6 Reasons Why the Dutch are Happier than Americans

The Dutch are generally happier than Americans. And Dutch children are the happiest in the world. What makes life in the Netherlands happier than life in the US?
Hi 👋 I'm David, and I've been studying, living, and working in the Netherlands for the past 3 years. Originally from California, I want to share my observations on why Dutch people are generally happier than Americans.
⏰ TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
0:20 The pursuit of happiness
0:39 Reason #1: Less student debt and stress
5:13 Reason #2: Happy kids
6:36 Reason #3: Work to live
10:13 Reason #4: Standing out vs. being average
14:00 Reason #5: Better healthcare
17:14 Reason #6: Healthier lifestyle
📌 Check out my other videos:
🇺🇸 USA vs. Europe - Work to live and Live to work: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYrJpHyMZ8qtlbc
🇺🇸 Why I left California for Europe: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoqXnXqjdtyVlZY
🇳🇱 How much does it cost to live in Amsterdam? kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKenpZtogbWBjqs
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😀 Who am I?
I'm David, a Californian living in Amsterdam. I grew up in San Francisco, studied and worked in LA, took a sabbatical around the world, and then packed my bags for Europe. I make videos about lifestyle design, hiking, and living/working/studying in Europe.
☕️ Support me with a coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/davidwen
#happiness #netherlands #america #culturaldifferences

[@PatrickSchouten]

Healthcare in the US is a benefit, in the Netherlands it is a human right.

[@Centurion101B3C]

Nope, but the main distinction is: Market! In America healthcare is subject to the market and profits. In the Netherlands it is (for the better part) NOT. Taking out the profit motive reduces the costs (Heck! 20% overhead due to marketing and admin alone.). Couple this with a universal mandate to have healthcare coverage, so that even those that have few demands on the healthcare system insure that they take part in bearing the costs (like with any insurance) and you have a fertile ground for an affordable healthcare solution that covers everyone. Cherry on the cake, is the centralized management on the pricing and related costs of medication to stem the nearly criminal (sometimes actually criminal) price-gouging by the pharmaceutical industry to a manageable level.

[@TheRisingFury]

Health"care" in US is actually a legal form of assisted suicide. Sending someone to the US for any significant medical treatment is considered cruel and unusual punishment.

[@Brian-vk1hm]

Imagine thinking you ought to be able to pollute your body with fast food, drugs/alcohol then your fellow man (taxpayer) has to foot the bill.

[@Brian-vk1hm]

@@TheRisingFury You must have a poverty mindset. Your comment is pretty interesting considering rich people from all over the world come to America to get treated. After all, America has some of the best talent, often originally coming from China and India.

[@TheRisingFury]

@@Brian-vk1hm You must have a closed mindset. Where did I say anything concerning wealth or poverty? I wasn't talking about money or affordability. Rich people don't just go to america for medical treatment, by the way. One famous example is the CEO of Apple traveling to Switzerland for cancer treatment, but there are numerous examples of 'rich' people traveling outside of USA for medical treatment. You don't see this because you don't get out much. Some of the worst doctors I've ever had were from India and Pakistan. I've lived in Malaysia, Singapore & Japan, by the way, and have acquaintances world-wide, which gives me a greater perspective than most americans.

[@fransezomer]

As a Dutch ex-pat that lived and worked all over the world, also in the US (Boston, NYC, Atlanta, Dallas, and the SF Region), I have some remarks on this video. I am a VP-IT with an international eCommerce fulfillment company and I have been located in Amsterdam for the past 3 years. And I can honestly state that there are few better places to live & work than the Netherlands. The fact that a large majority of multinationals choose the Netherlands to locate their EU-HQs and head their EMEA-Operations says it all, ie. Microsoft, Google, Netflix, etc. The Netherlands stands out with a range of unique qualifications of which an excellent highly skilled workforce is one. Your description of Dutch people as 'striving to be average' does not do them justice. We, the Dutch, are realists and much more down-to-earth and to the point than other cultures are. We are direct, we embed short communication lines without much fluff or padding, and are used to flat hierarchy management structures. We also plan and schedule and master efficiency. As a consequence, we move targetted and swiftly. There is nothing average about that, and you will notice this effiiciency throughout all of the Dutch society. The Dutch do believe in a healthy work/life balance and we try to keep our 9-5 schedule. On the other hand, is Dutch productivity often higher than in most other countries in the world. My experiences in the US are less positive than yours; I do not believe the US is a role model or a technological frontrunner. And where it is, it is often heavily dependent upon foreign workers or immigrated expertise. The fact that most new developments are introduced in the US first, originates more from the US regulatory system, or rather the lack thereof, than stimulating work cultures. Example. When I noticed that the people in my US department 'lingered' around the office till it was time to go home, then often engaging in office politics or simply spacing out because it was expected of them to stay till past 19.00, I agreed with HR to introduce my get-out-by-18.00-policy combined with a 'Dutch style' communication frame-work. It immediately resulted in higher employee commitment and satisfaction, a higher departmental output, together with increased customer satisfaction KPIs. A reluctant CFO at first, eventually had to admit that this Dutch approach is the way forwards. Because of Covid, we extended this approach to include working from home and teleworking as well, boosting our employee retention and engagement even more. So, in conclusion, the Dutch do not 'strive to be average', we look for the practical, logical solution. And believe me, competition does exist, as does Dutch diversity and individualism - just be yourself and be happy with who you are... The difference with the US is that the Dutch work to live, where Americans live to work.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for your perspective from the Dutch side! I’ve enjoyed living and working in the Netherlands so far. Certainly a lot of positives being in the Netherlands…and I’m curious since you have all this experience abroad…what type of person (or stage of life?) would you recommend to live/work in the US? Netherlands?

[@fransezomer]

@@hidavidwen Not that difficult to answer. If you are a young person with little or no obligations in life, then working as an expat is a great adventure and is a fantastic addition to your work/life experience. Basically anywhere in the world will do. Once you get older though, accessibility to well organized public services get more important. ie. You require a good public safety system, good health care, good infrastructure, high education standards, facilities for your wife and kids wrt school, leisure and work, etc. This is all trivial... Reflecting on the US. Firstly, the US is a big country, it is more a continent of different countries which leads to large differences in how the US is perceived. But from a helicopter view I think it is fair to state that the US has just about done everything wrong... This is not just my perspective or opinion but it is scientific fact. In virtually ALL lists of social-economic achievements by developed industrialized nations, the US consistently ranks at the bottom of such lists. Safety, Health Care, Education, Social Security, Equality & Discrimination, Pollution, (Political) Corruption, Happiness index, you name it... you will find the US at the bottom of those lists. And again, we are not comparing the US with Sierra Leone or Venezuela, but with Northern European countries and countries like Japan and South Korea. The more time I spent in the US, the less I was inspired by it, even though my salary would be substantially higher if I was working on a US contract... Let me put it like this, I host many of my visiting American colleagues in our beautiful city of Amsterdam. And I have yet to hear them NOT say: "Man, I love it! I could live here!!!". Greetz from Amsterdam xxx

[@YoChocoTube]

@@hidavidwen My unasked two cents; Start working in one of the social economies from the start - but do not go search for a life as a fulltime expat. Instead find yourself a job that gives traveling opportunities, maybe time oversees for the duration of a project. But live here or at least stay employed by a Dutch firm, paying your tax here. Or if you take on a project yourself, pay your taxes here. Reason; Some social rights you need to build up; You can spend time in the US as an expat, but what if that company doesn't build up a pension? For you as an expat: A few years of working here just gives you the right for 1 or 2 months of unemployment if you are unlucky enough to lose your job. A Dutchy starting out as an expat in the US, might be in for some rough water when coming back unemployed; as the same goes for him or her. Not to mention the issue of healthcare costs if things really go wrong. My advise: pick a solid base and go from there. Going expat in Europe for an American is fine, but the other way around is, from our point of view, not without risk. Going on an adventure is great, but not if you find out later you'll have to pay the price when older or in need of financial help by parts of our social security net. Unemployment and disability being at least two that are based on your income that has been taxed here, not in the US.

[@hidavidwen]

@@YoChocoTube Thanks for the advice. Someone else had similar advice...when you're young, leave and go on an adventure if you can. But when you get a bit older, many do start to think more about stability. I'm at the stage where I do want to find a more stable home base (US? Europe?)...that's the big question. Thanks again, you will have me thinking a lot tonight haha

[@YoChocoTube]

@@hidavidwenYou're welcome, but don't overthink it - also rely on some gut feeling. " Where is 'home' going to be " is not a question that can be answered just by the brain. Needs a bit of heart too. Good luck! ; )

[@palantir135]

You forget that bicycles play a big role in child’s happiness. When you can ride a bicycle you have freedom and you can decide yourself where to go. Also, children play outside unattended from a young age. That means freedom where to play, what to play and with whom to play. Dutch children get independent very soon. We work to live, we don’t live to work. We’re not very materialistic. When your biking, you need wind and watertight clothes and they have to be comfortable. That’s why we wear more or less the same clothes.

