Can a mediocre programmer find a job?

How can a Russian programmer find a job and move outside of Russia?

• I’d like to hear advice and recommendations. This is some actual information about me: I’m from Russia. I am 28 years old, I work as full time and freelance programmer for 12 years - right now I’m working with javascript and nodejs in web development,  i worked about 2 years on odesk and have a good profile (my work rate is about ~4.8/5), and majority of my customers are from Europe and America (English speaking).  For now i’m able to achieve about $1500 per month. In education i have masters degree in mathematics. Also i have worked about a year as builder and carpenter. I’m married (no children yet), and I do not want to divorce with my wife, and I’m sure she will follow me to other country. Also I’m quite wealthy - i have a flat that costs about $50.000, and I can sell it, if I need. I haven’t got any problems with law (and i do not want to break the laws),  I’m indifferent for Politics and Religion, and i think, that people can be happy anywhere, and the nation have the government it deserves. So, the question is: where to start? Probably, i do not want to leave Russia forever, and i only want to live temporary in other country.

• Answer:

  Here are some suggestions. a) Apply for the Green card Lottery in the US. Lately, the US seems to encourage immigrants from Russia to balance the larger number of immigrants from the South and Asia. b) Find a job in the branch of a foreign company in Russia. Then ask to move back to the foreign country for a while. c) Find a freelance job for a foreign corporation. If they like you, they may apply for a working visa for you (and your wife) d) Get a student visa, say for a MS in CS in the country of your choice. Start working while studying, or ditch the studying and find a job that can provide you with a working visa.