Continent Change

Hey Ya'll

I'm a mid market IBer from a English speaking, non-financial centre part of the world. I'm at a stage in my career where I'd like to work overseas, especially in NYC.

Given I don't work for a global brand I won't have the ability to transfer across and do it easily. The alternative is to fly in, interview, fly back out and get sponsored across on a new visa.

How difficult is it to set up shop in NYC by yourself, especially competing against other large brand names when looking for a job? Aware that rent, healthcare and other costs would likely bankrupt me if I don't have enough cash. On the flip side if this doesn't work out I'll have crushed a part of my career path back home, falling behind my peers.

Let me know if you have any thoughts or have tried this before. Thanks in advance