I’ve seen a few different sides of things as I’ve lived in 5 states and grew up in situations ranging from technically houseless to staying with family to staying with my mom and her new husband who has money, but was abusive to both of us (super fun having to testify in court against your mom’s husband when you’re in high school).

As an adult, I also struggled and had no family support to fall back on. I finished my degree late and am still paying it off, but I have a good career now and would be making around $150k base salary back in the US - I’m also married, DINK household.

In 2019, we moved to the Netherlands. I make significantly less money here, and I will say base salary is not the only/best comparison, but let’s say about half or a little less in base salary, excluding 13th month. We were able to buy an apartment last year, which wouldn’t have happened had we been in the USA/gone back to the USA - at least, not in our old neighborhood with traditional financing. I also have had some serious health problems in the past year that would’ve caused me a serious loss of income if not job loss in the USA, and that’s even before considering medical bills. We have a better lifestyle and quality of life here by any measure.

To clarify on the health issues - I was not working full time for a little over a year. For the first YEAR of illness I get paid 100% of my salary for any sick time taken. For the second year, 85%. I cannot lose my job for at least two years. My deductible is €385 per year, premiums for two people just over €300/mo, copays are not a thing. I’ve had a lot of testing, imaging, meds, treatments, etc. and not paid anything more than the premium and deductible costs. I’m also actually getting better now.

Are you using a U.S. format resume or a more EU-format CV? Have you looked at the typical CV format for each country you’re applying in?

DayQuil & NyQuil.