Why I left California for Europe (and saved $100,000)

Hi, I'm David 👋 I currently live in Amsterdam and moved to the Netherlands 2 years ago from California. I wanted to experience a different side of the world and realized getting a Masters could help me get there, but I didn't want to be in debt again. In this video, I want to share 4 reasons why I left California for Europe:
#1 Cost of education (cheaper-saved $100,000)
#2 Cost of living (more affordable)
#3 Work-life balance (different values)
#4 Travel (easier)
Note: My experiences come from living in San Francisco and Los Angeles (US) and the Netherlands (Europe).
Hope this helps. Take care and stay safe,
David
⏱️ Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:48 My reasons for leaving California for Europe
01:48 #1 Cost of education ($100,000 cheaper)
03:49 #2 Cost of living (more affordable)
06:37 #3 Work-life balance (different values)
09:54 #4 Travel (easier)
11:18 Final thoughts
Check out my other videos:
👣 Camino de Santiago | 500 miles (800km) Across Spain: • Camino de Santiago - C...
💰 How Much Does it Cost to Walk the Camino De Santiago: • How much does the Cami...
📸 Instagram: / say.wen
🌎 Website: www.saywen.com/
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. And I make videos about lifestyle design, travel, and living/working/studying in Europe.

[@e-BikeLife]

"The U.S is a business, not a country." That explains the pressure to not take vacation time.

[@alexk.5785]

what exactly do you mean that ''usa is a business''? like...why?

[@ck4men]

@@alexk.5785 Everything in USA is a business, the amount of money you can pay(invest) will definitely bring different results to whatever issues you have going on in life.

[@alexk.5785]

@@ck4men would you say the same investment in USA would bring different result compared to Europe?

[@markschattefor6997]

@@alexk.5785 Everything is for a profit in the US, you spent double on healthcare compared to other countries but you go bancrupt if you get real sick. It starts with loosing your job, no job no insurance anymore. It doesn't work that way in the civilised world. Listen to what happened to this American woman living in Germany; kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHnGqIKdl9h1j80 Or what about these Americans abroad; kzbin.info?search_query=when+did+you+noticed+the+us+fucked+you+up

[@peterselie6500]

@@alexk.5785 my answer..c'mon..can't you see? live to work or work to live? We laugh about the US..funny people.

[@POLO-yz2yo]

I have been to 43 countries and have family in Spain so I concur with you. I work for the U.S. government but I have the mindset to settle down in Europe for healthcare and safety. But there are so many other factors such as culture, working to live and generally just good living with food and history all around.

[@hidavidwen]

That’s a nice plan. Yeah there are so many factors…it’s really about finding the right factors for us.

[@sirgalahad1470]

I started working remote in Europe when the EU restrictions lifted in 2021 and allowed US travelers back into their countries. I have worked remote from 10 different countries, and Europe is SO much cheaper than the US, the food is SO much better, the vibe is SO much better, and on and on. I want to move to the EU and never look back.

[@viktorrrrrr]

What I love about is you clearly describe the real way Dutch or Europe is. I am a student who will start learning in Amsterdam this September, and I already learn a lot before landing on the Netherlands, thanks your videos.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Viktor :) and best of luck!

[@nancyguo01]

This is my third time in Amsterdam, and first time with my current partner , we came to Amsterdam two weeks and fall in love, I am British and Chinese , and I feel there is so much similarity between London to Amsterdam, but Dutch people are so happy and friendly which I love . Last 2 years and half we have been searching for a location , we lived in London , Bali , and visited Cape Town, Barcelona, Rome , and more (ye we have travelled 7 countries during COVID time ) and so far Amsterdam is the one for us It happened so fast !! Within a few days we knew we want to live here, my partner is American and he is doing a visa so we can stay here for a while and see if it’s permanent home for us

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Nancy - oh wow that's nice to hear, 3rd time's the charm? But that sounds really exciting! You two have visited a lot of places...and glad that you two seem to enjoy it here so far. I met up with a friend who moved here in the past year from London (she's Malaysian), and she also really enjoys it. People seem quite happy and just...content here. Very relaxed. It's been 2 years for me in Amsterdam (3 years in NL)...and I still feel like I just moved here (because of COVID) haha

[@nancyguo01]

@@hidavidwen :) hope things will be more open and you can enjoying more

[@hidavidwen]

@@nancyguo01 Thanks! Yeah I am certainly enjoying it more (trying restaurants and all) now. Hope it stays this way. Hope you and you partner are doing well and enjoying it too!

