USA vs. Europe: Live to Work? Work to Live?
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- Опубліковано 26 сер 2024
- What is one big difference between Europe and the USA? Well the philosophy between "working to live" vs. "living to work." Can you guess which is which?
Of course there is no one "right way." But if you bring in the facts, the US 🇺🇸is the only advanced nation in the world that doesn't guarantee its citizens paid vacation. Average vacation is 2 weeks, and 50% of Americans do not take up the full 2 weeks per year. In Europe, many countries guarantee its citizens 4-6 weeks of paid vacation per year-and they take them.
And good luck trying to get ahold of your European colleagues during summer!
David
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I'm David, a Californian living in Amsterdam. I grew up in San Francisco, worked in Hollywood, took a sabbatical around the world, and then packed my bags for Europe. I make videos about lifestyle design, hiking, and living/working/studying in Europe.
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#europe #worklifebalance #usa
I am European who lived for 25 years in the United States. I recently moved back to Spain as much as I love Washington, DC, it was a great choice to move back. thanks for the video and yes Europeans we arent as ambitious, Our ambitions are living and happiness.
Hey Pía - thanks for your comment. Yeah, it’s hard to generalize, but people have different ambitions here which is great. I’ve learned to remind myself that ambition is not only tied to work, achievements, and money. How was your experience in the US for 25 years?
I can relate. I live in America and ppl are burnt out and stress. All everyone cares about are pretentious job titles and working so hard but can't enjoy life. It's annoying.
@Alfonso Di Grezia yes, I did and very quick.
@Alfonso Di Grezia I speak English, Native American English.
@Alfonso Di Grezia I’m not, I’m indeed a language interpreter
You're right In the old continent, people have great respect for holidays. We are obliged to take a vacation. We have a proverb in Poland: Work smart, but never hard.
True. Working smarter is always the best solution
Same in Greece. August is the month that all big cities are empty!!! August is not for working is vacation time.. LOL
Poles are workaholic
Although the Polish in general are very hard working people.
Basically, Europeans don't run so hard after money and wealth. Here, we have smaller cars and smaller houses, but also we often have so many beautiful moments of life enjoyment. That's luxury for me - simply enjoying every day of my life. Your money can't buy the best things in life, remember that.
For all of you in USA who are thinking of moving to Europe, I can tell you for sure that you'll definitely not regret it. Good luck!
Greetings from Europe ❤
❤️❤️
Wow thank you for the encouragement! I’m highly considering moving to Europe in the future. My mindset is not the same as my fellow Americans, I feel trapped here. I love your values!
I can totally resonate with you! I lived in Amsterdam for a year and it was my most beautiful memory. My mental health was so much better and much more relaxed. I’m already thinking about move back to Amsterdam!
Hi Cathy! Oh wow glad you can resonate with me. Where are you now and curious to hear…how was your experience in Amsterdam and what was it that made it so much more relaxed for you? (Of course you don’t need to respond into too much detail, I’m just curious haha)
Is true, Amsterdam is relaxed is and very cool and chill but be prepared to find a flat in the Netherlands 🇳🇱 and the costs of it.
As a citizen of Spain living in California I can say that it is not only the vacation time. The pressures from the American society to do well in life and not to be labeled a "Loser" are enormous. The culture engraved in the mentality is that you have to "Work till you drop dead" and other way of living it is not considered up to the American standards. And what is really damaging is the fact that families and friends don't have enough time to share social events, meals and quality time together to create a support system to cope better with adversity in life. The mental health of the nation is at stake here and there are daily shootings to prove it.
Hi Lou - thanks for sharing. I can relate to the hustle culture of California. I miss parts of it to be honest (it motivated me), but it can be very dangerous if you don't know how to take care of yourself.
Why are you in California and do you have plans to move back to Spain/Europe?
@@hidavidwen I have been in Orange County, California for many years. I raised my kids here and I built a house in Northern Spain, Asturias to retire in two to three years. I felt as motivated as you when I came to California with $500 and lots of dreams but that California that I encountered has nothing to do with the California of today. The hard working, decent, and serious American people don't deserve what is happening to their country
@@louaceveu1925 While I miss California a lot, I can understand where you are coming from. Sounds like California has changed a lot for you? And seems like you are excited for the move in a few years...that sounds like a nice next journey. Thanks for sharing
@@hidavidwen My sons where born and raised in California. The oldest graduated from San Diego State Magna Cum Laudem in International Business and the youngest in Economics From Utah State. They both want to live in Europe and they loved Amsterdam when they visited and also Spain. I would like to know your view of life in Amsterdam.
Worked for firm and was in US a few years. Never even in many third world nations I've traveled have I seen such an unhappy, angry, stressed group of people. It was an experience and glad when got transferred back. The UK is far from ideal but living in the US gave me such a greater appreciation. Especially NHS.
David, you’re right. I think Americans don’t realize it but, time is limited. And Europeans are more centered on the big picture. When you hit 80, if you’re lucky, you really are on borrowed time. There is an expiration date on each human being.
I’m now in my early 30s and starting to find how important time is. Time with my parents…loved ones…I’ve already lost a few in the past few years. Time is precious
@@hidavidwen Hey, I know this thread is like an year old and you may not see this comment. But I am a guy close to his late 20s. I have an interest in finance. Which european country would you recommend?
@@sibinsamthomas4719 germany my friend
@@aleksandrastojkovic8780 hey, thanks.
You're right about the differences between Europe and the U.S. mentality re: vacations. I have lived in Spain for 10 years. In August every year and the first two weeks of September, everything basically shuts down. I'm finally used to it. Anything 'official' that I must do, I take care of in June and July. I love the way it is here in Europe.
It’s nice to know that we don’t have to be “on” 24/7
@@hidavidwen Hello, again David. True. It's a much more healthy lifestyle here in Europe due to the boundaries that workers have established. And as you know, regardless of the country, if anyone ever tried to create a 'Silicon Valley/Twitter-style' work culture (which even includes sleeping at the company and having your laundry picked up & delivered there), they'd soon face mutiny!!!! And thankfully, they would now have a wonderful precedent to which to point!!!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 South Korea is one country that needs to take heed. Many men there who are super conscientious are literally dying from overwork. There, I witnessed people with children under 4 yrs old who were forced to stay at work until the boss left---which usually was around 9:30 p.m. or 9:45 p.m. almost five nights a week. 🤔
@@bpe9578 and how do you think Europe is going to stand up against countries with the "Silicon valley" work culture in terms of economic competition and overall prosperity?
what is happiness? USA: rich and famous. Europe: have friends and fun.
I can see that 😄
Literally.
Only a handful are rich. Grind is really a thing here.
@@jamesdragonforce nobody is talking about being rich, at least, I have never aimed for that illusion. The point is to have a good life-work balance, which in the USA is impossible.
I bet you wish you could live in the US though
Life is about balance.
“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.”
- Henry David Thoreau
Thanks for the quote, true! Balance
im dutch and i just get sad when i look at the state of living from the world richest and most powerfull country in the world. people are poor, no healthcare, no sickdays, no paid hollidays, long working hours, really really bad pay. they need 2 jobs just to live, and because of those 2 jobs they can't live... they only work.
im a bus driver, last year i was 9 whole months on paid sickleave i had a burnout. my employer called once a week just to ask me how i was doing. i came in once every 2 weeks just to keep in touch. they helped when i needed it and offered more help to get me back on my feet. and now i have been back at work for 4 months. all going well. i even lowerd my working hours because i can. i work 4 days now 32 hours a week... my wife works 36 hours. we have 2 cars and a rv.. aquarium hobby, 2 bunny pets, a dog, a nice garden and enough time to maintain it all. ofcourse we have car insurances a mortgage health insurances, taxes, you name it... AND STILL WE SAFE a nice sum of money each month and also spend a bit on well, dog, bunnie aqaurium our garden wich we just gave a facelift.
and then i look at america....... it just makes me sad. you guys deserve so much more. i know your government is all like ''F U EUROPE and murica most freedomn of the world..... that's just dumb we are just as free as you guys''.. im not trying to bash down on america, i have been on vacation to america it was a eye opener. met some really kind americans. but the country itself was, spiritless, lifeless, it has no soul no character, no life in the streets everybody was just at work. it really made me sad. beautifull nature tho. huge difference with nature and climate that we have in europe.
for one of our great saviours of the second world war, i really think you guys deserve better. the richest country in the world should be able to trickle the money down to their people. europe seems to manage it? why can't america? america should understand that, if their people have a surplus of money they will spend it. they will buy a bigger television, newer car, refrigerator. all the things. that's what keeps our economy rolling..
take a lesson from the french, when they don't like something and want better results the whole of france goes on a strike... put down work for a week in america and see how fast shit gets changed it does wonders. that's not a joke. in russia you will get killed, but come on it's america we are speaking about. by the people for the people right??
I am Dutch and recently joined 'the workforce' with a 36h workweek. It is kinda strange and hard for me too plan my own vacation days. Luckily we also have mandatory holidays like easter and christmas ;)
Welcome to the real world! How do you like it so far?
Yeah I’m not used to 36h workdays…but I know quite a few who only work 4 days. Haha it’s a good problem to have…planning your own vacation!
Considering moving to the Netherlands 🇳🇱 since I am a Dutch citizen (thanks dad) and having lived in the USA since 1995, I am now interested in coming back. What’s it like there as of late.
@@BulldogBS2016 house prices are rising rapidly, so its a terrible time too buy right now. Also alot of policy shenanigans too comply with the Paris climate plans.
Christianity is going out with the old guard, conservatism is dying, young people are really liberal, and the genX is making big money.
I think The Netherlands is a better place too live right now than the US.
I took a whole 8-hour Friday off so I could go participate in a friend's wedding and my boss knew about it a long time in advance. That morning while I was heading up North he called me on my personal cell phone to make sure I could get on a flight the following Monday. So much for a vacation LOL
Thanks for sharing Shawn. You made the wedding right? But I can understand…I’ve had similar experiences in the past 😄
Thanks so much for this wonderful video! I'm British/Hungarian and I recently gave up my green card after my divorce (was married to an American), to move back here to Europe. I've been a bit regretting my decision but this really brought home the truth - that we may not make more money in Europe, but the quality of life is overall better. :)
P.S. I get 28 days vacation a year plus 6 national holidays!
Hey Daniel - thanks for sharing. Oh it must not be the easiest time for you...hope all is well. The 28 days off plus 6 holidays are nice indeed!
I'm 23 and in my first year of a program for computer engineering. My hope since I was a kid was to move to Europe. Just a weird obsession that I always had. I visited for 2 weeks when I was 16 and then again spent a month backpacking Europe at 18. Then covid screwed up future plans.
I have always felt disenchanted with how my fellow Americans view life. I don't want my life to revolve around my career and I'd like to have a family and spend a lot of time with them. Any tips on making a career in computer engineering/Software/IT in Europe?
Best of luck! I got here through a Masters program. So I would check those out. I think that's probably one of the best ways. Education is also quite cheap and affordable (compared to US education). So do some research on education here.
