Originally Posted by
73inEurope4now
Ever wonder what it would be like to fly in Europe, well.... this is my perspective
!
I got furloughed from my company in the US and decided to jump all in and get my JAA ATPL with a B 737 type rating. I took me 6 months to accomplish the task, afterwards I was offered a job in Scandinavia.
Upon arrival, my first experience was their government! I was astounded by the enormous amount of bureaucrats they need over there! 1 in every 3 persons living in Norway works for the government! It was astonishing to witness the mundane mountains of paperwork it took to process even the smallest request. I used to think it was bad at home, but this has given me a completely different perspective and a new appreciation for the US.
Most things are poorly organized over there as well, everything from a simple thing like getting a phoneline set up to dealing with the tax authorities is dim-witted.
And... the cost of living... is staggering!! Gasoline is $9.00/gallon, a beer in a bar is $14.00 a pint, 38 percent of my salary goes to the government and I am paying $2000 in rent for a small basic apartment! I am making a gross salary of $100 000, which compares to making approx. $35 000 in the US after considering taxes and cost of living.
The climate is dreary and gray, which is reflected in the local populations attitude in general. Everyone complains about weather, the poor health care system, the substandard schools and preposterous taxes.
To wrap it up! The company is allright and the flying is tolerable. But I can't wait to go home again!
I am from Norway and came to the US and I have to point out that it is NOT any easier the other way around. There is the same staggering amount of paperwork when you move to the US. Immigration is a joke coming here. Try to get established in the US with no credit score or history. For the first 2 years my credit limit on a credit card was $300!!!
Im not sure why it would be so hard to set up a phoneline. Did they ask for what we have as SSN?
Cost of living is high. When I lived and worked there I made about $50,000 and paid 30% tax which according to you is equal to $17,500 over here. My QOL in Norway was a lot better than here, and I make $35K here. I did live in Oslo which has property prices like NYC.
What you forget to mention with taxes is that 1 month(july) is tax free, and one month is 1/2 tax(dec.) As well as 5 weeks paid vacation. Government paid retirement.(No gambling with a 401k) Free school/university with government paying you grants every year. Free Healthcare. Public transportation that is light years ahead of US.(which doesnt say much)
Norway is not a place to go and make a quick buck like contract work in other parts of the world, but rather an excellent place to live long term. That is why it has ranked among the best places to live in the world.
I'm not trying to create a "mine is better than yours" competition. All experiences are subjective.
You are the first person that has complained about the locals attitude. Go out and drink a beer. After all, the girls are a lot prettier in Norway
May I ask what city you live in and what company you work for?
I am just know planning to do the JAA conversion so maybe I can take your $100K job and you can take my $35K job.
How and where did you do the JAA conversion?