Trying to Find a Job in Europe? Here Are 10 Things to Consider
Keira Rodriguez studied accountancy and marketing at the #1 ranked accountancy program in the US at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Gies College of Business. She also has an interest in international business and cultural norms and differences.
So, You Want to Work in Europe?
You’re not alone! It’s a common dream that people have where they think:
“I’m going to move to Europe, get a job there, and life will basically turn into one long café-hopping vacation.” Or “I going to be the next Emily in Paris!”
And honestly? Some parts of that dream are great!
But, popular YouTube travel vlogger, Wolters World, shared his insight into working in Europe after living and working there for more than a decade. Specifically in places like Lithuania, Portugal, Austria, and across the entire continent where he highlighted key things to consider before applying abroad.
You’d be surprised at how different the working culture in Europe is compared to the United States. By the end of this blog, you’ll maybe be second guessing moving there or start packing your bags tonight!
So, if you’re thinking about working abroad or you’re just curious how European work culture compares to American work culture, let’s go through the 10 biggest differences Americans notice when they start working in Europe!
1. Work-Life Balance Is Real
Yes, the rumors are true! Europeans Really Do Get More Time Off
Compared to the United States, European workers generally get significantly more vacation days. And that’s not even counting all the national holidays and public holidays many countries have!
When you add everything together, Europeans often have weeks more time off per year than the average American worker, especially when you think about paternity and maternity leave differences.
But the real difference isn’t just the number of weeks off.
The real difference is how seriously Europeans take work-life balance.
In many European cultures, work is something you do to support your life not what your life is based on.
That means people genuinely take their vacation time, they unwind, they spend time with family, and they travel. Unlike in the U.S., where many workers reveal when they take time off, they are left feeling guilty and can’t get optimal rest.
In Europe, the expectation is that you should have a life outside your job, not inside your job like in America.
Read: The Best & Worst Parts of Moving Abroad
2. When the Workday Ends, People Actually Go Home ASAP
Even Irish goodbye style… and no one feels guilty or embarrassed about it.
Here’s something that surprises a lot of Americans their first week in a European office.
When work ends… people leave 5:00 PM sharp. There are no extended conversations or “staying to be a team player”, it’s just not part of their culture.
You might even see someone stand up mid-conversation at 5:00 and say:
“Alright, see you tomorrow.”
And that’s it. It’s not ruthless, it’s just a different level of priority.
There’s usually far less pressure to stay late just to prove you’re dedicated or able to earn a promotion someday. Weekend work is also much less common in many industries.
Now of course, there are exceptions. We are talking about an entire continent very generally. So, some jobs everywhere require long hours.
But culturally speaking, Europe tends to draw clear boundaries between work time and personal time.
For Americans, who are used to hustle culture, which can feel almost revolutionary.
3. Pace of Work Can Feel Slower, Not Less Efficient
Are you more Type A or Type B when it comes to work?
Another thing Americans often notice is that work moves at a different pace in many European workplaces. Americans tend to be more Type A,
“Let’s finish this project as fast as possible and move on.”
However, in Europe, the attitude is often closer to a Type B personality,
“We’ll get it done… when we get it done.”
There may be coffee breaks, always a proper lunch break, and discussions might take longer and not involve just office small talk like in the states.
So, if you’re an American used to fast-paced offices, you might feel a little impatient at first. But from the European perspective, the goal isn’t to rush through everything for the outcome. The goal is to do the work well in the process of it while still having time to live your life including family, relaxation, and community.
However, in the United States, you hear a lot about:
- side hustles
- personal brands
- working nonstop
- maximizing productivity
In many parts of Europe, that culture simply isn’t a popular mindset.
Don’t be mistaken though, people still work hard but the overall mindset is more balanced.
Some say that even though there is no hustle and grind culture in Europe, the efficiency in the work is the same. It draws the question of,
“Are the mindset and culture we foster in the states worth it? Especially if we don’t prioritize a balance with the same type of efficiency?”
So, which are you? Would you like to switch sides?
4. Your Job Doesn’t Define You, You Do
“So, what do you do?” “Go outside.”
In many parts of Europe, that question isn’t nearly as central to your career life as you may think.
People certainly care about their careers, but their identity is more tied to family, hobbies, culture, and lifestyle.
They always carry a motto that, “Work is important, but it’s not everything.”
So, it begs the question for people in the states,
- “Who are you if not your job title?”
- “What do you do for fun?”
- “Are you good at maintaining your friendships?”
These aspects of life are very central to those who live in Europe that could send an American down a mental spiral. So, be prepared to have the free time to explore a lifestyle that is sustainable and exciting for you.
5. Coworkers Are Not Close Friends
“Hey best friend!” “We just met…”
This is one of the social differences that surprises Americans the most.
In the U.S., many people form their closest friendships at work. Coworkers become social circles due to proximity.
However, in Europe, things can be different. You’ll absolutely be friendly with coworkers. You might grab drinks after work on a Friday. But forming deep friendships through work isn’t always as common.