Learn languages. You can work with just English but knowing another European language opens more doors
There's no magic trick to a career in computer engineering in Europe. The profession is in high demand probably in every country, and many companies are international - in many cases, office language is English even in countries like Germany or Spain. Job openings are often marketed internationally, so you can apply and the companies, especially bigger ones, are often used to taking care of organising a work Visa for you. It might be a bit more difficult to find a job as a graduate, and gathering a bit of work experience in the US will likely broaden your options.
You will need to expect getting paid quite a bit less in comparison to US-roles though - which is often not a problem as cost of living is also lower. But make sure to check the prices.
Your choice of countries matters a lot. Even though there are some similarities and it's all "Western" in the end, culture can still be quite different between different countries.
The biggest topic to consider in my opinion: Language. Ireland and the UK won't be an issue for you, but for all other countries, it is important to know that you will need to learn the language, and even if you pick it up quickly, getting to good proficiency can take many years. That won't be an issue for your work life - but it can be for your personal life outside of work. It can also be sometimes very difficult to actually practice with locals, as many people are fluent in English and will switch to it the moment they realise you are struggling with the local language. I'm not saying this to put you off, but you need to be aware that this will be a big challenge and will require a lot of work and time, mostly after having moved.
Americans just work and work bc if you aren’t working 40+ hours a week and also never want to stop moving and always setting goals after you meet your goals you’re looked at as lazy and of no worth to people. We are supposed to work like this in our most viable years just to have a lot for when we retire at an age that we can’t do near the things we want! We work for no end, contentment is considered settling or giving up. No matter what you achieve you get asked “you don’t want more?” I stopped living like this 5 years ago and I have lost almost all my friends and most of my family doesn’t want me around. Bc I don’t fit the mold and I don’t see the point in working to buy a big house and a fancy car just so the same people I’ve known all my life see how good I’m doing! I chose to spend my money traveling and meeting new people and experiencing new places and just actually experiencing life! I think it’s crazy the way Americans think success is and what we equate to success! But that’s just my humble opinion!
America needs to learn from Europe, live more.
So true because i live for 13 yrs. In Europe and it’s fun had a lot of good memories, that’s why i love Europe.
Thanks for sharing. Where did you move to and what was the original reason?
Hi David, I have some friends that work in American companies in Beijing. they have 35-45 days of paid leave per year while I only have 7 because I work in a local company. it is quite surprising that America was called a no-vacation nation.
Hi Stanley - yeah everything is "relative." I have friends who work for European companies in China, and they also get better benefits as well. My company also has a Beijing office too...and they have more of a "European" culture there too.
In the US...it depends on what industry you work in and where you are located-for example, if you work for a tech company in San Francisco, you will likely get a high salary, great benefits, and unlimited vacation or at least 3-4 weeks of vacation. However, for the majority of Americans, that is not the case.
But the interesting statistic is that Americans DO NOT use all of their vacation days-even if they get 5 weeks-the data shows this. A big reason is "fear"...that they have too much work or they will fall behind (also it's easy to get fired in the US compared to Europe). It is very competitive. For example...I used to have 5 weeks of vacation with a company...but I only used 2-3 weeks per year.
@@hidavidwen Thanks for sharing your impressive view with me, I just find that China and the USA are so familiar when it comes to working culture, and China is just way worse. I'm really tired of a stressful working environment, and there seems no hope to improve this problem in China, do you know 996? a work schedule practiced by some tech companies in China which requires employees to work from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, 6 days per week. it's no different from the slavery system.
@@stanley408 yeah they are both similar. I think it’s great for certain types of people…but each person is different-what we value in life. Yes I know 996. I have a Chinese friend from Beijing who moved to France, and she also moved for similar reasons. What I find interesting is that there are so many different options for a “life”…there is not just one path…but we have to start asking these questions and looking :)
Footage is very nice. Now that my eyes have been opened I want to go back to live in Europe.
You should not ,there is no such mandatory vacation in the States. In many ways, the U.S is the richest third world country. ( no vacation or universal healthcare )
Taking up your holidays each year is mandatory in Belgium. Otherwise they have to pay you those days, which is not interesting as you lose much in taxes and you might even end up in a higher tax bracket. So at the end of each year staff management goes into panic mode urging people to take up left holidays. Or these people could end up with an unexpected vacation of 2 - 3 weeks.
As always, great content. Keep inspiring others!
Aw thanks Bridget =)
Amazing video, david!
Thank you!! Appreciate it
Im European and to be honest for me balancing work and life is something that i wouldn't be able to give up.
A: Family. Spending some time with family is important. Whenever you are raising your kids and they need to be with you as parent or just being with your woman.
B: Me. I just like to go sometimes alone in forest and just be in nature, where are no people, no noise from city just you and your thoughts this means freedom for me and i would never change it for anything even for 30,000 euros monthly.
Thanks Peter. Yeah...I now understand what "balance" is...time is more valuable than money...and I really appreciate it.
Thanks for information... from Malaysia 🇲🇾... Work life balance is very good.
You’re welcome and thanks for watching
I don’t think it’s hard to fire employees in The Netherlands, if necessary. But it is hard for an employer to fire employees if it isn’t necessary. Because an employer needs to have a good reason to fire people and that’s how it should be. He/she has to think about why, who and when and has to consult the company’s workers council. People aren’t working for the company to be shoved aside if shareholder value needs to be improved, or if profit needs to be higher or whatever flimsy reason a CEO or CFO comes up with. And this is exactly the reason why I hate the American term Human Resources, that has gone viral all over the world. It sounds like you dig humans up if you need them and throw them away after you out used them. People aren’t resources, or assets for that matter. There is a better way of employership than the American way.
Thanks for adding your perspective. I've had good and bad experiences-for me, this ultimately depends on the culture of the company and the team/manager (which is most likely true wherever you work in the world). Yeah the term HR does sound a bit outdated...though more and more HR groups are now being called "People/People Operations" (especially in the tech industry). It can be called whatever, but I think the important thing is that the group really supports the people (while taking into account business needs). Have you worked in the US?
Labour mobility is important actually.
As a Barbadian i am entitled to 28 days vacation annually, PLUS 12 public holidays, several of which fall on varied dates so I may end up having four day weekends twice in one year. This does not happen for everyone, but workers are guaranteed at least three weeks off plus those public holidays.
Hi Randy - wow that is nice! I would love 40 days off per year. Do you take all of your vacation per year?
@@hidavidwen Actually David, no I don't. I leave like a week or slightly more than that over for the next year (you can do that!!). Just in case I need it more then.
I'm American but lucky for me, I work for a French company that has offices in the US so I get 3 weeks of vacation per year which is still puny for european standards but it's pretty generous for US standards.
Thanks! Question…do you actually take all or most your vacations days?
I’m European (Irish) but living in Melbourne Australia. I find Australians to be very laid back in regards to work, similar to Europeans. Holidays 20 days a year and are a complete disconnect from the office also 😁
Thanks Daniel. Haha interesting to hear. Sounds like you’re enjoying it over there in Australia?
I work for a massive healthcare company even as a first year we accumulate 20 days PTO every year + 8 holidays. Definitely above average time off for a US worker, that said it can always be better :)
Not bad at all, do you get the opportunity to take your PTO every year? And yeah…it can always be better!
@@hidavidwen Yeah just has to be taken on days people from my shift didn't already take off so schedule early to get the days you want.
I may or may not have loudly said eight 😅 because my family could never
It depends what you value most. Pretty much the entire world enjoys products, services and technologies that were created in the US and which could not have been created anywhere else. Europe offers rich history, more relaxed work environment, more vacation time and such things. I think each of these two is well suited for specific personality types and periods of life. If you’re young, smart, ambitious and want to create the next tech unicorn, go to US. If you are more laid back and prefer a more relaxed work environment, go to Europe.
As an european, this is fun. I work 60+ hours a week and have 2 week vacation per year.
In which country do you live ? Or self-employment may be ?
Thanks. Where are you in Europe? I'm based in the Netherlands
@@hidavidwen spain, working in a consulting firm
Hi David, I like your videos. Can you possibly do one on studying in The Netherlands? Like what you studied, applying to the program, picking a program etc and then transitioning to work after finishing the program. Thanks so much.
Heya - aw thanks, appreciate your kind words! Yeah I can definitely add to list. It would be from my perspective as an international student coming from the US studying a Masters in the Netherlands. Feel free to continue throwing me ideas =)
I love my work, but my work doesn't love me. People do. When my family, my friends or my health need my time, they get it.
Thanks for sharing, that's important in life-people
I'm with you David. I am working Norway and ahve 6 weeks OFF for holiday compared only 12 days when I worked in Vietnam, my homecountry. I love how balanced work and life in Europe.
Thanks Thong! Glad to hear you are enjoying Norway :) 6 weeks and you can take them too!
@@hidavidwen Yeah right, more than that the benefit of working in Norway is much awesome like working hours is 37.5 hours per week, a paid mobile phone from your company (I got my iPhone 14 for free). Hope you enjoy the Netherlands.
A good thing to also include would be the compensation differences, ease of finding a job and job opportunity, career advancement, etc... I think this comparison will really help illustrate the two different work cultures between the US and Europe.
And, I couldn't help but notice that you mentioned you went to China, you could compare / contrast Asian work culture as well.
Thanks for sharing. Yeah so many differences…I actually have a video I want to do soon that dives deeper into work culture Netherlands vs USA now that I’ve worked here 3 years
For Americans money, careers are the most important things.. For Europeans there are different values.. Once you hv enough money to live, a job you like.. That's enough.. Then having plenty of money but not having time to use, enjoy it, is like not having any money at all!
I totally agree with you. It’s all about quality of life. There are many other things which are more important beside work in life. I realized it as I lived in Europe, America for many years. Ohhh.. If you are curious about how is Work culture in India, it is much horrible than America, and way worse than Europe. Here you are born to work and nothing else matters in life..
In switzerland you have to take your 4 or 5 weeks vacation per year. If not, the boss will set your vacation days regardless. It's set by the law (workers right). Any overtime working is obligated to compemsate in extended holidays or payment. I always take the extra day added to my holiday. On leap years you can bridge a whole week vacation just by spending 2 days off your holiday credit. ;)
Thanks for sharing! I like how that is enforced at the "top"-to get people to take time off. Leadership and the government set the tone
I wouldn’t say it’s a lack of ambition. The salaries here in EU are just not worth it
In Germany is like between 22 and 30 days of vacation, but if you work more then 8 hours a day maybe 10 hours a day and in the end of the month like 20 hours you will be replaced whit 3 days off.
But I know alsow people whit 40 days of vacation
Thanks for sharing Manu! Interesting to hear
Thanks for the video
You're welcome Juan!
Where are the visuals, could you please let me know the names of these beautiful locations
There's so many variables to compare and contrast. That said...my first remote international job I was amazed that we got 6-7 weeks of 'holidays' (or PTO in America). And then the whole cultural aspect of not feeling guilty, everyone taking off all the time without question etc.
But culturally, at least at this startup, they got things done even when people were OOO & worked hard consistently. That said...a lot of non-consulting, non-big tech American based companies that are very large enterprise environments w/ over 10K people are inefficient & slow.
