Living in America: Top 9 pros and cons

We are often asked: will you stay in the USA? Firstly, according to the plan, we are here until the fall, and then NMZ (new place of residence). And secondly, although we spent 5 months here, I can’t say that I passionately want to live here my whole life. I know that this surprises many - how can one voluntarily refuse to live, showered with gifts abroad. Well, if you: no children, a hardworking specialist, speak excellent English, have good health, are not very demanding in terms of spiritual life, but are demanding of living conditions and do not leave people dear to you in your homeland - you may well look for yourself employer and apply for a visa. And now more details.

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1. Why is it necessary to be a good specialist?

Because they are valued here and paid well. And you need to get paid well because in a society of developed capitalism you have to pay for everything. Prices for everything are three times higher than in Russia, including nanny services. Hence the point about children. Hiring a nanny is expensive, and looking after the children yourself is also expensive, because at least at first you both need to work.

2. About English

In principle, I think it’s obvious: if you don’t want to be a penguin - smiling and waving at the right time and in the wrong way - learn the language before coming to the USA to such a level that you can understand TV series.

3. About health

Yes, of course, we all know that medicine is expensive in the USA, but we sincerely believe, after watching enough films, that if you have insurance, a helicopter will fly in even to give an enema. No matter how it is. Typically, insurance will cover part of your costs. And then, this will still be a great success! In any case, you will have to pay for everything you can. God forbid you get sick. A filling in a tooth costs at least $1000, an appointment with an allergist and allergy tests costs about $5000, a heart attack (surgery and hospital stay) will cost you more than $10000. There is no concept of ambulance here at all. You can, of course, call 911, but then wait for the bill. Therefore, it is better to come healthy.

4. About spiritual conversations and relatives

Your new American friends are unlikely to support you in drinking tea late at night in the kitchen and having heart-to-heart conversations. Here, however, the “consumer society” gravitates towards simpler entertainment. But if you decide to go to football, you will find a companion very easily. And if you want emotional conversations, you need to understand that you will no longer run to your friend in the next entrance. Because there is an ocean separating this entrance, and you have to come to terms with it. You should understand that America is far and expensive, you can’t come home. If something happens that requires your presence at home, you need to have a week in reserve and more than $1000 dollars for a ticket.

But these minuses have a lot of advantages. America accepts all. Only among my local acquaintances there are immigrants without education, with a bunch of children, without concepts about English, who have found their happiness here. Because here, in fact, there are a lot of opportunities, laws act, life is focused on a person, and not on survival. Here the person and the property right is respected, it is accepted to smile unfamiliar and to be polite. And having lived here for three or four months, you can see if you fit in more. And now more.

5. Atmosphere of goodwill and courtesy

For six months, no one pissed me off, did not push, did not express any negativity. Except for the Russian store. But there, apparently, for authenticity, retained the seller of the Soviet type.

6. Attitude towards children

Everyone smiles at them, compliments my daughter and waves in greeting. This is such a culture. No one has ever yelled at their children in public places, much less made comments to strangers. And the children themselves are polite. How many times did every kid on the playground tell me “excuse me” for the slightest reason! This is already automatic. And they take their parents as an example. An American mother can calmly say “no” to her child at least 10 times in a row and explain and reassure her, while ours, after the third “no,” will turn to shouting, insults and threats.

7. Human rights

Respect for the rights of another person is manifested in the unpopularity of everyday rudeness. Here it is customary to take into account the convenience of others - do not make noise at night, do not litter. And if you make noise and litter, they will impose a fine. Because everyone has the right to a good night's sleep and a clean yard.

From respect for the “person in general” comes the acceptance of the individual in society. No matter how strange this person may be. Incredible fashionistas or freaks here do not shock anyone, but live their lives without causing the censure of others.

8. Life for people

Respect is also found at the everyday level: if a road is being repaired, then the detour is carefully thought out; if the road is being built, then it is level and marked; if it is dark, then the lights are on; if there are 10 doors in the shopping center, then they are all open. You feel like a person, not an obstacle overcomer. This is especially important for people with disabilities. For those who use wheelchairs, life is organized very thoughtfully - there are special exits everywhere, the ability to drive in and out without problems or outside help.

9. Pleasant little things

They are everywhere: drying machines, food waste disposers, dressing rooms instead of wardrobes, liquid for disinfecting hands in the meat section. All this stuff, but so convenient and so nice to understand that the country is focused on your comfort.

True, all this will later be reflected in the invoice. And then ... see item 1.

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