[@dutchuncle3310]

You talk about your partner getting a visa, realise its now easier for an American to get a work residence visa if you compare it to a UK citizen. Brexit completely changed everything for you.

[@nancyguo01]

@@dutchuncle3310 I know ! I should have got myself a EU citizenship before breixt

[@KripkeSaul]

Nice to have you here. Hope you stay.

[@InternationalVinh]

So grateful for discovering your channel! I'll be watching with keen interest! Thank you for your awesome content!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Vinh, appreciate it! And nice to see what you're doing Asia-Pacific!

[@gracecampbell3029]

You are teaching people a lot thank you.

[@hidavidwen]

You're welcome Grace. Glad to receive this kind note today =)

[@yvonnereintjens3468]

Awesome! Especially in this time of division it is good to hear so many positive things about the different places in this world. Accepting differences is so much more empowering than fighting them.

[@hidavidwen]

Well said Yvonne!

[@MegaCooliam]

Love your vids!

[@hidavidwen]

Aw thanks, appreciate it!

[@james1327]

Your videos are really good. I lived in California and moved the Spain. What you say distills the essence of what is wrong there in a very lucid way.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks James. Oh how is Spain?! I think one day...I'd love to live there too

[@tygo9967]

Very nice video, makes me appreciate my home country (NL) more.

[@tamibansemer2663]

Hi David, I couldn't agree with you more. The U.S. mentality towards work is something I believe is part of our work ethic. I feel that if I take all my vacation, which isn't much, my supervisor or boss will think I am lazy. I also know my co-workers do not use all of their vacations either. There is no work-life balance in the U.S. for sure. According to health and wellness research, they found it is important to take this time to renew yourself and gain a fresh perspective. Europeans do it right and this may be one of the reasons the Dutch people are happier. We should not have to feel bad about taking out time off. Thanks for the video

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Tami - yeah I used to think working a lot was a badge (it's part of the culture). There are pros and cons of working in the US...but I do think when it comes to wellness, the system over here is a lot better than the US (eg. burnout is a recognized as a work-related disease and the sick leave policy is one of the most generous in the world). Where are you located by the way? Appreciate your comment! David

[@jamesdragonforce]

Fuck the stigma against laziness. And fuck the dogma of hard work.

[@jimbim4405]

I think that the fundamental difference is that the Dutch (and Europeans in general) use their time and energies to enjoy what they have, whereas Americans will tend to use their time to get ahead because they haven't got enough (of whatever).

[@channeltokyotown]

Great, dear Friend . Have a great time.

[@hidavidwen]

Thank you and happy 2021. Take care

[@mudkip_btw]

I'm doing a masters in my field, it's the natural way to get a job via your internship. From there you either have a job or the experience/confidence needed to apply on your own. From just your bachelors, I know I would've had much more trouble. It also only takes 2 years and like €4400 in tuition, and you get the best education in the country. PhDs often will follow some of the same courses. America should also enable more students to do a master's, studying is expensive as hell there...

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Ren. Yeah America is expensive as hell to study...

[@kucnimajstor2901]

There is also the safety issue, less crime, better quality of food ( no chemicals, pesticide, etc in it), higher level of human rights, better family life, etc..

[@mrcsanselmo]

The masters question, it’s also about the bologna process, that stablished standards for university courses, like the length of a course, doing a masters feels like the continuation of the bachelor’s degree, and we bundle it together in a 5 years pack.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Marcos for your perspective. Yeah that's what I realized when I met many European students. In the US, we don't bundle Bachelors + Masters. That would bankrupt many many students 😂

[@LMB222]

Yes, masters used to be 4 or 4.5 years.

