I think a major difference between people from the US and people like me from the Nordics is that we don't prioritize money above everything else. Good work/life balance for example, is commonly more important for us, just like everyone having access to good healthcare is also more important. But of course, not everyone shares that view :)
Sure, but people who found startups probably do care about money, and for them, the US offers more opportunity. Funding is easier, the market is bigger and unified, etc.
The real trick is to be European and then go to the US, make a ton of money, then fall back on the European social safety net when you want to start a family, etc.
For what it's worth a good few of my friends are software engineers and now that we're in our 40's it's the Americans who have better work life balance, not me (the American who moved to Europe chasing better WLB but instead just making a ton less money)
> Sure, but people who found startups probably do care about money, and for them, the US offers more opportunity. Funding is easier, the market is bigger and unified, etc.
Heh, funny that you just exemplified my "Americans care mostly about money" by only thinking about money/funding :) The startup/company culture might be a bit different in the Nordics compared to what you're used to. Many people just want to create a business that earns "well enough", then they're happy with that, rather than a "takeover the world" approach that is common in the US.
> The real trick is to be European and then go to the US, make a ton of money, then fall back on the European social safety net when you want to start a family, etc.
You do you! Personally I wouldn't feel ethically OK with that approach, as the country that raised you loses out until when/if you come back, and you're only moving to the US to make money, then leave with it, rather than retiring there.
But, everyone has a different approach to life, there is no right or wrong, correct or incorrect, only what we feel is the right approach for us :) In the end I hope you live the life you want, just like me.