[@hidavidwen]

Yes that’s a big one…I mean physical activity > endorphins (also you are a lot more fit) > happiness goes up 🚲🚲🚲

[@palantir135]

@@hidavidwen independence is a bigger one

[@basvanderwerff2725]

it all starts at how modern us cities are designed so that you basicly need a car for everything even if they gave every american kid a bycycle and allowed them to go out on their own, where whould they go? and how whould they get there subburban area are nothing but houses with no bikes lanes or even sidewalk it alot of cases

[@ohayo_besties6199]

Hagelslag

[@nannejandejong7112]

As a worker in the Netherlands I was forced to take vacation. "You don't get vacation for nothing! I expect you to relax and come back to work". Do not stand out? No, I was part of a team. We had to solve several tasks. Do you compete with eachother or do you work together? give me the secon option. The gerenal feeling in the Dutch society is: "We are in this boat together". The most part of the Netherlands is below sealevel. We have to protect our country against the sea. Everyone has to cooperate to achieve this. It has been like that since Roman times, 2000 years ago. It is in our DNA. I am glad that I don't have to live in fear of losing my job, my house, my medical insurance. I am taking care of in case. And I am happy to paya lot of tax to see that other people are taking care of. I don't want more personal wealth, I want to live in a social society where we take care of eachother.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Nanne - happy new year :) Thanks for offering your perspective. Definitely not a perspective you will hear too often in the US (“happy to pay a lot of tax”)..and I think that’s a big difference. I can say the general feeling in the US growing up was more “every man for himself.” Well it’s more competitive. Education. Jobs. We don’t have that social safety net. In many ways, the pressure forced me to work my ass off (and achieve a lot more than I thought was possible)…but that can cause a lot of stress. Anyways have a healthy and happy 2022! David

[@nannejandejong7112]

@@hidavidwen I worked over 25 years in townhall. the boss of our department had the opportunity (money) to give to an employee who did a special task a bonus. As a team we asked our boss not to give a bonus but spend the money for activities for the whole team. When one member of the team did a special taks, it ment that other had to take over a part of his regular work. We felt is as unfair to give a bonus to one person. I paid up to 50% tax. You could say I worked half the year for the tax, and the other half for myself 🙂 You get so much back.

[@funnyguyinlondon]

Building personal wealth is natural human instinct and serves as optionality against the risk of a despotic government. The Dutch, especially older ones tell me the society is breaking down bit by bit. Despite high taxes, it hasn't done anything to reduce the inequality and there are pockets of neighborhoods that are getting worse like it is in the UK. I grumbled that I couldn't afford a house in Amsterdam and had to buy elsewhere. To my understanding, many younger Dutch are being priced out of almost anywhere as starting pay is low compared to other global hubs and pay increments are so modest (justified by so-called equality narrative). Your perceived good times of some level of fairness and dependable society might not be shared by many Dutch i know. Many Dutch especially those a few years away from retirement (60s) couldn't wait to cash out while their property values are elevated and leave. Surprisingly the slightly younger ones (30s-40s) are still optimistic enough to work till 70 because they've got on the property ladder. Maybe they just need a couple of decades to develop some skepticism and hatch an escape plan

[@nannejandejong7112]

@@funnyguyinlondon You have a point, or two. The gap between eole who are well educated and less wel educated is getting wider and wider. The Education of the parents is of a big influence how well youngsters do at school and later in work. Education is making that gap wider, that should not be. At the same time the income of workingclass people are not rissing, where companies make a lot of profit. The taxes on investments are low, but on income from wages are high. That is also unfair. But when I compare the situation in the Netherlands with the UK and Germany, people in the Netherlands are much better of. Look at renting a house in London, or compare the rights of tenants in the Netherlands with Germany. Or the statepension for everybody. In Germany they still are debating about it, the Netherlands has it since 1957!

[@funnyguyinlondon]

@@nannejandejong7112 actually I understand your point. Well, the UK is quite sad, but as long as you own a home or two, you're still quite safe. Not totally bad if you're on the more advantaged end of the spectrum which is what one cares about. Maybe we are just more individualistic. Suspect you might be in your 50s as that cohort is most optimistic with the current Dutch model, which has worked very well for that cohort and older. Not sure about state pension in NL is applicable to me as an expat and all I have is a defined contribution pension which doesn't guarantee my post-retirement income. At any rate I don't think it'd be enough by the time I retire (I plan to stop well before I'm 67 to be honest). The fairness idea is a nice sounding one which happens to have a Marxist origin; but I think in this generation, this super high tax, high redistributive model that claims to equate fairness and equality of outcome, will be very challenged. Those doing low paid services jobs are 100% toast, nothing else to say. Why the system is vulnerable? Because bullshit white collar jobs (except in highly skilled tech and legal) dominate the income tax base, but salaries are comically low versus other global hubs (with less equality and fairness), and younger folks in this job category just aren't saving enough to cushion themselves after being slaughtered by high taxes and rising living costs and rents, especially if they are single for longer and unable to get on the property ladder. I think those folks eventually will turn against the so called 'fairness and equality' since they're no longer assured a future free from destitution. 30 years from, now, there's little point if many (of those currently in their 20s and 30s) will be equally poor and economically vulnerable. Sure it sounds fair, but a bit dark and dystopic if the future is bleak. Maybe that's why there's uneasy number of young supporters of FvD. Also to note the bureaucracy for the state is also consisting of a lot of stagnant white collar bull shit jobs which are repetitive and process driven, so reducing the bureaucratic waste to redistribute more to the poor actually risks creating more immediate harm as those govt jobs are laid off or demised. I understand the govt sector had been on pay freeze for a while. Also, the moment expats (mostly doing bullshit white collar jobs too) stop flooding in, the property market and fiscal viability of welfare state could easily be crushed, given the under 2 replacement rate in the population. I'm not sure about education itself is a relevant factor as many blue collar jobs or other forms of self employment pay better than even say an accountant in a bank (example of bullshit white collar job). I believe choice for a more assured future for oneself is preferable to an equal society that's actually on decline and not keeping up with secular external and internal forces.

[@dickie3658]

When you said ' there is beauty in being the same ' tears came to my eyes for some unknown reason .

[@hidavidwen]

😀

[@ronaldderooij1774]

The productivity per working hour is higher in northwestern Europe than in the USA. Much higher.

[@Oldschool_Gamer_]

life liberty and the pursuit of happiness well, they nailed the pursuit part...

[@hidavidwen]

Haha you got me thinking...what the pursuit of happiness meant a few hundred years ago vs. now

[@T6travels]

Great video, I actually just got back from Amsterdam this week and going there was such a shock compared to NJ/NY where I live. I love that everybody was on cycles, Fresh food and produce was everywhere, everyone was kind and seemed happier just a great atmosphere all together. Not at all what I was expecting since Amsterdam gets a reputation for being a crazy party place(atleast when talked about here) which it can be but that’s not all it has to offer

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks! Haha yeah I know what you mean. Things just seem to work here. Yeah I find the produce really fresh as well-did you know the Netherlands is the 2nd largest exporter of agricultural product (behind the US)-a BIG feat for a small country. Yeah the Netherlands is a huge party, festival country...maybe wait until the festivals are back (people are protesting) and you can compare again =) But overall, you are right. People are kind, content, and happy here.

[@T6travels]

@@hidavidwen i wouldn’t be surprised, I took the train to Brussels and all the way there it was 80% farms.

[@mariadebake5483]

Most other countries have a totally wrong idea about Amsterdam and about the Netherlands in general

[@hidavidwen]

@@mariadebake5483 Yeah true. Coming from the outside...I previously equated Netherlands with Amsterdam (probably like most outsiders), but it's so much more. After living in Maastricht and visiting other towns, my perspective of the country has definitely changed (for the better)

[@mariadebake5483]

@@hidavidwen Good to hear! Greetings from Tilburg, Noord-Brabant, the Netherlands 😊

[@lmaoxd2957]

Hello dude, just wanted to say this is some quality work, the editing is amazing and I really liked your other videos! Hopefully the youtube algorithm gods bless this channel!

[@hidavidwen]

Hey thanks a lot for the kind words and support! Lots of learning (still to do). If you have any ideas or feedback, just let me know =) Take care.