[@ewaaraujo]

My husband has 8,5 weeks of vacation and he uses every single day of it =) All that live in Europe do. I have my own business so it's a bit different. Now I travel all the time :P Nice channel, I love to hear about different cultures.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks! A bit late to respond...but hey, was on summer vacation (which is now a real thing for me haha). 8.5 weeks of vacation....wow, now I have a different goal to aim for =)

[@arentdewit7474]

The Netherlands has some of the most expensive education in Europe, for example where I live in Belgium, the tuition is around 800 euros / year for every master and bachelor (Even 150 euros / year if your parents can't pay it for you). In The Netherlands student loans are a thing, that's not very common in the rest of Europe. Edit: But you know The Netherlands is worth it, really nice country to live.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Arent. Wow 800€/year is really cheap for education. I’ve heard Netherlands is more expensive relative to other countries in Europe too…but yeah Netherlands is a really nice place to live. But compared to USA…it’s like a dream. I was going to do a similar program in USA…$80K+ tuition alone for 2 years……yep #studentdebt Many things I love about US…education prices is not one of them. I hope to do a video on that as well.

[@peterselie6500]

Not the best answer, compared to the US...

[@GItoKeG]

My partner and I are from California and we're planning to move back to her home country; Belgium.

[@LMB222]

800€ for residents / EU nationals.

[@LMB222]

"American Dream is called a dream because you have to be asleep to believe it" - I forgot who said it.

[@cart4062]

George Carlin

[@kamoose21]

This makes me want to move to Europe!

[@hidavidwen]

Yeah it's a great place to be. Europe is also very big... where would you want to move to if you had the chance?

[@kamoose21]

@@hidavidwen This year was the first time I visited Europe, I would imagine anywhere with awesome hiking and backcountry :) I'd love to visit Iceland/Switzerland!

[@hidavidwen]

@@kamoose21 Oh wow you visited for the first time during COVID? Yeah there's so many great places to go in Europe. I did the Tour du Mont blanc last summer, which I highly recommend if you like hiking (it goes through the Swiss/Italian/French alps)-beautiful!

[@tamicabrown7821]

I am interested in visiting Europe with my easygoing lifestyle. My only issue is racism. Why can't there be a place where NONE OF IT IS TOLERATED?

[@thijs2906]

@@tamicabrown7821 Late comment but I dont think there's much racism in the Netherlands. All I've heard from people is that older people will stare at POC, since it's just not what they grew up with. Have never heard about the younger generation (

[@no_name5002]

Interesting channel!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks =)

[@mela.1060]

Hello! thank you for positing these videos. I also want to move but am scared to make the move. Would you please share some useful job search links in Europe ? Thank you!

[@hidavidwen]

LinkedIn is the best!

[@tylerrobinson3103]

How do you go about finding a school/education in the Netherlands? I currently live in the US and leaving the country seems difficult for a 21 year old who’s not in school. I’d genuinely love to go to Europe for the more affordable schooling and cost of living. How do visas work? Every time I look stuff up I can’t seem to get a straight answer

[@johannessugito1686]

On work live balance, not only paid vacation days by law are important. Also paid days when you are ill. Not all employers will pay your salary 100% when you are ill, but at least 70%.

[@hidavidwen]

Very true! Paid sicks are so important (not everyone gets them)...especially these past few years. Good point and thanks

[@JohnBinay]

I'm moving back to Europe after living 6 years in San Francisco Bay Area. Let me know if you're passing by Bern, Switzerland, happy to show you around

[@hidavidwen]

Hi John - oh wow. What's been your experience living in the San Francisco Bay Area? Curious to hear how the experience is the other way around!

[@judixx]

Hi from California !

[@hidavidwen]

Hey Judy - I do miss the sun right about now! How's it going over there?

[@judixx]

@@hidavidwen gloomy these few days. Stay well and safe my friend 😊

[@Bowwow30]

It's because in Europe social-democracy has been very important for decades. That taught people that it is better for all to share, to pay taxes and to pursue a good quality of life instead of the highest profit.

[@personalgrowthplace7202]

This is inspirational. How do you plan to stay there after your education program?

[@hidavidwen]

I was able to find a job afterwards, and the company sponsored my visa to stay in the country (for non-EU people). You can also apply for a "Search Year" visa if you're a student that gives you a 1-year visa after graduation to look for a job-many international students go this route and apply for this visa while looking for a job (and a company that will sponsor their visa).

[@nancyguo01]

@@hidavidwen does your times spend in Netherlands so far include education is calculated towards your permanent residency?

[@robertboender5816]

@@hidavidwen you can also use the Holland American friendship treaty to live in The Netherlands. Just start a business.

