Actually, I had the opportunity to go and work in a European country recently. But had to think twice, I was told that I would be paying double taxes, and would have had to buy extra health care insurance. I guess if you are not a citizen, you don’t qualify, even if you are paying their taxes…
My wife and I (both born in Europe and now American citizens) have been discussing the option of moving back over there. The main reason is that we are not too happy here, because of the income vs. standard of living issue. Our friends and relatives in Europe make less money and seem to have more of everything, including vacations!! My wife and I have not had the time to go on a vacation since the past four years! Its like, if you want to earn the big bucks you have to sell your soal to the devil (work 24/7). And we are not the only ones who are living like this. It really makes me sick. Someone please tell me why livening in the United States is better then any European country?
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I am an American living in France the past 10 years. So let me square you off alittle. First of all what I say here refers to France and the situation might be different elsewhere. Ill take your issue point by point
Standard of Living vs. Income.
Your diagnosis is exactly correct. You do make more money in the US, but the standard of living is higher in Europe. When you are employed in France in ANY JOB (dishwasher to corporate lawyer) you are automatically entitled to 5 weeks paid vacation, 100% Healthcare, insurance paid by your employer, unemployment benefits that last in corrlation to how long you worked, semi-paid lunch (for non cadre workers, which is most) a retirement plan. You also have greater protections from your employer, employers must cite a valid and documented cause for termination. Its not like the USA where the boss is a mini dictator who can terrorize the staff with immediate termination on the spot.
For most people the European system is better, HOWEVER there is an exception. If you have a senior position or are making a very good salary then its better to work in the USA. 6 figure salaries are rare in Europe so if you are making one you could be making double or triple in the USA. The higher salary overides the loss of benefits.
Taxation
Tax is much higher in Europe and there are more of them. I have to file tax returns in both France and the USA. When I do my US taxes I notice about 20-30 percent difference.
However Major liabilty makes a very astute point, its not the Americans pay high taxes (because they don't) the problem is that get absolutely nothing for those taxes. The social services offered by the US government are quasi-nil. Taxes in America are wasted, mismanaged, and frankly there is alot of corruption too, such as Pork, the enormous corporate handouts.
Is Living in the USA better than Europe?
NO. Thats not to say that Europe doesnt have its problems as well but economically speaking you'll be better off in Europe.
A Disclaimer:
Now before the rest of you get your balls in a knot and accuse me of being anti-American (as usually is the case when this subject arrives), I am not slamming the USA. But the fact remains that life is easier in Europe and you also have greater civil liberties now in places like the Netherlands and Sweden. Thats a fact, you can pretend its not the case (which is what the public has been doing the past 20 years) or you can get off your arse and complain about it. Just remember that the politicans in DC prefer compliant automotons, than a demanding public. Look at the healthcare issue, the only reason we hear about politicans talking about the healthcare issue is that after 30 years of being screwed by HMOs somebody decided it was time to say something. Otherwise we'd be right back to the daily distractions of God, Gays and Guns that have no real significance in most people daily life.
Its time to face reality, the USA is not the same place it once was, and that capitialism is so out of control that our famous "American Dream" doesnt really exsist anymore. As Major Liabilty said the only way to get ahead is with education (a Masters Degree will soon be required as well) but at $75-100K for a degree not too many people are going to be getting it. If only the wealthiest can afford education, that is trappings of an elitist society.
The fact is that in America you can still work very hard, play by all the rules, say your prayers, take your vitamins, and get absolutely nowhere for your entire life. And that's a damn shame.
Personally though, I'd would never give up my US citizenship. Home is Home.