[@spvdijk]

A collegue of mine went to Spain for a forthnite holiday. She sadly becames sick the first day she arrived at the vacation place. So after medical care and 14 days in bed she went home. She mentioned this to us on the first day at work. Whereas the their boss said: you need to go to HR and get your vacation days back. My brother in law was overworked and spent two years sick. He started to go back to his workplace, because otherwise he would loose his job. When he got the the HR department to say he would start again, they asked him if he would take two monts (paid) vacation. He was two years sick, but his vacation time keeps accumulating, so he had still 50 extra days vacation left.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing…yeah that’s such a nice benefit…that you can get your vacation days back if you were sick abroad!

[@corinerueb2035]

Informative & well researched!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Corine!

[@jamal93yall]

Great video! Creeping up on 4K subscribers! Keep going!!

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Chris - thanks for the support and motivation! Hope all's well over there!

[@cinevolver]

This is a great informative video & more informative videos should be like this. You bring up great points & an unbiased opinion. You have a loyal subscriber in me. Thanks for your hard work and research, best of luck to you & all your future projects.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words!

[@danc991]

Love your content bro! Keep it up 👍

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks so much, appreciate the kind words and motivation! 🙏

[@crimson4066]

Really surprised you didn't talk about walkable cities and car-centric infrastructure. It's such an important aspect of noise/gas pollution and living a happy life.

[@teotik8071]

The difference with food are the additives. Most of them are banned in the EU. In my opinion it's absolutely okay to be competitive but that does not make you or me the better human being. Competition is okay where it matters (i.e. work-life balance / life expectancy) but not with clothes or an expensive car for example. Here in Germany there is the unwritten rule of 'Eigentum verpflichtet' . This literally means ownership is obligation. Sure you should make profit but you have to give something to the society in return because society and their politics enable you to gain profit in the first place. How much a company can tribute to the country it's making business in, is part of the political debate. People and their elected politicians are in charge. The US constitution starts with 'We the people' and that is how it should be. Any government should operate in the favour of their people first and second to the companies.

[@hidavidwen]

Haha I was talking to a few friends from US last night about this. One guy who just moved from LA lost 4-5kilos in his 1st month here (cycling/walking + less food options + healthier food).

[@starduststereo8705]

@@hidavidwen im living in LA currently and considering a masters program over there. Very informative comment section

[@hidavidwen]

@@starduststereo8705 That's what initially brought me over-a Masters program. A great way in the door. A lot cheaper than US too and many programs are only 1 year.

[@Mrevolva]

Great video again!

[@hidavidwen]

Aw thanks! Hope you're having a nice week

[@kaydesign]

And in the a Netherlands we have the happiest children in the World. Maybe something to be even more proud off?

[@hidavidwen]

Definitely something to be proud of!

[@MrFlatage]

@@hidavidwen No these are all American lies against Onus Probandi in the U.S Constitution. No one ever needs to be proud of being better then any nation that tortures people, enslaves them and even ... puts children into cages for the whole world to see. Just like we all see over 1 million American children homeless on the streets of America. We can read the 'No Child Left Behind' Act and the 'Innocent Justice' Act by U.S Congress. Facts do not have pride. Facts are just facts. US needs to change and take care of children.

[@allthatjazz6778]

Having lived and worked in Silicon Valley for 30+ years, I can attest to the daily stress level. Thanks for sharing the comparison and perspective. great video and topic.

[@hidavidwen]

Hey there! Wow thanks for your comment and nice to hear from someone back home (I do miss California a lot!). Yeah I know what you mean about the stress levels...there's still stress here but it's very different. Appreciate your comment and hope you have a nice week!

[@Onwrikbaar]

Great informative video, thank you! When visting the US, it always strikes me how much louder American cities are than the Dutch cities I'm accustomed to. Noise also raises stress levels in humans, because it triggers the release of cortisol. Yeah, student debt is manageable in the Netherlands. After studying electrical engineering at Delft University, I repaid my entire student loan in my first year of employment.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words. Haha yeah Americans are just loud in general-I notice this too because I'm generally a quiet person. Oh yeah student debt...many people in the US have student debt for many many years to come...

[@ladlcb3611]

Hi David, Nice video, good thoughts. I liked the Dutch saying, I agree with it. Keep on sharing your curiosity, thinking and concerns. See you somewhere en route. Bom Caminho! L

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks so much for the kind words. Bom caminho!

[@socialeconomicpoliticalana1128]

Great topic to reflect upon. I have experienced a lot in my 60 years. I have lived primarily in the Los Angeles area and have visited all 50 states. I work in finance and in the past taught history. I have traveled in 25 countries. Depending on the level of government and cultural restrictions and economic opportunities in a country, you are in control of your thoughts, behavior, lifestyle and destiny.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. That's an important reminder...many of us are able to control our thoughts and that could determine our actions and how we perceive our experiences.

[@Brian-vk1hm]

Thanks for the video. :)

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Brian - thanks for the kind words. Appreciate it and take care

[@adamdonovan5633]

Thanks for a 'mind-blowing' examination/comparison between the "articles of faith" in the Netherlands vs US. This blog is a first-class "community service" announcement and a "wake-up" call to anyone who is tiring of the "roller coaster" ride of life in the US!! Loved your comments about our American obsession with being "unique" or "brilliant" or a "leader"! How boring! Big thanks!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for the kind words Adam. And you're welcome.

[@Centurion101B3C]

Well, I have lived in the US for well over 20 years (Yeah, I came to my senses and moved back since.) and I have to come to the conclusion that if you want to live the American dream, don't live there.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Corvus - thanks for your comment. I'd be curious to learn more about why you decided to go to the US in the first place (for 20 years) and why did you move back? In other words, what did you learn? Thanks! Of course you don't have to reply if you don't want but very interested in hearing about your experiences and perspective David

[@Centurion101B3C]

@@hidavidwen Ah, well that's a long and sordid story that is best left untold and certainly not one to bore the audience into oblivion with. Let's just say that my (mid 1990s) expectations were and remained unmet over the years. Financially/economically, I did fine, but for the rest I felt about as local as a fish in a tree. In short; The Dutch Assertive Calvinist in me found it extremely hard to adjust to the inertia of American society and build a to me meaningful social connection with it. I am apparently simply too alien for it, and gave up on the whole enterprise, I guess. Furthermore I found American society to be rather violent and essentially insecure and having worked for and with several justice organizations there, incapable of creating a social environment that does justice to Freedom and the pursuit of happiness. I'm not even touching on the 2nd amendment thing. That's in my view too crazy to wrack my gray-matter over. The real causes for this insecurity and resulting violence is the intense stress-levels that the average American is subjected to in all aspects of everyday life. It drives that average American into a corner without allowing any escape other than total submission to power. With as obvious result that this average American will lash out. With all collateral damage and adverse consequences of it, as we can regularly find in the news, I might add. Tipping point for me was the realization when 'Агент апельсин' (Agent Orange, as he is known in certain circles) made it clear to run for president, that the American brand of capitalism is and (in my lifetime) will remain resistant to any change, even if it makes perfect sense to adjust course in order to achieve better outcomes. I then decided that before this would become too much of a personal and adverse distraction to me, I would return to NL, where I know matters to more and better reflect my expectations and that's what I did. Happy as a clam about it too.

[@hidavidwen]

@@Centurion101B3C Thanks so much for your thorough response and especially sharing the perspective of a Dutch who moved and lived in the US. I haven’t lived abroad as long as you have…but it’s been a big life education/lesson, and I’ve already been able to observe the differences and similarities and gain a better understanding of what I would want out of life. I’m glad to hear that you are a lot happier now though!

[@vredewold]

The nominal fee voor healtcare in the Netherlands is € 128,06 (2022) compared to 74 Dutch insurance policy’s. The €385 you mentioned is own risk, for everyone. Including operations, medication, therapy, hospitalisations and possible plastic surgery. And even transportation to a hospital.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing and explaining this!

[@ageoflove1980]

I think people generally perform better in the long run when there isnt a constant knive to their throat in the form of an mountain of debt, access to healthcare and that. Somebody who does because he wants do to it is preferable to doing it because he has to. Stress can cause all sorts of health issues, you cant just go 110% all the time.

[@hidavidwen]

Yep you got it. I've actually been studying stress and it's part of what I do at work (conducting stress management workshops). Stress is good in small amounts...but too much of it...yeah, it only leads to bad things. We all got problems...but it definitely helps when we don't have to worry about things like huge debt, etc.

[@rogerwilco2]

Yes, the USA seems to be really good at maximizing stress for its citizens. Even compared to Canada, the difference was very noticeable.

[@hidavidwen]

@@rogerwilco2 Thanks for your comment. Have you lived in both places (Canada and US)...what are the differences? I'm actually quite curious

[@ladok1865]

Very good one. Please keep doing it.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Lado!

[@nadinejohnson2189]

Confirmation! 📚 Thank You!🤗 Atlanta, GA

[@hidavidwen]

😄 Will you be moving to the Netherlands?

[@cfpzona]

As an American, I hate it here.. I have been to the Netherlands many times and I want to move there in the next 2 years.