[@hidavidwen]

@@nancyguo01 Hey Nancy, good question! So only half of your time studying counts towards permanent residency. So I studied a 1-year program...and only 0.5 years count.

[@hidavidwen]

@@robertboender5816 Good to know, thanks Robert!

[@BeGlamourlicious]

In Germany you are required by law to take all of your vacation days.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Sues - oh that is so nice-you have guaranteed vacation days and you are required to take time off for yourself!

[@Dija-says-freePalestine]

Same in the Netherlands, sometimes you can take an x amount of leftover vacationhours to the next year (on top of your new vacationhours) but then you have to use it otherwise they can suspend it. But they mostly warn you about it so you know that you have to use it sooner than later. Sometimes and this is very rare, however, you can exchange your remaining vacationhours for money.

[@hidavidwen]

@@Dija-says-freePalestine Thanks, yeah I think most people usually take all or most of their holidays here from what I've seen during normal times and not including COVID times (I work closely with HR so I have a good idea!), where as in the US, the US is one of the countries with the most unused vacation days at the end of the year.

[@cellevangiel5973]

Airbus USA is sending people to France and Germany on training. So they will experience living and working in Europe with European colleges. I wonder what different idea's the come back home with..

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. I am also interested...

[@gustave7494]

You're all welcome to come to Holland, of course.... But you have to realise that the Dutch inhabitants are not particularly fond of expats and other foreigners coming to live in their city. They drive up the housing prices and generally don't integrate in their neigborhoods. Amsterdam is just a temporary background setting for them because they could leave at any moment. The Dutch regard you (speaking generally of course) as a little bit better than tourists, but not much.

[@stumied1588]

As a Dutchman, I just had to reply. Now, I understand that you are comparing Europe (well.. Netherlands and Amsterdam specifically) with California. But what you mind be overlooking here, is that Amsterdam itself is again one of the most expensive places in the Netherlands (or Europe, for that matter). So, some issues you mentioned - such as costs of living, or 'as a teacher you can..' - might sound great to Californian ears, but for the rest of Europe/Netherlands, this does not feel true to us (especially considering Amsterdam). For example, teacher salaries are incredibly low in NLs (also compared to other EU countries). And most teachers cannot afford (good) housing in Amsterdam. And not all things are as great throughout the EU as they are in the Netherlands (or vice versa). I.e. France has (virtual) free daycare for children, whereas we pay a butt load. Healthcare is cheaper in other EU countries (quality-wise, we're ok). And don't get me started on pregnancy leave in the Nordic countries - oh boy.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks so much for your reply Stuart. Yeah it's hard to generalize Europe as it is so big (just like the US)...and I was trying to compare San Francisco/LA to Amsterdam (from my perspective). I think we can both agree that being a teacher in both San Francisco and Amsterdam is quite difficult...though through some rough calculations I did with salaries and rent prices...it is more difficult to be a teacher in San Francisco when it comes to affordability (where a 1-bedroom now is around $3K/month!). I have a friend from Sweden...and she told me all the benefits she had over there as a mother...I couldn't believe it!

[@wesleydhanis3304]

I do wonder what countries you are talking about. Teachers earn a lot more (I'm talking about easily 2 - 300 euros net a month) in The Netherlands than for example in Belgium, your direct neighbour. Also, I don't think in any big city around the world, as a teacher, you'll be able to rent/buy a big appartement (or house for that matter) in the city center.

[@stumied1588]

@@wesleydhanis3304 Well, income should always be compared to costs of living. For example, the housing market in Belgium (although skyrocketed as everywhere) is still more favorable than in NL - where the average m2 price for a house is nearly double than in Belgium. Then those extra few hundred euros a month won't get you very far.

[@Vissepisse11]

Let's say you have 25 days of vacation but only took 20 days. Then the remaining five days won't be lost but added to next years days. (up to 10days/year I believe) Now you have 30 days. Or two vacations as I like to think about it.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks. Good point. In my 1st year here...I didn't know how to take all 25 days of vacation...now...I wish I had 30 days!

