Working in USA vs The Netherlands: 12 Biggest Differences

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Why do Americans always talk about work? Why is the Netherlands so “burnout friendly?” Do you want to make money? Or do you want balance?

In this video, I talk about the biggest differences between working in the US and in the Netherlands.

🤓 My background (for context): I spent around 10 years working in California (San Francisco/Los Angeles) for multinationals, consultancies, and startups. I moved to the Netherlands in 2018 for a 1-year Master's program and currently work in the IT industry in Amsterdam.

⏰ CHAPTERS:
00:00 Intro
01:10 🪞Work identity "What do you do?"
03:20 🧠 Work mentality (American Ambition vs. Dutch "Doe Normaal")
05:26 👥 Hierarchy vs. Egalitarian (Who's the boss?)
06:04 🤝 Decision-making (Consensus vs. Top-down)
06:45 ⚖️ Work-life balance (Working hours and Part-time work)
08:29 💰 Salary comparison
11:44 🏝 Vacation
12:57 🔐 Job security
14:17 📜 Job contracts (fixed-term vs. permanent)
15:02 🏥 Healthcare
16:15 😷 Sick leave (short vs. long-term)
17:54 🔥 Burnout
18:59 Conclusion

📽 OTHER VIDEOS:
🇺🇸🇳🇱 What's it like living in the USA as a Dutchie? -    • What's it like living in the USA as a...  
🇳🇱 Dutch Culture Shocks -    • What are the biggest Dutch culture sh...  
🇳🇱 What it's like working in the Netherlands as a foreigner? -    • What is it like working in the Nether...  

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😁 WHO AM I?
I'm David, a Californian living in Amsterdam. I make videos about life in the Netherlands, hiking/traveling, and the Camino de Santiago.

🔸 Do you live in the Netherlands with a story to share? I'd love to hear it!
Email: [email protected]