"Life in the US is easier; life in the UK is more interesting" -- Discuss

Oh but, spring is so much nicer in the UK -- a long green slide from February to June!  Here it's all over in about 2 weeks.

If by green you mean the mildew, yes! 

Honestly? I think you make your own life interesting.

This!

I can give you contrasting examples to various points of life

Air travel
Was easier for me in the US- here because of where I live it adds so much time and its a royal pain in the ars* - now maybe if I lived in Alaska, I'd say the same thing by 10 times to worse

Fresh, locally grown/reared food

Much easier for me here- I am surrounded by countryside!  However, its almost impossible for me to afford my countryside dream here.  

Healthcare
Hmmm tough to say- when I had no health insurance- that sucked a lot so the NHS would have been helpful then.  When I had excellent health insurance, it was awesome in the US.   That said, I am a big fan of my rheumatologist here!!!  

Music (playing in bands), seeing bands, seeing shows, doing artsy things

Excellent opportunities in both countries- however, I have found that I've enjoyed the things I have come across here in Scotland more. Despite living in a small place, there's loads of great shows that come up this way.  A con though, is that because it is a small place, there is a ton of politics in the music scene. Luckily I'm on the good side of the politics, but some of my mates aren't so lucky.  


All and all, I think pros and cons to both. But hey, life is enjoyable and I'm glad I'm living it  

...unless you're in Wisconsin.

... or New England. 

Oh but, spring is so much nicer in the UK -- a long green slide from February to June!  Here it's all over in about 2 weeks.

I agree. English springtime is heavenly!

...unless you're in Wisconsin.

Of course!

Oh but, spring is so much nicer in the UK -- a long green slide from February to June!

Agreed, I did think of that after I posted!  It's another trade-off!

... or New England. 

I agree. English springtime is heavenly!

Agree on both points!

There's a spring season?
I thought it was just winter and "not winter" for 2 weeks in August    

I thought it was just autumn and "a bit warm for autumn" for 3 days in June.

I find this also a challenge to answer for reasons already cited.

I also feel that age, sense of security and well-being, life stage, values and goals, among other things, also change how one defines quality of life over time and how ease of life or how interesting is interpreted. If that makes sense......... 

... or New England. 

I agree. English springtime is heavenly!

Yep....it's just a shame it then moves on to Autumn!

As DW says....in NJ they had 3 seasons - winter, summer, fall. In the UK we have 3 seasons - spring, fall, winter!

The seasons in New England go something like:
      Ice and snow
      January thaw
      More ice and snow
      Mud time
      Spring (2 days)
      Black fly season
      Steam bath time (for about 3 months)
      Hurricane season
      Leaf-lookin' season
      Back to ice and snow

The seasons in New England go something like:
      Ice and snow
      January thaw
      More ice and snow
      Mud time
      Spring (2 days)
      Black fly season
      Steam bath time (for about 3 months)
      Hurricane season
      Leaf-lookin' season
      Back to ice and snow

 

I think an argument could be made for living on either side and if it's easier or not. Yes, it's easier for me to afford "things" in the US ... house (which we were able to own over there, but not over here), petrol, consumer goods. And yes, that can make life easier if I choose to make life about the material things. But what wasn't easier stateside was booking holiday time, especially when in my first year of employment at a job I didn't get any holiday time at all! Mine and the Husband's commute times are a whole lot easier as well! Gone are the days of 2-2.5 hour commutes one way! And I'm certainly having an easier time affording my medical care in the UK (but I really can't afford my taxes here! lol) and I don't have to hold off on going to the doctor until pay day because my $50 copay is too big of a hit to the wallet.

For me easier isn't always about the quantity. (big house, things to fill up the big house, new cars, etc). It's about the quality of the time I have left here on earth and I want to enjoy that remaining time! (lots of holiday time, appreciation of the simpler things in life, appreciating things rather than feeling entitled to them) Let's face it, we are going to have to work our butts of regardless of where we live because for most of us things aren't just going to be handed to us. Easier is what you make of it. Just my opinion.

I really wish we had the option to "like" posts on here as on facebook!! 

because the distances were unwalkable, plus people treated you like a freak if you walked anywhere,

Completely agree!!! Not to mention the way people treat you for using public transportation (buses) I don't understand people in the States with cars and them thinking they are all high and mighty. Some people don't have money, and therefore can't buy cars!

Completely agree!!! Not to mention the way people treat you for using public transportation (buses) I don't understand people in the States with cars and them thinking they are all high and mighty. Some people don't have money, and therefore can't buy cars!

Or simply don't want to drive the durn things!

In Scotland, my life is much easier and more interesting than the States. The cost of living is cheaper here than anywhere I have lived in the States. Right now, hubby is the only one working and we do fine on just his income. I have never lived anywhere in the States where two people could survive on an income of around $30,000 and afford a house, car, and holidays.

My ex and I lived in Connecticut for 10 years on a combined income of around $85,000 a year and squeaked by living paycheck to paycheck. State income tax and the cost of housing forced us to leave.

It all depends on where you live now and where you came from, I suppose.