[@mw7214]

The problem for living in europe is language, every country speaks different language. Imagine yourself living in France, Spain or Germany but you dont speak their language, its super difficult. Thats why Netherland (Amsterdam) probably the best choice for expats who only want to communicate in English, because the language environment is much more friendly compared other counties in Europea. There is one catch about Netherlands is probably the weather, most of the time it rains, not enough sun.

[@hidavidwen]

Yeah I was just catching up with a friend who moved to London (from California)...and the language definitely was a big factor. She had considered Paris too but without French, it would be a lot more difficult to adjust. Yeah the weather is really tough here (especially if you come from a place where it's sunny most of the year)...but if you can get past that, very easy and great place to live.

[@PrinceWalacra]

The Dutch do appreciate it when you take effort in speaking Dutch, at least it’s necessary for you to know what is happening around you. And for the rain… even in Amsterdam it’ only rains for about 6% of time.

[@hidavidwen]

@@PrinceWalacra True, it's always nice to speak the language of the locals. Definitely feel like you need the language (in any country) to truly integrate. And the rain...I feel like it definitely rains way more than 6% of the time...or the other way-I definitely do not think it is dry 94% of the time!

[@oldjaggy]

" The problem for living in europe is language, '" how can this be a problem ?

[@Timanthereallifeman]

@@oldjaggy yes I agree I seen few video of Americans living in Europe without a problem

[@verloser]

In todays times a small family can only just afford the 100k a year but most houses require around at least 200/300k for the family and banks today dont like low income payers so it makes it a pain at times

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Neil. 200K/300K is not even doable in a place like San Francisco. Try 2-3 million for a house =(

[@daggerfriendly]

The thing is that LA is dead when it comes to entertainment that’s my personal opinion though. Local music scenes in SoCal are dead or just don’t have the energy they used to even when I was a little kid. When it comes to TV and film more big budget films are being produced in places like Atlanta. LA as a city is just one big scam there’s an idea of it that everyone gives by word of mouth but that LA dream was dead more than 30 years ago if anyone in the comment section wants to do any of those things build an online following and maybe when you already have a big following go to LA just to cash checks. Europe is the way man Europe is the way

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for your comment and opinion. Yeah many of the big cities have changed a lot in the past few decades. I guess it’s just a normal process of life? Changes. When I was still there, I was still mesmerized at the entertainment scene but that was probably because I worked in Hollywood and was surrounded by it (I knew of colleagues that would take lunch breaks to audition for something). Europe is great for many other reasons in my opinion :)

[@starduststereo]

I have to push back about LA. The music / film / art / comedy etc scene here is enormous, perhaps only barely eclipsed by NY or London. You just have to be plugged into the right communication channels, things don’t spread by local newspaper or word of mouth as they once did. Doesn’t mean it’s out of existence. Of course Europe has amazing offerings in this areas as well . The main difference being in LA you’d have to Uber several miles or drive to check out a “scene” on a Friday or Saturday night while in Europe it would all be a few minutes walk.

[@ychickshateme11]

What’s the program?

[@Timanthereallifeman]

Seriously how can I myself as a foreigner or immigrant live in Europe if I don’t have college degree or certificate education ??? Come on…no way you need a college degree just to live in Europe?? Europe is a strong country for poor people…

[@hempwizard]

amsterdam is the city of life :)

[@hidavidwen]

Yes it’s a beautiful city!

[@markdonovan1540]

Some good points David. However, you first stated that a Masters Degree in Europe was equivalent to a Bachelors Degree in the US. Later in the video you stated that the quality of education in Europe was high and comparable to the US. I understand these are your opinions, but comparing qualifications is a complex topic. One of the main reasons for many business and technology related jobs requiring a Masters Degree is due to increased youth unemployment levels over the last 2 decades, particularly in countries like Spain (where I live). This has meant that many students would continue studying as there were very few good job opportunities. By getting a Masters this would give job seekers an edge. However, in recent years the large number of job seekers now with Masters qualifications means that it is no longer a significant advantage. Ideally, job seekers need job related experience and a good, relevant qualification. Work-life balance is a comfort that is only really enjoyed by a small percentage of the population. The vast majority of people in Europe, and even more around the world, do not have the luxury of a good, or even healthy work-life balance. In many cases, a good work-life balance essentially leads to more leisure time (for single people) and more family time (for parents). What people do with their "non-work time" varies too, although there are plenty of ways for those people to spend their disposable income on "non-work time" activities.