So nuance being that, sure, Americans at those aforementioned companies might only get 2-3 weeks of PTO, but they actually work realistically 2-3 hours a day (4 hours if really 'busy'). Meaning as a remote worker that you're kind just floating around doing 'not much'.
I think for me...long-term I'd prefer to work hard when I work and be productive for the entirety of the work day (mentally stimulating and emotionally satisfying) and get much more time off.
Europeans got it right on vacation for sure.
Thanks for sharing this lengthy perspective! Yeah Europeans get it right when it comes to vacation. But 6-7 weeks of vacation…I want that..
I live in Miami as an inmigrant , i normally work 60 hours a week and when i am off i feel sooo tired to go out and enjoy my time. I wanna move to Europe but I think that could be difficult without European Passport
Hey Fernando - I hope you get the chance one day. Yeah there are many ways. I came here to study. But many do it through many other ways. Job. Entrepreneurship. Family. I hope you take care and best of luck!
Hey David,
I think you should use your vacation days traveling? Just a thought! haha
Hey Tami - haha connecting this to your other comment...I find it difficult to use up all my vacation days (maybe because I'm not used to using up so many vacation days?!...I know that sounds silly but yeah it's kinda true)
Thank for sharing
Thanks for watching :)
Ha! That's the best way to start the video. Vacations in the US are not part of labor law, unbelievable.
Yeah…….
I am so sick of being stressed out and burnt out. 1-2 weeks of vacation we get here in the US (if we are lucky) is not enough. I don't have much faith things will change, so I can't wait to go to Europe.
Thanks Heather. I get you. What's the (updated) plan for you?
And I hope you can take care of yourself in the meantime.
@@hidavidwen I am heading to Prague to do TEFL late this year/early next year. Just saving up $$$$
In America, people are defined by their work and careers but in Europe people are defined by their personality and characteristics. Ppl don’t care what you do as a profession
Actually MEXICO just approved 12 days for the 1st year! But before that normal employees just get around 6 -10 days 😢
Live to work n survive for hongkonger.☹️
Aw yeah I know in some places =/ I have family and friends there. Hope you are well
@@hidavidwen Your videos are inspiring. Have fun
I agree with you David. But as a european I also have to admit that the USA tend to be more productive and are ahead in many ways. Most of the new international companies have started in the USA like Tesla, Apple, Google and they dominate the world. I don't know if that is related to the same mindset your refering to (live to work) but I tend to think so. At least to some degree. By the way, you have made some very interesting posts on youtube. I like the way you reflect on life, relations and work very much as well as your very positive attitude (which I think also is a plus for US mindset generally).
Thanks Ronnie for your comment. Yeah agree with you. After living here for a few years now, I can definitely say there’s a lot more competitive drive built into the American culture which you can argue is good or bad (depending on what you value)…and when you get the worlds brightest and most creative people in a place like Silicon Valley or LA (plus a lot of funding)…that can pave the way for some of the most innovative products or entertainment.
And thanks for your kind and motivating words!
@@hidavidwen It greatly depends. A lot of inventions are made by people outside of their jobs (which they could only do if they won't starve without a job, or if their job allows for free time or part time work), and it's not as if the US has a monopoly on tech innovation. In fact lots of things were invented in universities and/or in Europe, like the internet. (When it comes to medication, most are invented in labs connected to universities etc, very few in commercial labs, companies don't fund things if they don't see the potential for profit, people who have rare diseases, or diseases that are common in poorer countries, are almost completely dependent on research done at universities, not companies.) Companies like Philips are from the Netherlands, and they invented the CD for example. The US is big, and has a lot of people, say that 0.1% of the population will invent something that impacts the world in some way, that leaves the Netherlands with 17,280 people, and the US 328,200. The sheer amount of people will guarantee that there will be more people with any trait, genius, athleticism, you name it.
Plus, every century or so the location of the most innovation etc shifts, in Europe, in the middle ages, Italy was it for lots of things, then Spain, later on the church prevented lots of experiments and printing of ideas and those books were smuggled to the Netherlands and Belgium. 18th century painters would go to Italy, 19th century painters to Paris, 19th century engineers went to England, etc etc etc. You see this within countries as well. It's not that those places or those people were uniquely enterprising, compared to other countries, and that that trait suddenly disappeared from the population. Many more factors play a role.
@@AnnekeOosterink Thanks for your perspective. Yeah innovation comes from all places around the world, and it's important to not solely focus on the new, shiny innovations that get the most spotlight (eg. tech). That's an interesting point you bring up-how the location of innovation shifts through time. I think that's a big one-right now we all live in the information/digital age, and the spotlight shines brightly on places like Silicon Valley. But there are many other innovations happening around the world that impact the world but may not get the spotlight of a Tesla or Apple.
@@hidavidwen Tesla vehicles? The name is also of European origin. It was Mercedes that introduced the more advanced autonomous vehicle. It is Europe where the largest accelerator, the largest fusion reactor, is located. Americans travel to European countries and buy innovations, then open a company in the United States, employ 80% of foreigners, and look American.
The main reason because most international companies started in USA is because USA are 300MM customers, whereas in Europe the most populated country is Germany (80MM) and the mean among biggest countries in Europe would be 50MM. So as you can understand, if you have a company and you have success in the USA you can expand your company at least 5 times more, so you can get 5 times more budget, 5 times more incomes, ...., so it is easier for you to create a R&D dpt, buy more valuable equipment....In Europe that process is far more slow....
Did you learn any new languages when you moved?
