why are we underpaid and overworked in america compared to other countries?

Question

is it the economy, the materialism, the government or culture that makes for a crappy life of producing, consuming, producing and consuming some more without giving lots of people the chance to take more vacations, work less hours ( as in our cousin European countries) and actually enjoy the life that we have and might never have again?

carolynator: i've traveled plenty, france, italy, holland, taiwan, mainland china amond others.
and to other responses....it's easy to compare the US to countries like North Korea so then you can say, everything is fine here....it's like comparing chocolate to crap...of course chocolate is gonna win! Too easy....why don't you compare the US to countries like Norway, Finland, Italy, France, the UK?? Most "white" americans come from Europe don't they? so why is it hard to compare yourselves to europe?? what the hell does the US have to do with North Korea?? comparing two extremes is childish.

Answer 1

Complex and interesting question.

Look at the articles describing Executive pay/perques and you'll see an alarming trend. Their compensation is many multiples over their lowest paid workers. They have incentive to cut costs, outsource labor and underpay USA workers so that they and the stockholders can make a lot of money.

I could go on but think you have the idea.

Answer 2

I don't think that americans are overworked or underpaid... if we were, why would immigrants be coming to this country to work long hours of manual labor for fewer wages than what any other American can earn with minimum wage?

Answer 3

Stop whining. Americans enjoy a higher standard of living than most of the people in the world!

Answer 4

You might like to travel a bit more a) because you probably can, being an american and b) to see the reality of other countries' work opportunities.

Answer 5

We are paid more than most countries ..it just seems like less because everything cost more. Also Americans work too much and never take Vacations. WE ARE MONEY HUNGRY !!!!!!

Answer 6

We are paid more than other countries and we do less work than people in other countries so stop whining and be grateful if you have a job.

Answer 7

We're not necessarily underpaid, but we are overworked. And it is because we are f u c k i n g greedy. We always want more and live beyond our means.

Answer 8

Corporate greed

Answer 9

We're not underpaid in America...

Cordially,
John

Answer 10

Wer'e not .
And compared to what countries?