[@hidavidwen]

Hi Mark - hope you're having a nice week. Thanks so much for offering your perspective. You're right comparing qualifications is difficult based on so many factors and where you are located (US and Europe are big). I also understand a degree may not do much if you're in a tough labor market too.. It's also interesting how this is changing as well, especially with tech and this new future of work-for example, software engineers-I know quite a larger number of people that are self-taught or went through a 3-month bootcamp and are now in high demand and can work from anywhere. Though a "degree" is still a "signal" and especially important and helpful for those early in their careers. Yep work-life balance is a big one. Though a few nice things is that vacation is guaranteed here compared to the US...and most people here don't have to think about $40k student debt... How's life been over there in Spain through the years?

[@markdonovan1540]

@@hidavidwen Thank you for your reply. I'm not the right person to ask about how things have been in Spain over the years, because I grew up in London and only moved to Spain in 2005 until 2011 and then again from 2017 until now, although I have family and friends in the UK and Spain. Most countries in the world have gone through changes over the years, for some it has worked out well and for others not so good. I've been fortunate enougb to have never had much difficulty getting work, at least an income to support myself and my family. Although, now at 62 I have very little work to speak of, partly my choice and partly not. In Spain, the biggest change in recent years has been the exodus of thousands of qualified workers and university students who were badly affected by the economic crisis of 2007. Many sought work opportunities in other countries in Europe, USA etc. Some had reasonable levels of English or French language skills which made that transition easier. Those young adults that stayed behind have continued, for the most part, living with and often being supported by their parents. Whilst others found opportunities to work or start small businesses or just get by on low level incomes and unstable work contracts. As in all economic downturns it has been the poorer members of society that suffer most. But there are also the richer members of society becoming more wealthy too. The so called "middle income" bracket has seen a significant shift down the wealth scale, a smaller percentage advancing while the vast majority declining in economic wealth and property ownership. Having said that, many people have been used to living with large debt for a long time, as has the government itself! Again, this is something in common with many countries and people around the world. Your reference to student loan debt is interesting, but in Spain there is still a good public health service, despite attempts by some political and business interests to dismantle and privatise it. Other services are not so good and often very expensive for the ordinary worker and almost unaffordable with taking on debt for the low or minimal wage earner. Spain is going through changes at the moment, just like many other countries, it remains to be seen who will actually benefit from the changes and who will end up paying for it. Spain is still a good country to live in for the most part, but not everyones is getting a fair deal. Political expediency, lack of transparency high levels of corruption and a slow and complex legal system continue to be a blight on this country's ability to bring about sustainable changes that can carry the people forward instead of further burdening their lives. This is all just my opinion of course. There are signs that more of the general population are being increasingly divided politically, socially and economically; let alone the effects of the pandemic that have caused widespread chaos and heartbreak for many.

[@Radicalstories92]

He meant that people do a Masters as easily and affordable as people go for a bachelor's. Similar to Philippines where education is free too in public unis.Saying you have a masters is not a big deal cause it is so accessible like a first degree😮❤😊

[@asdfjkl7430]

You got out of here just in time. US is on a straight decline. But how about that cold weather though, after having grown up as a California boy? How are you adapting to that?

[@hidavidwen]

Hey there - hahah the cold weather is the worst part (that’s why I’m in Spain right now). You adapt, but you still hate it. There’s a lot of great things about the Netherlands…the weather is not one (though I realized how important weather and warm weather is for me)

[@friskytwox]

i wonder what you have to say bout NL now, cus shit ain't pretty over there either. just look at the farming crisis

[@alimarcil3858]

I LOVE THIS VIDEO! ❤🤗💯 BTW California( Especially L. A) Has Gotten Worse!

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks Ali! Oh has it? It's been....6 years since I left LA...what has gotten worse?? (Though I hear from friends about the developments in LA)

[@alimarcil3858]

@@hidavidwen The Homeless Problem, Crime, Also A Few months ago They let A LOT Of Ppl Out Of Jail Early. They even had a homeless camp in BRENTWOOD! 😯 After A While Police dismantle It.

[@a88888888a]

I lived in the bay area ans socal. Urban areas of Cali are dying or decaying.... Cali is no longer open for business.... Was a great place... Before

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. I miss Cali but also noticed it’s changed. Well, that’s the constant in life right?