Imagine if all the immigrants who want to migrate to the US saw this video :) In Asia (south Asia to be precise though I would say from experience can include Japan though not the earnings but long hours), a well-qualified and educated population work six days a week and long hours with hardly earning much, family responsibility, and not vacationing. I imagine Asia, Africa, and probably Latin America (though I am not sure here) do put hefty work weeks. So while Europe maybe not be working much compared to the US, the rest of the globe is working way more than the US. Living in the US, I think it depends on what you do, what company you work for, your position and the flexibility, etc. Cultures differ in how they identify what life goals are. I know coming from Asia, emphasis on responsibility towards your family is more important, so working to ensure that upward socioeconomic mobility is achieved is admired. Due to many cultures, especially an immigrant society, I believe that notion is held in the US.
Thanks for sharing Anu. You’re right. Everything is relative. If we compare to Asia…yeah that is completely a different story
If we talk about vacation and not much money is Europe , if we talk about a lot of money and less vacation it’s the US that’s it. I think Europe is very expensive in comparison with the salaries even if you have a good position but as I said in the comments it depends in what European country and not all countries are like Germany. And this is my only opinion and not talking about the competitiveness we have in Europe which is huge. In the US they speak English and Spanish, in Europe we can speak more than two on average.
Thanks for sharing your perspective. Yeah you can make a lot more money in the US...but it can also be a tradeoff too (less time to spend it?). Depending on what you're looking for. And Europe is also huge as well...depends where you are.
inspiring
:)
Just spent 5 weeks in Europe. Noticed right away that no one really tends to work there - at all. I looked around at some jobs in my field - and noticed that my current salary in the US (3 years out of college) was the equivalent of someone who was probably 10 years out of school in Europe. Not to mention taxes. The price differences were even more riveting- since the US’s capitalist structure has us paying much, much more for things like rent, food, healthcare and so on. If you have no other option, you will have the same amount of money in your pocket after all expenses are paid for- without the vacation. However, if you are smart and can maximize the value of the dollars you earn, I still think that there is no better place in the world to work than the US. This video could use a little more explanation in the #’s but I think you did a pretty good job overall
Thanks! Yeah I’m hoping to do a more in-depth one about working specifically in US vs Netherlands. But yeah if you come from the US (especially a large city), you won’t make as much unless you go to a place like Switzerland. But you go to Europe for different reasons
I mean 28 days is great but any government job in the USA gives about 25-30 vacation days and the expectations to work till you drop are not as bad. Having been employed through jobs like this for 7 years, this is normal to me. It was a shock to me when I found out what other American workers were getting, nearly nothing. And 10-12 hour work days are common. Having that amount of PTO is great but it still feels like a massive scam to me. I want 100 paid days off a year. Does such a place or thing even exist?? The pursuit of happiness to me revolves around hobbies that cost zero dollars and my family. America is the biggest shit hole on the planet and I hope to escape the clutches of the grind one day
I noticed in America people are obsessed with making money. Everything revolves around money for some reason. In Europe it is not the case.
Not to mention sick days
Work to live, that's what we learn our children to
A distant dream
We know who kicks more ass. It isn't by accident
Europeans have work life balance
Americans have work or liver under the bridge balance
but you still, hear some European like France ppl complain ab long work hours all the time
Haha yes, Europe is huge as well and each country is uniquely different.
Airbus USA employees are trained in France and Germany. They will experience living and working in Europe. So they will take that home. I would love to hear their comments.
Thanks for sharing. I'm also interested..
I WOULD LOVE TO LIVE AND WORK IN USA AND BE IN USA AS TOURIST VISA
I hope you get the opportunity one day!
How easy or difficult did you found it to learn the language? I'm from Europe and I plan to visit someday
Hi Criss - haha if you want to learn, you can learn if you take the time. It’s not like learning Chinese or Arabic…but the challenge is almost everyone speaks fluent English here (especially in Amsterdam)…so to practice speaking, it’s hard to practice. Unless you live in a small town
If you are from Europe, how come you do not already know 'the language'? Or did you go over to the US as a tiny baby and your parents never spoke your native European language -whichever it is, Basque, Welsh, Dutch, Greek ...- to you?
@@hidavidwen well I might dabble into the basics at very least if I plan to visit, seems like a good plan. Thankfully, English is common to most people and most accessible
@@lizzieburgess674 if you're referring how I already know English, we have it as mandatory by default at begining of school. But that's not what really taught me English properly as school only taught me bare basics . I learnt properly English from video games, music and Internet (so pretty much self taught - started using English frequent and on a daily basis from around 13 yrs and beyond) . In school we have as mandatory English and then we got extra options between French, German and some learn Hungarian or other languages.
And no, I never went to USA :) neither plan to go anytime soon, I like Europe way of life way better and absolutely disagree with the guns laws in there but from what Google shows, usa has really nice national parks so if I ever visit that's gonna be the main reason probably
And I see that ont only in Europe. Canada, and Mexico to Argentina. It's the same way like in Europe. Even doe that Europe it's countries economy is powerful . Has the same attitude. Towards work . When I went to colombia and ecuador. I seen that . United States could be a super power . But lacks many many things . One of them treat their employees right. Un health care and benefits. United States is way behind , than the rest of the world.
Thanks for sharing Daniel. There are pros and cons of the US (similar to everywhere). Where are you now?
I recently moved to Belgium and Im doing my peaper but i realy want to work. Thanks to goverment im studyin the language and Ill do an Integration course. Im 18 and i wannna now where can I found jobs, like websites. thanks.
Hi Valentina - LinkedIn is probably one of the best job search engines nowadays. Try there. Good luck on your job search and integration!
Welcome to life... ;-)
A different type of life 😆
Isn't it not good to not being able to fire people as easily as usa because if the working is slacking off the company won't do well.
