Americans are reportedly gathering in online forums such as Grok, X and Reddit to criticise European lifestyles, using the term “Europoor” to mock lower salaries and slower economic growth. Having lived in America for 14 years, one London-based writer declares she would rather be “Europoor” than live in the US, citing healthcare costs, limited holiday time and women's rights as key reasons.
Healthcare fears and a $25,000 hospital bill
The writer explains that she no longer lives in fear of falling off a ladder and becoming financially destitute, a concern she says was ever-present in America. She recalls dating a freelancer who did not have health insurance because it would have cost him about £900 per month.
When he was hit by a car while riding his bike, he implored her not to call an ambulance, asking her to call his parents instead. His hospital bill still came to $25,000, although his mother managed to negotiate it down to $5,000. Neither the bill nor the fact that it was negotiable made any sense, she writes.
Limited holiday and geographic isolation
She also notes that Americans rarely get to leave the country, even when they can afford to. Fifteen days of annual leave is standard, and requesting two consecutive weeks off could result in being fired or declared an office pariah, she claims. Taking time off is treated as a luxury reserved for the few, and the country's geographic isolation means there are few quick destinations to reach.
In London, by contrast, she says it is possible to take a train to Paris or Brussels, whereas in America a train journey usually means going to New Jersey. When Americans do travel to Europe, she observes, they often say “We're going to Europe!” without specifying which country or city they are visiting.
Women's rights and maternity leave
The writer argues that America is not an ideal place to be a woman right now. In some states abortion is outlawed, and women facing dangerous pregnancies are offered the choice of death or prosecution. Even with a healthy pregnancy, mothers are only promised 12 weeks of maternity leave.
She recalls being shocked upon returning to the UK to find that people were hired to cover maternity leaves because women were off for a whole year. In America, she says, mothers take so little time off that the workplace protocol is to “just wing it for three months and hope for the best,” leaving everyone overworked.
Better quality of life in London
Despite earning less money, the writer says London offers a better quality of life. She cites the sense of humour, leaving the office before 6pm without being hissed at, Andy Burnham's comforting eyebrows, Hampstead Heath on a balmy evening, and the habit of apologising when bumped into.
“We might be making less money, but we're living better here,” she concludes, adding that other European counterparts would likely agree. She asks what the point of earning more money is if it might all end up on hospital bills anyway.
