For those who’ve lived in both Europe and the USA, I would like to hear your take. What do you love about each place, and what drawbacks have you noticed? Whether it’s the Old World charm of Europe or the dynamic lifestyle in the USA, spill the beans. In the end, what was the game-changer that made you pick one over the other and if you could share the decision-making behind your preferred choice.
Dual US/UK citizen. I grew up in US from 5-40, now live in the U.K. with my 5 kids and wife. There was a time in the 80-90’s where the US was the better place to raise a family. This changed sometime in the last 20-25 years. I get 5.6 weeks off, health care is free at the point of use, and there is an actual social safety net. Now all of this is important to me now. However, I believe that someone single and in their 20’s would probably be happier on the US. It’s just not great for raising a family there.
The odd thing is, that although I technically earn less in the UK, I have far more disposable income then I didn’t in the US. I was on low six figures when I left.
Oddly, my wife gave me 5 years when we moved. Now she’s doesn’t want to go back. I think it’s because the old adage; in the US people live to work, in U.K. it’s work to live.