[@eliosantana765]

What about the place to live, I guessing you rent? always hear is expensive.

[@hidavidwen]

Yeah I rent. Yeah it’s not cheap to live in Amsterdam :/

[@qubit0002]

This is simply an attempt to preserve legacy auto supply/servicing as engine parts and maintenance similar to ICE vehicles. Toyota has been fighting adoption of EVs because it has too much invested in traditional ICE and hybrids which significantly contribute to Japanese job market

[@miepmaster25]

Weird how someone from abroad can experience Holland so differently than a dutch person

[@hidavidwen]

True! Yeah it’s nice to get a different perspective…similarly for me, hearing experiences of others in the US

[@mylifeisinhishandsamen4167]

As someone from Africa, I would choose US over Europe anytime anyday because of the lack of opportunities for us in Europe. Most of us in Europe are still struggling to get internship after 12, 15 years of being here despite having BSc, MSc and PhD from European schools and with good academic result. On the otherhand, my friends who quickly moved out of Europe to US are doing WAY BETTER. This is for my peeps who are Africans, don't watch this video thinking to yourself that Europe is better for you. Skin colour matters a lot here.

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Sorry to hear about your experiences. What do you think is the reason America is better than Europe for Africans? It’s unfortunate but you’re right, skin color still plays a factor in most parts of the world

[@henklooose2372]

Thanks for your video. It's always interesting to hear, how foreingners see Europe. Often people don't aprreciate it to live here and take things for granted. For me it's crazy to hear, that you have just 2 Weeks off per year in the US, and more surprising is, that you didn't take all the vacation, did I get it right? Here in Germany I have 30 days vacation per year, which means I could travel 6 weeks at a time (depending on your job/company). No one would ever consider not taking the full amount of vacation days. Btw: I love the Netherlands. I try to take short getaways +-10 times a year to enjoy the the country. Dutch people are super kind.

[@LMB222]

In Germany you have 25 days off. Anything extra is your employer's offer.

[@henklooose2372]

Maybe 🤔. , For me I can say, that I don’t know anyone in my circle of friends who has less then 30 days. So, thanks to the majority of companies that offers the 30 days off 🙏🏼

[@Tommusix]

It sounds horrible. Can you ever enjoy your vacations. I mean this feeling of being disconnected from the work.

[@hidavidwen]

Yeah you can. It depends... Well, I cannot speak for everyone but I think it takes a certain type of vacation to truly disconnect (for me)...like hiking in the mountains. But the fact is...Europeans get more vacation days and use more of them. And about disconnecting...generally speaking, you are more likely to disconnect if you take a longer vacation. And if you connect the dots...one could argue that it's easier for Europeans to disconnect when you are able to take a longer vacation. It depends on your work environment too.

[@a3veis371]

This irritates me, we pay taxes to let everybody study in the Netherlands regardless if your parents are rich or poor. The same with Americans with a healthissue, they live for a year or two in a South American country have all the procedureres for free. But the taxpayers in those countries pay for you, it is not free.

[@hidavidwen]

Oh just saw this. Thanks for your comment. I can understand your frustration...people come to the US for similar reasons too. As an international student in the Netherlands, we pay a lot more money (I paid 13,000€ in tuition as compared to like 2-3K€ for EU citizens). If you were leading the country, what would you propose?

[@blairsantillana]

Lol, your ignorance is showing because most international students pay tuition to study in the Netherlands, and the tuition is much higher.

[@a3veis371]

@@blairsantillana I did not know that for obvious reasons but it is David who claimes to have saved a lot off money and calls on other Americans to do the same. That is using the system off other countries for your own benefid. The tuition you pay is lower than the cost. This shopping in other countries to save money is disrupting the good systems they build and payed for. Especially for poorer countries who pay for medical procedures off Americans who pay taxes in the US.

[@daano465]

So why do people even live in the cities they cant afford anyway? Why not move to Denver, or a 2nd tier city in california like Sacramento, or even smaller? I understand the whole ''but I was born here'', but that's not worth the life your not able to live I suppose.

[@hidavidwen]

Good question. Many people go to California to work in tech/media/entertainment.

