors, marketers, CPAs, architects, realtors, teachers, professors, lawyers, translators, designers, who are running their own businesses (and not only Russian food stores  ). One of my Russian friends is a licensed psychologist who published her books.

How easy? as I said before it depends on particular factors and personality factors play an important role as well.

Without much difficulty? I think even people engaged in physical labor, crafting will experience some difficulties as well  (language, adjustment... ) attitude and realistic expectations and realization of your own abilities will be very helpful.

[Lily]

I used to be a lawyer in Russia plus I have a Master's from the U.S. With this background, certain U.S. states may allow me to sit for the bar exam. In case of success, I will be admitted to practice law in those states.
 
Similar story here in Canada, however, this country makes my way to a Canadian lawyer license a bit more burdensome.

[Muzh]

In the US, medical field.

[GQBlues]

In the US, medical field.

Also, IT, Accounting/Finance, Engineering, Teachers for children w/ special needs.....

[Muzh]

Also, IT, Accounting/Finance, Engineering, Teachers for children w/ special needs.....

Agreed.

However, the only career path that would start straight 'out of the boat' would be IT. The rest, she would have to be re-certified.

[Aloe]

Housewife transitions pretty well 

[GQBlues]

Housewife transitions pretty well   

Yup. Except it has more than a few unattractive drawbacks attached to this.
 
To name just a few: benefit compensation, communication challenges, system inexperience, potential costly severance pay, additional unplanned dependents, laborious documentations, etc...

[Faux Pas]

Prostitute. 

Just think of the possibilities. She would need no further training or certification and she could hit the ground running and start earning from day 1

[mendeleyev]

My wife's art practice has done okay at best in the USA but thrives in Russia and Europe. Art tastes are different in the USA as compared to Europe, plus Europeans are prepared to pay well for fine art. Americans tend to want museum quality paintings at yard sale pricing.

[SANDRO43]

Housewife transitions pretty well 

But allergy to vacuuming
may become your undoing,
again and again,
in a very short span,
your new man verily fuming.

[LAman]

But allergy to vacuuming
may become your undoing,
again and again,
in a very short span,
your new man verily fuming.

 

They got answers for anything that ails one......

[Aloe]

They got answers for anything that ails one......

Oh yes, my mom's got one of those. She jails in under a chair when they go on vacation, otherwise it triggers the alarm. I should get me one of those 

[Shadow]

Oh yes, my mom's got one of those. She jails in under a chair when they go on vacation, otherwise it triggers the alarm. I should get me one of those 

Carrefour and Bricorama sell them.
I had one a long time ago. Worked pretty well but the cat got scared.
If I would buy a new version I might have to buy two, provided they can withstand 20kg standing on them....