[@hidavidwen]

That’s great to hear that you have a plan. And best of luck in getting there…things will get better

[@Eitner100]

I live in Germany as a half German and half Dutch citizen. Live here before, and grew up in Spain. My reasons for not living in The Netherlands are the over organized society, the extreme prices of housing, and some smaller details. Let me write down that The Netherlands is an amazing country, liberal without competition, very rich in many ways, great nature, nice people, wonderful highways (the best in the world), an enormous and expensive but needed social system that is built to avoid people falling out of the extremely royal social system.....and so on. But Germany is my country. In some aspects it looks like the 70s in The Netherlands, housing outside big cities is very affordable, and the laws concerning for example having consideration for / respecting the silence on Sundays or festive days , not being allowed to wash your car on your property, low taxes and the socially heavily controlled neighbourhoods. I can leave my house for weeks, and my neighbours taking care of my home, my mail and my security, and I love that. What I do miss though is the Indonesian cuisine, the wonderful Thai restaurants and stroopwafels.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Sander for the thoughtful response (especially since you have the experience of living in multiple countries). I remember visiting my German friend for the first time and being surprised that everything was closed on Sunday! I also heard it used to be like that int he Netherlands too. But good to hear you enjoy living in Germany. And speaking of Indonesian food..I might get some tomorrow!

[@youreapwhatyousow6057]

all house prices are high over the world.

[@suicidalbanananana]

@@youreapwhatyousow6057 Its gotten pretty insane in the central area (Amsterdam & surrounding cities) of Netherlands tho, i pay 900 euro's a month for a _very basic_ small apartment and that's considered cheap & i can't even consider buying a house until i get a relationship.. (need 2 decent incomes to be able to loan enough for a simple house..)

[@christao408]

Oh, your comment at the end - "We Americans can learn a thing or two from the Dutch..." - so true and yet it seems like almost everyone back in the US bristles at the suggestion that America isn't perfect.

[@lichtdoos]

Yes you can learn from Dutch people.. You have to add the C behind the T, it’s “DutCh” including the “C”

[@christao408]

@@lichtdoos Yeah, yeah... pardon the mistake.

[@suicidalbanananana]

@@lichtdoos That was a bit unnecessary lol

[@markknoop6283]

The declaration of independence is copy of the Dutch declaration of independence.

[@hidavidwen]

You know I did not know that though I am not surprised. I just googled it… “Of all the models available to Jefferson and the Continental Congress, none provided as precise a template for the Declaration as did the Plakkaat,” says Lucas, an expert on historical rhetoric. “When you look at the two documents side by side, you cannot avoid noticing that the American Declaration more closely resembles its Dutch predecessor than any other possible model.” news.wisc.edu/was-declaration-of-independence-inspired-by-dutch/ Thanks!

[@markknoop6283]

@@hidavidwen thanks for checking my comments. More incredible story's can be found @ the New Netherlands Institute.

[@hidavidwen]

@@markknoop6283 Thanks Mark. I was just browsing the website. I will post it here in case anyone sees it and interested: www.newnetherlandinstitute.org/

[@smurfiennes]

Thanks for the info. I’m not surprised though, considering the Dutch were already there in 1700s. In Indonesia their laws are also very similar to the Dutch as well after 360 years occupation.

[@bcvanrijswijk]

@@smurfiennes The Dutch did not colonize Indonesia for 360 years. For the first 250 years they had a few trading posts. It was not until the 19th century that Indonesia was "occupied" and colonized. Such statements as "360 years colonized" perpetuate myths that are in no way backed up by facts. Like the myth that Africa has been colonized for 400 years, something almost every African who comes to Europe claims. Africa was not colonized until after Livingstone and Stanley and that was in the second half of the 19th century. Stick to the facts.

[@LCTesla]

As a Dutchman, I sensed more elation and optimism when I was in the US, but also more negativity at times. The US is the land of extremes, whereas the Netherlands is the land of moderation. As much as I appreciate the benefits of living here, it always seems like there is a lack of purpose. You can very easily opt out of putting effort into anything, which makes it hard to stay motivated to turn yourself and your life into something "great". Even as bas as things get in the US, I feel like life there fundamentally feels more "worth" living.

[@hidavidwen]

True, thanks for sharing. US is full of extremes...hopefully you're at better end of that extreme!

[@bertnijhof5413]

We act normal in the Netherlands, but we still have companies like AMSL, who sells their unique modern lithography machines to TSMC; Intel; Samsung and many others. With the small size, we are still the second largest agriculture exporter in the world :) I think we concentrate more on working happily together than on competing with our co-workers. That is why we work till 5 o'clock. However if needed for the business we work longer. In the eighties two months before a Site Acceptance Test (SAT) for a tenths of millions project we started to work 6 days and ~14 hours per day. As manager I went back on the Sundays to check, how the endurance test was doing. It was in a foreign country and some colleagues were there half a year with their family, in those last months they worked say ~10 hours per day, so they were home in the evenings with their family.

[@BOSExperience]

All valid points.

[@joelhoudijker222]

good video!

[@hidavidwen]

Thank you Joel!

[@Urmumurmum2]

“If the words 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness' don't include the right to experiment with your own consciousness, then the Declaration of Independence isn't worth the hemp it was written on.” ― Terence McKenna

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing

[@Cl0ckcl0ck]

About that innovation....... did you know that WiFi is basically a Dutch invention? That was pretty innovative. :) "WaveLAN was originally designed by NCR Systems Engineering, later renamed into WCND (Wireless Communication and Networking Division) at Nieuwegein, in the province Utrecht in the Netherlands, a subsidiary of NCR Corporation, in 1986-7, and introduced to the market in 1990 as a wireless alternative to Ethernet and Token Ring. The next year NCR contributed the WaveLAN design to the IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee. This led to the founding of the 802.11 Wireless LAN Working Committee which produced the original IEEE 802.11 standard, which eventually became the basis of the certification mark Wi-Fi."

[@hidavidwen]

Oh wow I did not know that. Thanks WiFi was actually invented by an Australian engineer (Dr. John Sullivan) working in Utrecht. Yeah innovation is everywhere. And there have been so many innovations in the Netherlands. One thing I've changed my mind about (or starting thinking differently about) is that innovation (anything really) happens everywhere...but many people don't know because it's not spotlighted in the media.

[@TheRockkickass]

And the US military invented the internet, and gps, and microwaves, and nuclear power 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Cl0ckcl0ck]

@@TheRockkickass CERN invented the internet and microwaves are 100 years old. The US army hasn't done a good thing for the world ever.

[@TheRockkickass]

@@Cl0ckcl0ck Wrong

[@Cl0ckcl0ck]

@@TheRockkickass Nope, CERN was the first. US army saw its use and adapted early. Swiss/international invention.

[@yunleung2631]

Hey David, love your videos. Can you do a video on your process when it came to selecting a Masters degree, and how you decided if it was worth your time financially?

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks! I have a video about this if you search but I plan to do a more detailed one about education this year :)

[@yunleung2631]

@@hidavidwen Oh, what is it called? currently considering if it'd make sense for me or not (26 yrs old Asian American, not enough savings to cover the entirety of 2 years comfortably but could borrow something, looking to pivot to an engineering-ish degree). Would love it but it seems like the housing waiting list, the lack of a connected education system, all makes it dificult

[@joopspeth6483]

So being relaxed and happy, in that way we are making the best of ourselves and get the chance of being unique in a personal way.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. Yes the Dutch are unique in that sense-relaxed and happy!

[@marshall7365]

As an American, I‘d be shocked to find a state school that only cost $10,000 for tuition/year. Maybe it‘s just different in NH, but my state school tuition is around $30,000. I almost went to NYU, where the tuition was $70,000 ish plus $20,000 for accommodation. Even with my $60,000 scholarship/year it was far too expensive. Now I‘m going to study in the UK this fall and my yearly tuition is around $20,000 which is expensive for the UK but far more affordable for me who is coming from the US. I hope to spend some time studying in The Netherlands as well!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Marshall. I get ya. Haha every time I tell Europeans how much US education is, they are SHOCKED. I paid $16K for tuition a 1-year program in the Netherlands and that was EXPENSIVE (to them)…but it was a HUGE DISCOUNT for me (it would’ve cost $80-90K tuition for 2-year program in the US). Best of luck!

[@suicidalbanananana]

The education here actually costs pretty much the same as in the US (or at least let's say 75-80% of US prices) but the government just covers most of it, the whole thing is some kind of interconnected spiral that ends in the country's treasury - Cheap education means more educated people (means more taxes) - Cheap healthcare means people live longer (means more taxes) - Good infrastructure/public transport means everyone can move around easily (means more people working, means more taxes) - Good food and enforcing vacation means people live longer / have to go to the hospital less (means less money spent to help with medical bills & more taxes) The list goes on but you get the idea, somebody in the past somewhere in the Dutch government realized that if you help people in return for taking some sizable taxes, pretty quickly you actually end up with people just helping themselves (read: taxes pay for it all & then some) while your treasury keeps piling up more and more, most 'nice things' we have directly relate to (eventually) leading to more taxes for the government. Its honestly quite a genius scheme that has caused my country to stay rich even after we stopped doing all the bad things of our past.

[@ExpatZ266]

I'm an American here as well, been here 3 years now. I have come to the conclusion tha the US is a competition culture, I tihnk this is the biggest flaw in American culture.

[@hidavidwen]

Hey there and thanks for your comment. Nice, I have also been here 3 years now. Curious...what made you move here and what do you think is flawed with the competition culture?

[@atethecookiesthen]

David..... I like your place. Looks great!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks!!! 😊

[@ffqm]

In the Netherlands in a lot of contracts one would get paid 100% of one's salary while being sick for at least 1 year and often 2 years. It depends on what line of work one's working in and if the unions came to a common agreement.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Fiona. Yes I believe 70% up to 2 years for being sick. It's a really nice benefit to have

[@Ty7ami]

lol the standing in part haha

[@hidavidwen]

Haha do you think it’s true?

[@suicidalbanananana]

Another great video, thanks for these great looks at my own country 😁👍 Some walls-o-text again for those that want something to read: To be fair Dutch school prices are closer to American school prices then it might seem like at first glance, indirectly it still costs like ~€60-70k for a high level 4 year education, the thing that makes it cheap is (like with most 'cheap'/'free' things in my country) the government just picks up (by far) most of the bill. To be blunt, it seems to me like they've realized that if you got a lot of 'higher educated' people, you can collect more taxes, by collecting more taxes you can then cover most of people's healthcare bills, so people live longer and generate EVEN MORE taxes, it's all connected 😉 No homework until teenage years seems like some area specific thing, honestly wonder what part of the country has that? i grew up in 'Noord-Holland'/near 'Randstad' and got homework pretty early on as a kid 30+ years ago before reaching "teenage years" and i see the same at the moment with 2 nephews getting math homework while they're 7, it's not like there will be a problem if they don't do it or if its by any means difficult stuff, but still, they DO get homework Like some other comments, i also don't really agree with your view of "being average" that a lot of people seem to misunderstand (including several "dutch analysts" you've featured in earlier video's) i would translate the dutch "Doe normaal" thing more along the lines of "don't boast" or "don't be so needy for attention", by all means a person can set themselves some big goals to strive for & they can live to work instead of the other way around, that's totally cool, where we draw the line is people thinking they are _better than the rest of us_ because they choose to do some additional learning. Im positive that that's what this thing is actually about, you are supposed to BEHAVE like an average person, regardless of if you're actually a super genius or somebody that only had basic low level education, you're not a better or worse person because of that, "we are all equal" is something that gets drilled into our minds from early age.

[@TheSuperappelflap]

I have never heard of Dutch primary schools giving kids homework, except to prepare a presentation a few times a year to practice public speaking. Even at my secondary school, I rarely had to do homework at home because we always had some gaps in our schedule that you could use to do your assignments at school and the workload wasnt that high. At home I mostly studied for tests. Giving a 7 year old math homework sounds like abuse to me. But literacy rates and math levels are dropping quickly since the introduction of the smartphone so I guess it may be necessary for some kids. About the being average, the thing is if you do try to exceed expectations in some way, many people will try to tear you down until youre average and it can be difficult to get away from that if you come from a modest socio-economic background. For example I was quite smart as a kid and at school many children as well as teachers bullied me for it. Now that I am working with other smart people and have a nice career, it isnt a problem, but it was a problem growing up. Adults wouldnt try to motivate me to study or make the most of my potential, they would do the opposite. Usually they would tell me to stop asking so many questions, stop being a smartass, and be annoyed when a child knew something that they didnt or if I corrected them on anything. It was difficult being an 11 year old kid with a higher IQ than most adults. Thankfully my parents have always been supportive and bought me all the books I could ask for.

[@antoniobergara7878]

In Spain vacation days are not optional, they are compulsory, although some employers may not respect that. In most businesses you cant leave vacation days in the end of the year. I thought it was the same all around Europe, but it seems it isnt.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Antonio. I think that is a good policy...because it forces people to take their vacation days and take care of their wellbeing. I remember in the US...I used to try to save up my vacation days to get paid out at the end...but realized that was not very smart because the taxes are very high on the vacation day payout (also, TIME is more valuable than anything).

[@suicidalbanananana]

Technically they are in the Netherlands too, but if you ask a boss nicely you can usually trade them for something tangible, got some really nice monitors from not wanting to go on vacation for example 😁

[@ridgemondhigh4891]

The truth is that the US spends more, both in absolute and on a per capita basis on heath care/medicine than any other country in the world. The reason for this astronomical cost is because it relies on treating chronic diseases, like cancer, arteriosclerosis, diabetes with open surgery, chemotherapy, dialysis. On the other side of coin, you've got these "Blue Zones", places like Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia (and Acciaroli), Italy; Loma Linda, California; Nicoyo, Costa Rica, where many residents live to be 100 or more. In excellent health. And they seldom if ever visit the doctor! They don't need to because they live a healthy lifestyle. They work in gardens. They eat wholesome, organic foods, have close family ties and friends, and have little stress, or deal with it through walks in nature.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. Yeah Im also fascinated by blue zones. That type of slow, healthy lifestyle with true communities. One day, I’d like to retire or live in something similar

[@JesusismyHero247]

Great video. Wow, I am glad I found it. Do the Dutch talk how they wished they could live or work USA? Curious if they are happy to stay there? People seem to think USA is great place.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Angela and thanks! Haha I think there will always be a crowd that really wants to live/work in USA and another crowd that’s like “no way!” The Dutch grow up with American media, and I do think there is this interest in experiencing what they see in the media…but the reality may shock them. For example, people are still shocked that most Americans only get 2 weeks vacation (and don’t take them all). Also at the homeless/crime situation in many big cities. I’ve met people here (mostly younger 20s 30s) who do want to move to cities like New York or California for the experience (something new right?)…also a lot who are content with staying where they are. Pros and cons of both places…but depends on the person, stage of life, preferences, ambitions, etc I just published a video comparing San Francisco to Amsterdam where I talk about my experiences! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKbSZa2fjLutfM0

[@Sam-shushu]

Re: Student debt - before student debt became a huge thing with Gen Y, America was still behind Europe. Not saying it's not a factor now, but the rankings were not much different back in my day, so there must be many other things that are driving it.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Sam. I wonder what truly drives those rankings...

[@iwantapool7945]

Oh wow I didn’t realize how early I am 😦 greeting from USA 🇺🇸👋

[@hidavidwen]

Hey hey - hello from Amsterdam! Where in the USA are you (just curious)?

[@iwantapool7945]

@@hidavidwen Oh I’m from San Francisco Bay in California if your still curious 😂 (sorry I don’t check my KZbin notifications often)

[@hidavidwen]

@@iwantapool7945 oh I’m from SF too! Nice hope all is well over there :)

[@D0G_CN]

even without any healthcare insurance you will be helped and healed in the netherlands, and honestly i never encountered anybody without healthcare insurance in the netherlands... if your poor you get 100 euro monthly to help pay the 125 euro monthly bill in the netherlands, so you understand that uninsured people in the netherlands are truly rare.

[@hidavidwen]

Yes i think it’s like 99% of people have health insurance in the Netherlands or something.

[@1lurch11]

most of the studend dept is from people who needed extra money when they studied. we have low cost of universitys( we have some private schools those cost money tho) people who study gets money and a free pass for public transport

[@hidavidwen]

Yes! When the Dutch students told me they also got free money to study/take the trains/live...I was so surprised! That is a nice thing to have as a student...

[@zuur303]

Only disagree with the sameness of architecture. I'd argue that it's American big city and rural architecture which is bland and completely interchangeable. I'm amazed of the difference in feel and architecture for such a small land area. Amsterdam canals are incomparable to the canals in Utrecht and they're 20 train minutes apart. Leeuwarden, Groningen, Enschede are unique in their own right, even though for American standards of distances they could basically be suburbs...

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for providing your perspective! The canals here are beautiful and and very unique-no one can deny that. I love the old architecture here. Though for me, many of the buildings/homes in suburbs and small towns do look quite alike-at least that's what I think (eg. brick buildings).

