I'm Venezuelan, I moved to the US about 8-9 years ago and, last year, I moved back to my country.
I honestly couldn't take it anymore. Out of 7 years in the US, the only days off I had were when I quit and I was changing jobs, or when COVID-19 hit and I couldn't find a job for seven months.
I don't understand how you guys (Americans) can live there, no days off without worrying about money or worrying about a call from your manager, no (easy/obligatory) paid vacation, no time for yourselves and your family, not worrying about being exploited. It was hell.
Of course, this doesn't apply to the oligarchy (yes, you guys have a very clear oligarchy, even if some of you (most likely probably not even following this sub) don't want to see it. After all those years in the US, after grinding and paying $500 yearly, just to be legal, plus rent, food, etc., I got tired. I developed chronic pain, I got white hair in my 20s, and now I detest working.
All I can say is that I truly feel sorry for you guys and I wish you had it better.
I recently moved to Brazil and, today, I was in shock. I'm living in a small city/town, one of those where everyone knows each other, and, today, I was shocked when I went out.
Almost every store, including some restaurants, close on Saturdays after 3pm, some even after 1pm, and most don't even open on a Sunday.
As a consumer, of course I was saddened because I needed to buy something. But, as a worker, I thought to myself “do I really need to buy it today, when I can just buy it on Monday?” They take their vacation and weekends very seriously, and they live a healthy, balanced life from what I could see.
Every Friday there is a family reunion, kids playing, BBQs made in the middle of the streets, everyone is relaxed, not thinking about money, work, and consuming, just thinking about how they will enjoy the weekend.
To me, the American Dream was more like a Nightmare that I couldn't wake up from. I hope you guys have it better in the future, please fight for your right to have a life outside of work.