Thanks for sharing your perspective and asking. Depends on who you ask and where you come from. Personally...I don't think it's a good thing when it can be abused (you can get fired for anything), which I've seen happen. Now looking back...when I worked in the corporate America, I felt like I had to be more careful in terms of what I said to upper management (so did many other colleagues). In the Netherlands, I feel like I can more freely say what I think without being punished for presenting an opposing view. Does that make sense? Of course, this also depends on the company's culture. Just my thoughts...thanks for asking. What are your thoughts?
@@hidavidwen Oh ok, that is interesting David.
God I want to work at a company that gives 6 weeks leave 😢
Hi David! I came across your channel because my husband and I are tired of living in CA and want to move in Europe.
However, I’m still in school (CSUF) trying to get my Bachelors in Accounting (estimate graduation date May 2024).
I’m interested in the Masters Program in Europe and gives a great reason to move to Europe.
How did you find that program and how do you apply?
Thank you in advance!!
Hey there! Oh yeah so I came here via a Masters program-I think it's one of the smartest ways to get to Europe and also get a great education...
I went to Maastricht University. But in fact, most of the universities in the Netherlands are great and accept international students.
I researched all the universities and found programs that I was interested. Similar to the US, there's an application period. And based on the program, you submit documents like academic records, etc. I didn't want to take the GRE/GMAT or any test so I specifically looked for programs that didn't require those. I ended up finding a program that I liked and also made a career switch too-I love what I do now. And for a lot cheaper too...I paid $16K tuition (1-year) vs. $80K+ (2-years in US). Also housing is a lot cheaper...everything is a lot cheaper haha...and the education is pretty high quality (even if I compare it to my undergrad at UCLA)
I plan to do a video about it this year...let me know what questions you have so I can include it!
But feel free to ask me here too!
David
I live at the singel at Amsterdam center, we are Neighbours!
Haha hey there neighbor! It's small world and small place...I've walked around the singel and around a lot this past year...
As an European you didn't really get right picture of it.
I would say the feeling you 've got is actually because of that here in Europe distances for "vacation" are small, you don't need to go by plane to see attractive tourists sides. So you can make nice trips in a day or two.
Europeans also, imo live to work. But probably depends where in Europe you live.
My opinion on this theme, be good :)'
Thanks for sharing your opinion! I love how close everything is. I just got back from Spain…3 hours flight. And being in Amsterdam…I can get anywhere within a few hours. Love it
The pay difference for the same job can be huge when comparing jobs in American cities vs European cities. My job pays almost double what my European counterpart gets paid. Granted, where I live is expensive but not by much especially when compare to major European cities.
Hey Van - thanks for your comment. You're right-if you just look at salaries...Americans salaries are A LOT higher than European salaries (I am from San Francisco and can attest to this). If you are lucky enough to be at the top, you can certainly live a high quality life in the US. But also depends on the person-what each person values is different.
@@hidavidwen
It's more like: What do I need to be able to live a good life ?
The highest pay isn't needed to achieve a good life in Europe.
Even with a modest pay grade you'll have good healthcare, a good house to own/rent and good food.
I would say: at least 80% of the people in Western Europe live a good life.
@@xFD2x I like that...what do you need to live a good life? That's one of the biggest insights I've taken away so far after 3 years here...that you can live a good life with 'modest pay' here. And research shows that a good life can be priceless-the things that matter at the end of life are quality relationships.
I always planned on working/living in Amsterdam, but I do remember at the beginning weighing the option of staying in Amsterdam vs. going back to San Francisco because you make significantly less here compared to San Francisco...but life has turned out pretty nice over here (despite COVID). And I remember talking to a native Amsterdammer about this...he told me many people here don't want to 'climb the ladder' just to make a bit more money because the salary increases here + higher taxes don't justify the additional stress (unlike the US where you can make a lot more money). That stuck with me. It does make sense here.
Van Tsan It differs what kind of job you're doing. A factory job or other 'low skill' (I hate that word) job pays much better in Europe. I hear many people in the US have to work 2 jobs to make ends meet. People living in their car or a trailer because their jobs don't pay enough for a decent place to live. This barely exists in the Netherlands.
@@europeangardenflower9812 salaries in every state are different don’t generalize all state. California salaries would put all Europe to shame
I really dislike being in America. Very much. Like deep down dislike it HARD. I want a better life! I want to not have to depend on a car. Take my bike to work, groceries, everything. Trains to other places. Have awesome transit. Know my kids won’t be in crazy ass Debt going to school. If they have kids, they’ll get a dignified maternity leave, have accessible health care, etc etc. I’ll leave and live in a small flat, I just want access to everything without cars taking everything over.
I just need to figure this out :(
Thanks so much for sharing. I can understand in a way. Being stuck in traffic. The debt. Hope you hang in there.
Where in the US are you? Would you consider moving to Europe one day?
@@hidavidwen Very much! Im considering Ultrecht based on info in transportation classes and from online info. In Portland, OR. By USA standards, I think its the only place I could likely live here. Still want much better infrastructure and lifestyle. Considering doing a house trade in summer. Have to research this. :)
I need to most of my teeth capped, I’m still under 50, but have major enamel loss. To expensive in USA. Considering option of Romania, or Turkey. Heard its very affordable. Train or plane trip for a week from Netherlands?
@@hidavidwen In Portland. I’ve shared my desire to leave with my family. Ultrecht is a curiosity. I’ve been to Amsterdam (12 years back) and absolutely loved it. It was my favorite part of Europe. I need to get some pretty major dental work done, considering Turkey then Travel (or other Euro country that has reasonable dental).
Hi David i need hep from here
Im from Suriname
i am a math teacher and gave been teaching for 20 years now and would like to work as a teacher in the Netherland
Im speaking dutch fluently
Hoe krijg ik mijn verbliifsvergunning?