[@robeleco1]

@@hidavidwen With all due respect, but seeing the typical American suburbs, I see only houses that somehow look alike. I find that weird, since people in the US have enough space to do something completely different. I believe people in the US are much more conformist than you think. Interesting architecture, also contemporary, does come from the Netherlands (among others), not persé from the US. I think Americans are too conservative to be really forward thinking. And as you already stated yourself, they are too busy comparing themselves to the others. I think they do not want to be too different either. In the Netherlands the sameness in architecture comes for a big part from lack of space, therefore ground prices being very high. That is why many people "only' can afford houses that are either row houses or at least serie-production houses, if they are a single family house. Only people with serieus cash can afford something more unique and outstanding. I do not believe it comes from Dutch people wanting to blend in in every department. Sometimes it is just economics. Otherwise a great video. One of the few that has some substance. Keep it up.

[@hidavidwen]

@@robeleco1 Thanks Rob! Interesting to hear your perspective, appreciate it. And random note...one thing I find surprisingly interesting is that I've learned so much from people just through the comments 🙏

[@mikepictor]

Can you get into the healthcare deductible more? In Canada, we have no deductible at all. If I have to get an MRI, I might have to pay for parking, that’s it. Where does a deductible come into play in the NL?

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Mike - the deductible is set by the government and currently set at 385€ in 2021. You can read more here = www.independer.nl/zorgverzekering/info/health-insurance/system/deductible

[@mikepictor]

Oh wow , that is super helpful. So you only pay it once a year. That is something. I was picturing having to pay 385€ every time I needed an x-ray or blood test. Once a year lets you budget at least. It Is a known fixed cost

[@hidavidwen]

@@mikepictor Yeah it's quite simple (when I compare it to the deductibles in the US)

[@vincentvermeulen6703]

You're taking standing in a bit to the extreme. People working in the job they like have of course ambition to grow and get a better job, but most of them let it take the that it needs before changing to another company. I for myself rejected a manager job in IT, because it would take me too much away from the work I did. Colleagues declared it the end of my career, but about 15 years later I went on being this manager.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing your opinion. Everyone has ambition but for different things…important to realize that…and that sometimes going “up” is not always the best career move…perhaps it’s sideways. I do think due to the competition of growing up in the US (and how the system is structured) that there is more of this “need” or “craving” to go higher and have more…but yeah ambition for one person could be a higher ranking…for another it’s being ambitious for more quality time with family. Thanks

[@monicacarolina6480]

Hi sir, most compagnies in the Netherlands pay 100% for sickleave for 2 years. I never had 70% to be honest. For me as Dutch (half Portuguese) woman it is so hard to understand why you would stay at work till 8 pm, because of fear of pressure. Diner time with family is very important in the Netherlands, it is time to talk about the day with your siblings and parents. If you don;t take your vacationdays and work overtime every day, you actually are feeding your boss. He does not have the need to hire more people, because people will slave themselves. In the end this works against you and it is bad for the job market. In the Netherlands ir is way harder to get fired. There are strict rules and employees are vey good protected....which causes people to be less stressed. Going on vacation for 3 weeks in summer with the family, 2 weeks in winter for skiing is pretty normal in the Netherlands. It makes it also way nicer to go to work again. I need to say that acording to research of the UN the Dutch people are ranked nr.2 with efficienty at work. Everybody in the Netherlands has insurance for healthcare. People who can't afford 110 euro's a month, will get compensation every month up to 110 euro;s. Honestly I am pretty happy with opening hours in Holland. Supermarkets are open to 10 pm, but other stores close at 18.00. That makes sure that employees do not need to work overtime. It is also relaxed. What is powerfull sir? the USA is the most powerful country in what? Warfare, arsenal, army? Being powerful in my opinion is living in a country where freedom of speech is just like in the USA (Many Americans think only they have that 1st amendmend, but it also grounded in European countries) Children can play outside, without being worried they will be kidnapped, there is no gunviolence here let alone, mass shootings. We can go to the doctor withour stress of financial stuff. We have more free time, to be with your family, which benefits not only the parents but also the children big time. Being alone at home before age 13/14 for an hour orso, is not done in the Netherlands. There is more guidance, parenting and that prevents kids to end up in jail. Being able to jump on your bike and be in the supermarket, bakery, butcher etc in 5 minutes....is pretty powerful. Being way more aware of the eviroment and most houses having solarpanels in Holland, re-use of drinkingwater for the toilet, warming your water with the solarpanels as well....how is the USA doing with enviroment? In Holland we don;t have many people living on the street and drugs like Meth, Fentanyl, crack...or not existing here. Power is subjective. I don;t care for big armies, bombing coutries in Europe and Asia. Hapiness is pretty powerful :)

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing your perspective, I appreciate it. Power and happiness are subjective :)

[@oseijler]

Hmmm I understand your point on career-driven people, indeed be normal that is crazy enough … is a general standard. Also the extremely rich are not supposed to show it too much … but still we harbour some of the largest multinationals like Unilever, Shell, Philips but also ASML, etc. All of them Dutch! So the corporate success is also present! Nice video by the way, relaxed way of objectively presenting differences! Well done!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Otto. Yeah I didn't know the Dutch were behind such big brands and innovation until I moved here (impressive for a small country)...maybe that is part of the culture of not showing off too much? Thanks for the kind words and have a nice summer. - David

[@obimk1104]

Former ASML'er, ASML has Intel, Samsung, TSMC, Globalfoundries, Micron, SMIC as customers. ASML is "the best hidden secret of the computer chip industry"

[@kaceykelly7222]

I love this video! We Americans should take notes and go to work on doing the same. It will likely require us to get rid of existing political parties and come up with a third one to do it but it is definitely time!

[@muhammadmohsinbilal2054]

What do you think working in the USA under Big4 firm or other firms like BDO is worth it?

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Muhammad - I started with a Big4 in the USA. It was worth it to gain credibility and skills. Most people leave after a few years (me too). But in the US (and anywhere in general), the value of having a brand name is HUGE.

[@matthawksworth]

In America, you fend for yourself, but the reward potential is limitless. In NL, a system has been installed to take care of its citizens. Each one seems fair depending on what you want to do. But, NL seems much more pleasant no matter what you do. Also, when you de-incentivize leadership positions as the NL has done, it theoretically naturally weeds out those who want the position just for the money and instead allows the truly dedicated to fill the positions. Dutch ingenuity. This is about creating a peaceful society from scratch. There aren't any laws of organization in our universe to take care of us, we have to create it.

[@freekfaro5606]

The part about work to live. I'm Dutch. You talk about leaving work at 5. Like a 9 to 5:job, right? Like it's a terrible thing to work! I had the privilege to like my work, and didn't look at the clock that much. Even when I had to do the necessary training for my bike races after work ... When I became a manager, I tried to have that same mentality with my people. Don't look at the clock that much, finish the work, be efficient, enjoy the results. Afaik, in America it's all about being visible at the office for hours and hours, but not particularly efficient.

[@hidavidwen]

Haha I’ve certainly stayed later because I felt like I had to be visible. I also think this depends on company culture too. I do work overtime some times now…but I love what I do now (that’s a big difference). Thanks for your perspective

[@indojake100]

Good video - agree completely - almost. My daughter went to uni in Amsterdam - with her US passport was 12K Euro while EU students paid just about 850 euros. Big difference. And the Dutch do not allow any kind of work - which in many countries helps ===not to mention the outrageous housing cost around Amsterdam - and they don't allow 2 people to share a 1 bedroom apartment - that really adds to cost

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks! Yeah I also paid 13K euros for my Masters...Europeans were shocked at how expensive it was...I was so happy because it was so much cheaper than what I would've paid in the US!

[@TheSuperappelflap]

You can share a 1 bedroom with someone, just have to say that youre dating. We are changing the rules around work for immigrants and people with temporary visas, in part due to the large influx of Ukrainians in recent years, who unlike some other groups of people that come here are very eager to work. The housing cost isnt just outrageous in Amsterdam, its outrageous in the entire country. The average home costs 450K euro, about 500K USD, which coincidentially is exactly what the average American home costs. Amsterdam is maybe 10% more expensive than average.

[@iedzjee]

I think you analysis about ambition is still a bitto much out of an American perspective. You couple ambition to the amount of money one get in a job, but here the ambition is more, as you state in an other topic, the best work life balance. Part of that is that you end up doing work that makes the best use of your abilities and not more. It is not only better for the worker that he/she is not performing on a level higher than he/she is capable of, but als for the company. People who are stressed, because they havetoperform at a higher level than they are capable of get stress and tired and are not in control. This results in mistakes, delayes and people under performing and higher illness rates. So the system is aiming for people in the right place and not the highestpkace, An over ambitious workforce is less productive and efficient. Try to find statistics on the efficiency of the workforce. The output per hour worked. That is higher here than in the US.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for adding your perspective!

[@rabarberellum1017]

If I'm not mistaken the productivity per hour of people in the Netherlands is a lot higher than in the US.

[@hidavidwen]

Could be true!

