I know things are tough, but I cannot comprehend how in the United States of America you guys have it.
I mean, really. I'm from across the pond, and I can't believe how out of touch your managers are.
In this country of mine, there's no persecution for being part of an union, no crap being taken when on a sick leave, no issues with holidays, time off for wedding (it's in the law, dammit!), health care, mostly free education until getting to college (one day that will also be free, I bet)
I work in IT, and I'm not that overly intelligent, just finishing my graduation, and I have a comfortable life.
Sure I don't make 3000 a month (about half of it, really) and it's fairly easy to find jobs here. The lower cost of living makes up for it, if you get out of the biggest cities, and you can have a decent, fulfilled life.
Its not paradise, as people without studies still have to scrape by, but at least they don't have to be wage slaves to go on by.
We have a few ways to go, but:
Free/inexpensive health care
Free education (school books are free, even!)
Uncaring about color/gender/sexual orientation
Nice beaches
Great beer
OUR SYSTEM HAS MEASURES IN PLACE SO THAT YOU CAN HAVE A LESSENED WORK SCHEDULE IF YOU WANT TO STUDY
I would like to see my country invaded by americans and procreate. It would help us in increasing the average height.
Just cross the Atlantic. Set your sights in Portugal.
We have faults, but we are welcoming.
A one way ticket shouldn't be that expensive.