Happy 4th, US Friends!

It’s been two and a half years since I joined your republic of states (I like saying that, it sounds like Star Wars). It’s been a blast so far!

Living in the US as a foreigner doesn’t come without its share of problems. While I just became a US resident for tax purposes, I still can’t work freely until I get a green card.

My today’s kickstarter announcement was actually supposed to be a Patreon campaign for Retronator. However, I am not legally allowed to work outside my job (currently a visiting researcher at UC Berkeley). When I come back to the US in September to study at Stanford, I’ll only be able to work on campus.

I’m going home to Slovenia in two weeks for my first return after these 2.5 years to see my family again. Because of the above limitations, the time I’m at home is also the only time I can earn extra income. While I can’t run a Patreon campaign over a long period, I have this window of 5 weeks when I can crowdfund for Retronator. In this case Kickstarter makes perfect sense.

On another note, as a happy consequence of becoming a US resident for tax purposes, I will be paying half the tax I would in Slovenia! Instead of about 35%, only 15%! Which means I will be able to keep significantly more of Kickstarter funds (otherwise you’d be asking yourself are you funding me or the government).

I’m happy to be where it’s easier for creators to realize their dreams. No better day to celebrate than today!