[@Tinmar_AA]

As a Dutchie it is nice to look at these vids and realise how good we have it here. I wish more people would realise this especially the social media negativity bombers. Have to admit there is slight exaduration on the Dutch culture. A lot of Dutch people are becomming more and more American (your view on Americans that is)

[@hidavidwen]

Oh interesting, thanks for sharing. I wonder why? I’m assuming social media? Because from what I hear, many Dutchies grew up with American media even before social media

[@Tinmar_AA]

@@hidavidwen I think it is because in social media fame, money and toys (cars,tv’s,etc) are valued over everything else. Money determines everything these days. Politics are influenced by big corporations and poor decisions are being made because of this. So the social aspects of our system are diminishing because people with money do not need/want them.

[@anacasanova7350]

Lo mismo en España , en la UE. La salud es un derecho. El Estado lo proporciona a través de los impuestos . No un negocio. Pero se puede escoger de tener un seguro privado.

[@hidavidwen]

Si, la calidad de la vida es muy alta en España…y mucho ☀️🍷🐙 :)))

[@johannessugito1686]

Some people argue that wages are higher in the US. But given the number of hours US employees work, the hourly wage is actually lower.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Johannes. One could say that but depends on the profession. For example, a really good software engineer for example could get paid 100k in Amsterdam but get 500k in Silicon Valley. Similar with highly skilled professions such as doctors and lawyers. But yeah depends on what you are after and what you value

[@trangthinguyen3785]

Thật í Right !

[@groomboek1978]

I think Dutch ambition is just different than in the US. American ambition is trying to be better, richer, and having more status than other people. Dutch ambition is more in doing the best possible job. You see this for example in our infrastructure. Our traffic infrastructure is really high quality, and there is a lot of innovation going on. For the civil servants there will not be much career gain from doing a great job, but the work and the results give the motivation. In the US you have the expression "good enough for government". You become a civil servant if you cannot deal with the rat race, and you want to earn your money with the least possible effort. And it shows in your infrastructure which is mostly crap. "Doe maar gewoon dat is al gek genoeg" does not mean you are not allowed to excel, it means "don't be a show-off, be modest"

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks groom. Yeah pros and cons of both places. While culture plays a big role...the older I get...I'm trying to find my own version of ambition and what happiness means to me...a big question to answer but grateful to have different perspectives now =)

[@anjaseidl4003]

Hi David, I guess, that you are still on your masters in Holland. There are many international Master programms. They are very costly, too. I have a question for you. As you name the differences, and many the advantages of the dutch system, you might not be able to benefit from these. First, as a KZbinr, you are self-employed, you need to pay private health insurance (sick leave), also paying into the rental system and unemployment fees - you must have seen, that this is not easy. First, you must to have an income ... So, if you compare the system you should also talk about the self-employed....

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing Anja. Good point to also mention the self-employed

[@resi3794]

Well the American dream looks more a nightmare. Who wants to live in a country were you live to work , rather here in the Netherlands were we work to live, have more quality of live

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Resi - thanks for the reply. Haha sounds like it would be nightmare for you. Of course it's a generalization but yeah...I know quite a few people who are extremely passionate about their jobs and work...so yeah each person is unique and what's a nightmare for someone may be a dream for another. For me, I think it's more a wake-up call for people to think about what kind of life they want to live (well to be honest, if you have the ability to think about what kind of life you want to live...you are already quite lucky)

[@resi3794]

@@hidavidwen correct love the Netherlands AMD just so you now i work hard ever day in my own wine business but money isnt everything in live. Time with your Kids and famely is mutch more important because live can be over in a second what brings you all the money then. Rather have some awsome memories

[@hidavidwen]

@@resi3794 Yeah I realize time is the most important thing we have...I realized this now more and more these past few years as I get older and see loved ones passing away. I hope you take care and good luck on the wine business!

[@harrybruijs2614]

It is not the hours you put in, but how productive you are. When you work long houres the quality of your work will getting lower because you are to tired to think right. Better be rested and relaxed and produce high quality work. The productivity of the Dutch workforce is very high.

[@hidavidwen]

Work smarter, not harder. And you're right-rest is good and necessary for good work-research shows this too!

[@ageoflove1980]

Completely agree with "standing out" vs "Standing in" . Take the Prime Minister for example. He really makes an effort te be seen on his bicycle, He wants to project an image like he is just a normal guy doing his job like we all do. Compare that to a guy like Trump, hehe.

[@hidavidwen]

Haha yes! I also remember my first day in my Masters program in the Netherlands...I was so used to calling the professors "Professors" in the US, but then everyone was treating the professors like a 'equals' and calling them by first names...I was so surprised. But it's quite nice!

[@AlphaGeekgirl]

Imagine Trump on a bike LOL

[@hidavidwen]

@@AlphaGeekgirl 😆

[@ageoflove1980]

@@hidavidwen Yes that sounds typical. I also call the owner of the company I work for by his first name. If you would do that in Germany you would probably be fired on the spot. Also our office is one big open space. There are private offices for the management but they are walled off with transparent glass panels. This is a deliberate attempt to create a feeling we're all an equally important part of the team.

[@oldebarneveldt5326]

@@hidavidwen Yes, there's a strong feeling of equivalence rather than being the same. The Netherlands is also in top 10 op most innovative countries. Bragging is really disliked here in the Netherlands

[@MrDrinksprite]

Seems to me more like the Asian culture. I’ve worked in the US, Asia and Europe. I enjoyed the work live in the US. Cultural diversity, entrepreneurship and higher income level. Student debt is higher in the US while mortgage debt in Netherlands’s way higher. I absolutely hate working in Asia but more on that another time.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for providing your perspective! Where did you work in US and Europe by the way? I guess it's hard to generalize because US and Europe are very big...there's many things I miss about working in the US. Also depends on your profession too. For example, I think it's a lot harder for a teacher to get by in San Francisco as compared to Amsterdam. Ah would be interesting to hear your experiences in Asia...I'd love to live in Asia for the experience, but the working culture kind of scares me.

[@MrDrinksprite]

@@hidavidwen I've lived among others in Malaysia, China(Beijing and Hong Kong), Florida, London, Paris and now in Amsterdam. In Asia there is an high work ethic long hours even during the weekends but crappy benefits and no job security. True that it depends were you work in the US it differs from state to state.

[@evertonclayton32]

I want to visit Amsterdam, hopefully in November:) solo trip

[@hidavidwen]

Hope you get to visit Everton =)

[@ghost1987nl]

The first year you get 100% salary when youre sick, second year is 70%.

[@hidavidwen]

Great benefit!

[@williamgeardener2509]

There are several reasons why Dutch people take their holidays. 1. 36 hour work weeks are exhausting so we need to unwind. 2. Often the 20 vacantion days are divided in a 3 week summer holiday and a 1 week Christmas vacation. So we need those 20 days. 3. If there are too many vacation days left, the employer might decide to pay them to you. And this is very bad, because the Dutch IRS, considers this money as an extra bonus which means that they take up to 50% of that money from you. And that's what the Dutch have in common with the tangerine clown; We do not like to pay taxes. As far as being sick: Your Dutch employer will not be impressed when you come in with the flu and infect your entire department. I have had a boss who fired someone over coming in with an infectious disease. It's not out of concern for your health that they want you to stay home. It's out of concern for the health of people who aren't sick. So when you're not feeling well, do yourself a favor and stay home and call in sick.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for your thoughts William. Sounds commons sense right? If you are sick-stay at home. But I don't think everyone around the world follows this advice... Yeah the unwinding part-that's the thing that the Dutch get right. To be honest, I'm still learning "how" to unwind. But it's getting better =)

[@wimpankow5023]

Do not forget that you still get paid for your 25 holidays. Beside that you get in may 8% of your salary over the past 12 months as "vakantiegeld": holidaymoney. Nice! You do not only get paid for your leave, but also an amount of money to go on a holiday!

[@nannejandejong7112]

Work 36 hours a week? Half of the Dutch working population works part-time. Average workweek is 30 hours. The government likes the Dutch to work more hours, but people refuse. At the end of my career as a civil servant (until 2 years ago) I worked two days a week. Time is money? It is how you look at it. Do you want to have more money or more time. It is about finding your balance. Okay, we drive smaller cars then then Germans, we have smaller houses, but we have much less stress.

[@funnyguyinlondon]

You say that the dutch don't like to pay taxes, and yet they let the tax rates float higher. The wealth tax is also rather despicable. Even your cousins in Belgium don't have wealth tax.

[@funnyguyinlondon]

@@nannejandejong7112 I think in terms of work life balance it really depends on the teams. My Dutch colleagues seem to work quite long hours for some reason and the manager doesn't want to hire more people. I try clocking out by 7 or 8pm since I'm a bit older now

[@mhfs61]

Love my country. Although it’s a paradise you won’t find a other place on earth containing so many complainers.