Please help
Hi Mulvie - What kind of teaching job are you looking for? I don't have much knowledge of how to find teacher jobs...but you can try LinkedIn
Thank you
Funny how my boss looked at me when i brought up personal hardship briefly. American mind doesnt compute what life is
Thanks for sharing. Sounds like you didn't (don't) have the most understanding boss...
European companies , to name some, can pay their employees these payed holidays and make profit. Where does the money go in the American companies? Do you dare to ask this question for an American public?
obviously ，europe is better at the aspect of life
Pros and cons of living in both the US and Europe!
@@hidavidwen while that is true, let’s be honest here David, Europe leads the way in almost every metric of quality of life (access to healthcare, happiness of its citizens, clean environment, job security/strong labor laws, free or discounted college, low crime, etc) life just seems genuinely better in Europe, in America it’s a grind, your job is absolutely what defines you. So I suppose, America is better if you really value making a lot of money and climbing the corporate ladder or “working hard” to get the better job but for a lot of us life is a lot more than just about that.
@@greenlime1997 Yep agree that it depends on the person and what they value. I know people who value achievement above all else...and America is definitely the right place for them. For others, it's different. So I think the question for each person is, "What does a good life mean for me?"
@@greenlime1997 europe consist of so many countries lol. But the only thing that europe better over usa is you can travel to another country beside of that the opportunity of building businesses in usa is way better than europe
because europeans are awesome ;)
Cool video, but please don't generalise us as "Europeans". Every European country has a different set of rules, standard of living and identity.
Thanks, you’re right 👍
Ever since I went on the Camino I've disliked our American style of life more and more. :[
Hey Rey - I know right? When did you walk and what changes (if any) have you made since walking?
@@hidavidwen I went in Spring 2017 getting close to 5 years. I've basically been a minimalist and just save money hoping to give myself a chance to return soon. However, the world had other plans. One day hopefully.
@@reyl9228 Yeah we don’t really need that much huh? Yea one day, one day we will be back!
You forgot something..... Greece and other balkanik European countries where is worst than US... I loved your video, hope I leave some day to the real European work model.
Hey happy new year Angelos! And thanks for the kind words. Yeah Europe is huge (so is the US) so hard to generalize. Where are you now? I hope your dreams come true!
The US was the only country that had a civil war to end slavery, and lost. They created another name for slavery, capitalism. The differences on the surface seem evident but looking deeper, little has changed. Those in power are the same and the rest have to obey without rights or justice.
Europe's ability give generous social programs are due to the fact that American tax payers subsidize their military budgets via the US being the biggest supporter of NATO. Europe's countries all have very weak militaries except maby Poland and France due to the fact that they took defense spending and put it into social programs.
We only have one life, so we have to work to live, not live for working.
True. We only have one life, we need to cherish it
Imagine Living in Latin America is like, living with the working labour exploitation mentality but WITH OUT THE MONEY (DOLLARS)
Thanks for sharing...yeah =/ Are you in Latin America? If you had the opportunity to go somewhere else, where would it be?
(I've met quite a few Latin Americans here)
I feel India has the same problem as US.
People here live to work not work to live.
And everyone is so caught up in their work that they even attend weddings late night.
So that they don't have to take a holiday before and after the occasion.
They can comprise on sleep for that.
It's so Normal here.
And I don't like it.
Thanks for sharing. Do you feel like you are also living to work? Is there another way?
@@hidavidwen I'm a student
Will be joining work force next year
Yes there's a way
Recently our government has announced work from home rules so that people can live a better life.
But still, it's years of social conditioning which has developed this mentality.
Will at least take a couple of decades to change.
America or Germany?(For to live and to work)Pls answer me😊
Hi Fatima - that’s a hard question to answer. They’re both big countries and depends on your needs and wants. What are you looking for?
@@hidavidwen Hi Dear David Wen.For CEO work
You get your bag in the US and you leave
I still have some bags in the US :)
i must respectfully disagree...living anywhere for a shortwhile will seem better..."grass is greener and so on..."...try living in europe all your life...you will start to see the real truth
Hey thanks so much for sharing your perspective. I’ve already learned so much in my 4 years here..I feel like the more I see, the less I know haha. But the more I know about what I personally want in my life.
i will take vecation right now, not that you
u mation it 😅
Hahaha I’m now thinking of my upcoming vacation too!
GG
Are you in your 30s? Cause you have a lot of life experience if you are in your 20s
Yes I’m in my 30s :) What makes you ask?
@@hidavidwen oh cool! I had to ask because you look younger
@@POPDATA Haha, I get that a lot =) ...I still feel like I'm in my 20s though-time flies!
You guys in US confusing Europe for living and vacations...YOU HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCE 800EURO A MONTH HAVING TO PAY RENT FOR 400...You are so spoiled
I’m from europe and the first minute was bullshit. We have the same thing when we go to the US. It just depends on your job.
Americans always bang on about how great the country is. But they work too many hours, get crap benefits included with jobs like holidays. And have to pay a fortune for medical care. You all get screwed in my opinion
well said. wouldn't want to live in US, make your money I'm going to spend mine on a holidays
Great way to spend your money-experiences!
@@hidavidwen I agree, you will not take that money to the grave, but at least you will have some memories and experiences.
I do respect everyone for them decisions in their life but personally dont accept and appreciate people that US gave them the chance and the opportunity of having good awarded jobs independently of what they are doing as profession and with these money that maded in US now they are cursing the country that gave them the opportunity and suddenly EU is better bla bla bla...well if you want to justfy yourself come in europe with ZERO money and start again...most probably you will ebd up after 4 or 6 months at the local airport crying to come back