In Europe we work to live, in US you live to work?

Question

Whats your opinion?

Answer 1

True. When you think about the actualization of what your saying you can see several things that stand as proof.

In the US we are raised being taught to "get all that you can" and that your success is based on how much you have and how comfortable you are. "Family" and "Health" seem to take a back seat to "getting ahead". In Europe there are instances of Universal Healthcare if I'm not mistaken, there is less obesity, in some countries they still have "siestas" for the well being of the workers.

We idolize "hard-work" even depicting in our entertainment that it is "normal" to work long hours and not spend quality time with family and friends. We romanticize living without limits due to personal financial strains, we spend ridiculous amounts of our money on things that are for immediate gratification without investing in people. In the US it is not uncommon for citizens to not even know their neighbors due to a lack of interest in others verses ourselves.

Answer 2

There is a mixture here and most of the time we do not know how the other half live. Yes, you are correct and you are wrong. Lots--in fact mostly you are right. But there are the poorer people--such as myself who work to live. Then as someone said, you have those on welfare. Those are in two groups. Some have been pushed out of their jobs (because of our economy--businesses closing) and cannot find other jobs. Some are on permanent welfare due to laziness. But the majority probably do live on a much higher scale than you. Please, do not group us all together. lol

Answer 3

I don't know about Europe, or even all of th US. From what I've observed in the people around me, it seems that people who don't enjoy or don't care about their job work for their paycheck. People, like myself, who enjoy and are reasonably proud of what they do, tend to spend more time at work, because it's what they like to do.

Of course, there are those that hate what they do, but think that if they work harder and longer hours they just might be able to earn that position where they will enjoy what they do.

Some of these people will forget along the way to this position what it is that will really make them happy with their job. They train themselves to achieve success, but forget what success really is.

I think these are the Americans you are talking about. I thought there were people like that everywhere...

Answer 4

I have never been to Europe but if what you say is true, I am moving there. I can no longer stand this ratrace here- we are such a greedy materialistic society and it seems to be becoming worse with time. People go to work, often 2 jobs or more, just to get the money. No one seems to careabout what they do or the quality anymore.

Answer 5

That depends on how you look at it. I mean in Europe (I don't know what part you are in) don't you get medical, dental, and college paid for? We have to work for those things here, the government doesn't give them to us. So it's not that we "live to work", we too work so that we "Can" live.

Answer 6

I can see why some people would have that view. I certainly would if I was on the outside looking in. I live in the US and my attitude is not 'live to work.' In fact, the only reason I work is to live. However, my employer's attitude is that I should live to work.

Answer 7

I agree, I am in the U.S. I don't know your schedule but my husband works about 55-60 hours a week ,every week. I think we are to used to the luxury of life and plus we need to spoil the @#$% out of our children. Maybe I will move to Europe.

Answer 8

In the US most people dont want to work, and many are on welfare.

Answer 9

i enjoy my job, but given the choice, i would choose to stay home and relax