[@jtb357]

What is GDP?

[@hidavidwen]

Gross Domestic Product = it is a measure of how rich a country is

[@deaquin_]

I am Venezuelan and even there its hard to get fired. People also are not scared of it in general and the government does set the amount of vacation people take which it is on average 21 days per year... We are not even a well developed nation. Also, maternity leave in the US is a joke. No federal law for that either.. Its up to company's policy smh. Education is expensive in Venezuela but people dont take student loans, you pay per semester if you realize that you dont like the career you can always switch because you are not carrying with any students loans. I live in the US now and I cant help to compare this with my country

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing Deanne. Yeah student debt is a big topic in the US...most 18-year-olds have no idea what they want to do or study...but feel like they need to know because they are paying so much money (that's what I did-I switched to economics for the "safe" route-I'm glad I did because it helped me find a job to pay off my debt). How has your experience in the US been?

[@popsyturvee5112]

I am in the US. I had a car accident. CTScan of about five minutes cost me $8,000. I was uninsured at the time of my accident. Good thing it was forgiven but I had to write a letter that I didn’t have insurance. I would have been depressed by now had that been added to my overall cost of debts.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing and sorry to hear...that must've produced a lot of anxiety...to have that debt. Good thing it was forgiven and good thing you were OK afterwards

[@Geert365]

What? We got homework ever since "lagere school" that is where you went after kinder garden. So from about age 7 or 8.

[@laurentiusmetaal2333]

It is mainly that the Dutch are less inclined to keep up with the Jonesses ... that is a lot less stress to start with

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. Keeping up with the Jones’ is a recipe for unhappiness

[@anacasanova7350]

En España la atención sanitaria es de origen milenario , las monjas y frailes cuidaban de enfermos, locos y leprosos y huérfanos. Tenemos la cultura, la tradicion del cuidado del prójimo a través de la caridad, Charity, y así hace más de 1000mil años.

[@lijmoo]

I see your fast food and I raise you FEBO 😅

[@hidavidwen]

Hahah Liam. FEBO FEBO. Yes I should've went to FEBO. That's where I try to take my friends who visit...

[@lijmoo]

@@hidavidwen hehe it doesn't get any faster than coin-operated dispensed fried food (so good though haha)!

[@groomboek1978]

Fun fact: The US declaration of independence, is not very original. It borrows heavily from the Dutch declaration of independence. (Akte van Verlaetinge)

[@hidavidwen]

Yes I read about that! Interesting fact indeed

[@margreetanceaux3906]

No ill respect, but with the seize of the US, an national average for life expectancy is almost nonsensical. I visited the reservations in South Dakota, especially Pine Ridge where life expectancy is 66 (but probably lower - estimates differ widely).

[@hidavidwen]

Good point. Averages only tell one part of the story. There's so much more to it.

[@aleksanderbrancewicz7888]

I know I'm going to repeat myself (I might have put a comment along the same lines as here before) but while exploring the subject US vs Europe I jumped into your somewhat idillic view of the Netherlands again. Firstly, there is a lack of a perspective here and I'm talking all NL is affordable vs US is utterly expensive part. NL salaries are considerably lower than those in the US and especially when we talk about salaries for the highly specialised workers (see for instance this on the subject: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5ynmWqtqNqCmJo). The healthcare security is a non-brainer and I hope US will look into this subject as it was way better organised in the 60ties there. As for the relaxed childhood my kid is in the high school. It's free, great, but at the same time is near to useless. Teachers have no motivation, don't inspire and actually don't even teach, instead they come to class tell kids to open their books and read chapter x only to run tests later. As a result we need to spend thousands euros on extra education so that our daughter can apply for the University and study what she wants to study. Yes, there is a lot free time here, but what if you don't like it and instead would like to work hard and rise income for your family. Forget it, even if you manage to find extra jobs that are well paid (which is near to impossible) you'll pay back 50% in taxes so that others can enjoy their free time on behalf of you. There is really no motivation for people to work here, hence well work-life balance. And agreed, average family working 20-37 hours weekly can afford paying mortgage monthly instalments of a typical 3 bedroom dutch terraced house.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for taking the time to share. Yeah objectively speaking, you do make peanuts here compared to the US in many fields (if that is what one values)…but I do think it depends on the person and the context. We all value and need different things. Money. Freedom. Respect. Whatever. For some, the US is great. For others, it could be elsewhere.

[@aleksanderbrancewicz7888]

@@hidavidwen Nicely put and in a balanced way. Thank you David and agreed on all of it. Take care!

[@Marcustheseer]

thing why school is largely a waste of time for allot of people is because you dont use much of it in youre job,i went to school untill i was 18 and for me it was 80% waste of time i only use dutch languedge and english but i learned most from movies and video's not school although i gues i helped ,math abit but the rest was just a waste of my time and back in my day they payed 1500 for school so it was pretty much a 1000-1200 bucks wasted. for some its not wasted but for allot of people it is,and i have a job i like and all i learned at my job wel lets just say 90% of school i dont use at my job. also kind of weird how you pick a school subject not because you like it but because you focus on paying of youre debt so youre debt is actualy ruining what you want to do. i get the idee of work but i never had a strong work ethic,i want to have fun and injoy life thats why am here not to work all the time although i get that you need work to make money, thing is status and having allot is all an ilusion realy,in the end it doesnt matter what matters is are you happy are are you connected to life do you have fun things to do are you as stress free as you can be. allot of rich celebs arent realy happy either they have allot of money and material shit but they feel empty inside they feel alone,i rather have less and be happy then have allot and so called status but feel empty and stressed. if most people arround you want the same position you do then youre kind of adversary's and thats not fun,boy george said it pretty wel but i wil change it abit "i wanna be youre friend not youre rival" lol healthcare is not exstravigant its an outright criminal ripp off. you dont need a shot when a dog bites you unless its a dog not taken care of,if the owner takes good care of it youre good,that they say you need a shot is just marketing so the pharma industry earns its money. mc donalds food is full of shitty chemicals aswel i stopped eating it years ago i just make my own burgers i get my things at my local shop,the cheese on a mc donalds burger isnt even all real cheese its some real cheese mixed with a substance that mimics it because thats cheaper. "studies seem to show" you do know that these studies are funded by the same people that want to manipulate the public into the things they want the public to think,in other words thats a rigged studie,you want independant people doing the studie to get honest results,if a studies outcome shows what they want they wil present it to the public but if the studie doesnt show what they want they just modify the results. you stil have allot to learn ^^

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your perspective. It's good to hear you have your own idea of how you want to live your life-most people are just 'following.' I've also learned a lot outside the classroom. Wish you lots of happiness.

[@lichtdoos]

@ davidwen Thanks for the video nicely done, Do have to say that a comparison video about your chinese culture in comparison with Dutch culture would interest me more… (in my opinio the US culture is quit boring and hollow)

[@hidavidwen]

You’re welcome and thanks. Oh haha interesting idea :)

[@TheKeystoneChannel]

Great apartment!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks!

[@JrTr_03]

Question: does my like give you happiness?

[@hidavidwen]

Haha I could care less about likes, but your comment made me smile and happier =) What makes me happy is connection, people, and impact. So if you were able to learn or take something away from this video..that makes me happy =)

[@Freya76]

I feel for the Amercans. The fact that the US is the richest country in the world yet on average 130'000 people die of hunger every year and 10 million households live in food insecurity (going days without food) says a lot 😭

[@willemh3319]

UVA or VU?

[@hidavidwen]

Not sure, what do you think?

[@Leonardo-ql1qu]

Hey, in case you Americans don't know your own history, we, the Dutch shaped your country (and England) in a fundamental way. Read 'How the Old World Ended' by Jonathan Scott. Apart from the significance of the settlement of New Amsterdam (New York) and New Netherlands, Amsterdam was the place where the modern world started, two hundred years before the British industrial revolution!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Leonardo for the history lesson.

[@vincewhite5087]

The USA has an education industry.

[@hidavidwen]

Education is a business in the US...sounds about right

[@Mariya5995]

I am really wondering is there people who don't know these very basic social differences between Europe and US?

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Maria - I'm sure there are those out there that don't "really" know 😁Well to be honest, while I knew a bit about the differences, I didn't truly "understand" them until I came here and experienced it for myself-then I was able to compare and contrast. Definitely pros and cons of both systems.

[@jsb7975]

Comparing Europe within Europe itself is a hell of a job though. Differences in language, culture, architecture, politics are huge....

[@asta_78]

little correction on sickleave the first year is 100% and the second year its 70%

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Asta. On the government website, it says 70%. However, it is 100% if it's pregnancy or organ donation. Do you have information on 100% for first year? business.gov.nl/regulation/sick-pay/