American expats have been sharing their shock at learning about the ‘excellent’ quality of life in Australia.
Two American expats said that everything from working conditions to wages and work/life balance are ‘so much better’ Down Under – and they will never move home.
‘In the US all I ever dreamed of was better wages, cheaper healthcare, a work/life balance, and a culture that’s overall pretty united. Australia is everything the US isn’t,’ one man said.
Brooke Laven (pictured), who moved to Sydney this year, noted a marked difference in the working conditions’ Australians experience in comparison to in the US
Brooke explained that in the US the average annual paid time off in the private industry is around 11 days, with many people getting less than five days. She also explained that the US is one of the only westernized countries that don’t guarantee parental leave, whereas Australia offers employees around 12 weeks unpaid leave
Brooke Laven, who moved to Sydney this year, noted a marked difference in the working conditions’ Australians experience in comparison to in the US.
She received her first contract after being offered a job and was shocked at the generous paid time off and parental leave allowances.
‘I knew American working rights were bad, but I didn’t realise how bad until I just got my Australian full time contract,’ she said.
She explained that in the US the average annual paid time off in the private industry is around 11 days, with many people getting fewer than five days.
Only two per cent of the workforce get over 24 days off in their first year, which is what Brooke was offered in her new contract.
‘I get four weeks of annual leave, plus 10 days, so I did the math and I could take 43 days off straight,’ she said.
She also explained that the US is one of the only westernised countries that don’t guarantee parental leave, whereas Australia offers several months of paid leave, as well as unpaid leave.
I’m just going to stay in Australia,’ she joked.
Another American expat has also been praising Australia for the ‘better wages, cheaper healthcare and work/life balance’.
Chris moved to Brisbane last year and admits he still cannot get over how different it is to the US.
‘The healthcare system here is amazing, the wages here are amazing, the work life balance is incredible. Australia just comes up with holidays and reasons to take time off,’ he said.
‘My absolute favourite talking point when I tell Americans that I moved to Australia is freedom. Because I grew up my whole life around what you would consider the average American and everybody says the same thing “I have guns, so I have more freedom”.
He said you could put a list of countries with the most freedom in front of an American, and show them America is not even in the top 10, but ‘they still get stuck on this gun thing’.
‘Australia has guns, it’s just very well regulated,’ he explained.
He also believes Australia don’t evaluate freedom based on gun ownership, but rather features like rule of law, freedom of movement and freedom of religion.
‘Australians genuinely target the areas of life that actually matter. If they feel something is slipping backwards, they don’t let that sh*t happen,’ he added.
He was particularly impressed with Australians willingness to take holidays around four weeks long.
‘Australians wouldn’t bat an eye if they hear this because long holidays is like a thing here, it’s just part of the norm, its how it should be,’ he explained.
‘I spent my first six months here just annoyed because this place is basically a utopia compared to where I come from.’
Aussies were very pleased with the compliments.
‘It’s really refreshing to hear an American say this. It’s a bit tiring to constantly hear “USA! USA! the land of the free!” glad you’re enjoying it!’ one man said.
‘I don’t think Americans have any idea how bad they have it! Welcome to Oz,’ another wrote.
Others showed pride in the power of unions, which they contribute to many of the freedoms.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk