HACKER Q&A
📣 nus07

Do you regret moving to the US compared to Canada or Europe


The constant salesmanship and hustle along with the healthcare nightmare, I wonder if I would have been happier immigrating to Canada or Europe. Especially with a kid who has an ongoing health issue. I am tied to employer provided health insurance and even through salaries are higher I can never be at ease -threat of layoffs, having to constantly produce and self promote . A chill tech job in Germany or Canada . Thoughts ?

  👤 version_five Accepted Answer ✓
I think people outside Canada don't realize how bad our healthcare system is. They get caught up in the "free" part and dont realize that it also comes with all the baggage of a government administered institution, and that there are no alternatives. Socialized healthcare is a big advantage for people who can't otherwise pay for it, but if your job or circumstances put you in a position where you can afford private healthcare, Canada has nothing to offer, and healthcare is a net negative. I'm told that Europe is different and there are private options.
👤 readonthegoapp
I always wondered why people chose the US over Canada.

But i just figured it was ego -- i want that $150k/yr instead of the $95k/yr + healthcare i'd get in canada.

I figured also it was the weather of California. The excitement of Brand American/LA/NYC/etc.

As an American, i still think about going to Canada, tho it'd be much harder now since i'm older.

And i used to joke 10 or 15 years ago that Toronto was going to be like Atlanta -- because of global warming. And I'd say, "I'm kidding -- but i'm serious."

Now it seems like we're on that cusp of that actually being true.

So maybe now that the California dream is dead, more folks will go to Canada voluntarily.

👤 foobarbazetc
I moved to the US from Australia (not entirely my decision -- long story) and I regret it every day.

If I was picking today I'd move to New Zealand.

Optimize your life for happiness instead of money.

👤 Hedgemaster
Well, if someone lacks any ambitions, Europe would work, but then again more like North-Western Europe, not the eastern lands.. But otherwise it's much easier to start your company in the US in terms of red tape, funding and talent pool.. but many Americans either don't realize or fail to appreciate that.