Hello!

I’ve seen a few posts praising the US and I can’t deny that I’ve also had a very concrete goal of moving permanently to the US eventually. I’m from the EU so the “reality” that I have of the US comes mainly from the media. With this being said, I’d like the brutally honest opinions of those that experienced the US first-hand, whether you’re American, have always lived in the US and absolutely hate it, or if you moved from the EU to the US and are loving the experience.

  • As expats, I think we’re all running from something from our home country (work conditions, family situations, etc). What made you move to/out of the US?
  • Do you feel your QoL (quality of life) has improved with your move to/out of the US?
    • If so, would you attribute this to working conditions/salary? Or living conditions such as more free time, good pension/retirement, etc
  • Do you plan on going back to your home country? If so, what is the main driver of that decision?

Last, but not least, for those living in the US, do you believe that the pros of having more/better career opportunities (at least for skilled labor/PhD level) in the US outweigh the cons of living there, namely:

  • poor/expensive healthcare
  • extremely high tuition fees for colleges
  • high crime rates (naturally highly dependent on the place you live)
  • small amount of time for maternity leave (I don’t mind the small amount for paternity leave, but in Scandinavian countries mothers can have up to a year of maternity leave which I believe is very beneficial for the kids. I do value countries that value and protect the family structure)
  • … and a general low work-life balance? (This last bullet point is not as important to me as I do like and appreciate the hustle culture of the US which makes effort/skills be more appreciated and compensated)

Thank you all! Apologies in advance if this has been asked multiple times before, but I’d like to condensate different perspectives in a single thread if possible as it might be helpful for others as well! :)

  • Cruise_Gear@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    American Living Europe currently - and have been for 7 years (and a previous stint in England a decade ago)…

    I’m *JUST* now missing things in the USA and have given some serious consideration about moving back. I’m very conflicted because I know it’s not the same place I left for many reasons, but few places are these days. (Just look at the Dutch elections!)

    I Didn’t HATE the USA, but in all fairness, I was in Hawaii just before Europe, so that’s hardly traditional America. But I find myself sort of shocked at behaviors I see when I’m back. More rudeness and entitlement than I ever recall in the past. People have become emboldened and are just dicks by nature. The flip side of that, people can also be incredibly friendly - but again I don’t think being a dick is uniquely american :) - but the genuine friendliness when you experience it, is pretty unique and warm. As long as you’re not getting shot at :)

    I think a lot of the negative press the USA gets is… well… press that looks for negative. No one ever talks about saving kittens or the good people do, it’s always a glorified horror show.

    Access to healthcare hasn’t been the issue as much as affording it and access to insurance. A lot has changed in the past decade and tax credits can pay for a large portion of decent insurance. That used to be a fear of mine (cost of insurance, etc). And I know people talk abou the amazing healthcare in Europe. But nothing compares to the ability to get literally anything you want or need in the USA from a doctor. National healthcare is great if you get hit by a train or fall off a curb and break a hip. But try getting antibiotics or anything to help when you’re miserable with strep throat or sinus infection. So I appreciate the med systems in both places for different reasons.

    People talk about needing sooooo much money to live. I see these ridiculous numbers about what people need to make to feel comfortable.

    BUT!!!

    Americans consume WAY TOO MUCH JUNK. Junk stuff that sits in storage units, junk food that is over priced, junk trinkets, overpriced shit that is just NOT necessary or a key to happiness. So if you remove all of that JUNK from a budget, I don’t think America is that expensive. Sure there are differences and different priorities - but the amount of waste and excess is incredible – especially witnessing it when I return after living in the EU.

    Crime & safety - problems are everywhere. The USA just has a real gun problem mixed with a global mental health problem post-covid. But the population is so large and while the incidents are tragic and too common, it should be thought of from a relative perspective. 350Million people and there are some shooting each other. Not surprising, regardless of what part of the world. Again, it’s a lot of press focusing on the worst stuff. I live in a safe country (NL) but there are still real concerns in some parts of the country. You might not get shot at, but you could get stabbed walking down the street.

    Everywhere has issues… political, safety, financial… but there is ONE thing I will say about america …

    There is NOWHERE on this planet that has the opportunity that America has. You can make amazing things happen if you’re ambitious and know how to work it. I have friends who have earned tremendous sums of money from ideas - literal billions. I have done pretty well myself. Better than I have in the EU. Endless possibilities.