[@LMB222]

Safety. And boredom. I'm not sure about Sacramento, but Berkeley is pretty dangerous. Sure there's a local train to SF, but that's not the same as living there.

[@duckman761]

American dream is no longer a thing.

[@hidavidwen]

Haha yeah it's still a thing for some but not for many others. Take care Johnny

[@beckysam3913]

All the benefits with full paid mandatory vacation per year, no limit to sickdays, which are up to 6 weeks full paid, then a percentage, full paid mandatory maternity leave, paid holidays, in jobs like nursing, police, firedepartments they get high benefits for working on christmas or new years eve or other holidays, the affordable, transparent healthcare, the low cost for university (in germany there are no extra tuition, but cost for each semester for administration and public transit ticket, around 300 euro per six month), the funded public transit, is the result of decades long fights of people like rosa luxemburg, karl liebknecht, they were socialists and the socialist parties fought for these benefits. why are US citizens so scared to say SOCIALISM, in political sense?! you benefit from all the people who are and were socialists and fought on streets and in parliaments for the benefits and services. its not just the government had out of the blue the idea to be nice to people. you live in a country that invented capitalism and people learned that it exploits people and made a u-turn. all of european countries looked how germany governs and model themeselves similar socialist programs to them. the benefits are not set in stone, socialist parties still fight that these benefits and services do not taken away, slowly , by lobbyist and capitalists. hopefully, those americans who want to benefit and retire in europe, dont mess with european socialist programms. and the younger one, considering to escape american capitalism, just stay and fight for social justice and do not spoil other contries. its already a problem with gentrification by incoming war migrants from syria, ukraine, africa and afghanistan etc, now adding all the retired americans and the escapist families here, causes strain on markets. just stay and fight four changes in your country. its getting out of hand.

[@Beun007]

But, things are starting to decline here in NL, my friend! Don't get fooled! Seriously! Den Haag is as nasty as Washington DC for example...

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. Hope things get better

[@lordzizo375]

California if it would be a single Country by Space its the biggest in the World

[@ditadelugt8874]

It can be so cheap cause of …we do pay all tax !! For each other and those they don,t have less……: : when all the Americans are coming to us … we loose the possibilties as a chance for a house ….too expensive for the young one who are born her ….so sorry for the Americans !! Perhaps you have to change your own country , and not all coming into our so little country , please !! We are too cheap ? ? Make vacation by yourself , and don,t ask too much ……

[@atzonaftaniel4798]

Europeans never refer to themselfs as a european. We say we are from the country where we were born, in this case The Netherlands. I know Americans refer to us as Europeans but that not how we view ourselfs. It is not the united states of Europe. We are all very different culturally. For instance the Dutch are completely different from the Germans although they are neigbours. Of course there are a lot of differences between east, south, north and west Americans but they view theirselfs as Americans.

[@hidavidwen]

True! Thanks for noting that. Yeah Europe is huge. Though it's interesting who you ask. A Polish friend of mine identifies first as European...and then of course Polish. But yeah, each EU country is quite different.

[@LMB222]

I do. Not everyone is of one nation.

[@robertblokdijk901]

Billionaires think that non Billionaires are poor. Aristocratie ?

[@educatecybersecurityandFinance]

But you also getting it wrong in the fact that most Americans that do travel enjoy a better lifestyle in Europe than an average European, you have and make more money in America and live luxury in Europe ; America has more opportunities,entertainment, a lot more of things to do in entertainment and life experience, and we have more money to come live in Europe as king and queen and yea most big companies are given vacations nowadays, Europe is not perfect, and America is the engine of the world, if American don’t work there’s will be no innovation, the USA work ethics is the engine that drives the world not Europe and its a lot more powerful, European are deeply in love with Americans and yea USA is a lot powerful, so yea Europe has its con , low wages and different language and old architecture

[@hidavidwen]

Thanks for sharing. Yeah USA can be great if you are in the top percentile…Europe is better for the average Joe. Also depends on what one is looking for in life as well :)

[@LMB222]

How high are you?

[@joezanella8949]

Hey, listen up, we do not need Europe to be flooded with Americans, we like it as it is so cool your praise for Europe.

[@seand9089]

Bro you didn't save any money, you're still in debt tens of thousands of dollars and you're still a brokie! 🤣

[@withzeyad3942]

مش حلوه