One reason is that many Europeans live in the same cities where they grew up. That means their friend groups often go back to childhood or university.
So, when you move there as a foreign worker, you may find it takes a little longer to build a social circle.
That’s why many expats recommend moving to major international cities like:
- Paris, France
- London, England
- Berlin, Germany
- Milan, Italy
These cities have more people moving in from different places, so everyone is more open to making new friends.
Read: How to Make Friends Living Abroad
6. Salaries Are Often Lower
Oh no!
One of the biggest realities Americans face when working in Europe is this:
Salaries are often lower than in the United States.
Sometimes significantly lower by 50k at times.
Although countries like Switzerland, Germany, or the United Kingdom may offer competitive salaries, in parts of Southern or Eastern Europe, wages can be a fraction of what Americans might expect.
This can be especially important if you have student loan debt back home and owe U.S. taxes, which yes, you still must pay U.S. taxes as a U.S. citizen.
However, lower salaries don’t guarantee a bad lifestyle, but it’s something to factor into your decision.
7. BUT the Cost of Living Can Be Lower Too
Oh okay…
In many parts of Europe, daily life is cheaper.
“Cheaper” meaning less costly, the lifestyle still feels expensive!
Things like:
- Dining out
- Groceries
- Public transportation
- Travel within Europe
can often cost less than they do in the United States.
Some workplaces also provide additional benefits such as:
- Transportation allowances
- Childcare credits
- A 13th or even 14th monthly paycheck
So, while the salary might look smaller on paper, your overall lifestyle can still feel very comfortable and healthier because of the quality of food! Just don’t live above your means…regardless of circumstances.
8. Commuting Looks Completely Different
“So, I don’t need my driver’s license?”
In many European cities, commuting means public transportation.
Trains, metros, buses, and trams are often the primary way people get to work.
And once you get used to it, it can actually be pretty convenient and fun. Imagine always being in the passenger seat, and if an accident occurs it’s never your fault!
You might not even need a car at all. Instead, you just learn the rhythm of the metro system or bus schedule.
This will eventually become one of the most unexpected benefits of living in Europe.
9. Taxes Are Higher, But Benefits Are Too
“Is it worth it?”
Let’s be honest about this one.
In many European countries, taxes are higher than in the United States. Don’t be surprised if a larger percentage of your paycheck goes toward taxes.
But those taxes help fund things like:
- Universal or subsidized healthcare
- Public transportation systems
- Affordable education
- Social programs
So, while you might take home less money, many services that Americans pay for privately are already included.
It’s simply a different economic model. Some even say it’s nothing to complain about since the services are beyond helpful! The paycheck may look scary at first though!
10. European Bureaucracy Can Be… Frustrating
“I hate paperwork…”
If there’s one thing that drives American expats crazy, its often European bureaucracy meaning that getting things set up—like internet service, a bank account, or housing—can sometimes involve an unbelievable amount of paperwork. However, some respondents say that it truly depends on the country you’re in within Europe, always take this into consideration.
But still, you might run into situations like this:
[You need an address to open a bank account.]
[But you need a bank account to rent an apartment.]
Which one came first, the chicken or the egg? Exactly. And suddenly you’re stuck in a bureaucratic loop.
Overall, compared to the U.S., administrative systems in some European countries can feel slow and complicated.
The key survival skill here is simple:
Patience. Lots of patience.
But that tends to be the biggest lesson and skill to learn no matter where you live, so just a sprinkle of an optimistic view on that. Sigh.
11.? Top 3 Bonus Factors
Because I want to leave you with a full picture about working in Europe, instead of just ten quick key points, here are the top three bonus factors to consider!
1. Workplace Feedback and Discussions Are Welcomed
“Did you just disagree with your boss???” “Yes. They’re wrong.”
Another interesting cultural difference appears in meetings.
In many European workplaces, it’s completely normal for employees to debate ideas openly with their boss.
If someone disagrees with a manager’s proposal, they might say so directly.
For Americans used to more hierarchical workplaces, this can feel shocking at first. As if a groundhog was coming out of its hole for the first time. “So… you mean…I could speak up?”
But in many European companies, open discussion is encouraged because it helps create consensus and collaboration. This method can catch a lot of risks throughout many different processes that make it easier to be more efficient which serves as a healthy cultural norm in European workspace.
2. Job Security Is Often Stronger
The European Workforce Shield.
One major advantage of working in Europe is stronger worker protection.
In the United States, many workers are employed “at will,” meaning companies can terminate employees relatively easily.
In many European countries, labor laws provide more protection.
Employees often have contracts, unions, or legal safeguards that make sudden termination much less common.
If layoffs happen, companies may need to provide severance pay or extended notice periods.
This can make workers feel more secure and comfortable speaking openly in the workplace.
3. Workforce Diversity Can Look Different
“The melting pot isn’t everywhere?”
One final difference Americans may notice is workforce diversity.
The United States is extremely multicultural, with people from many backgrounds working together.
In some parts of Europe, especially outside major cities, the workforce can appear less diverse simply because populations are more locally rooted.
Usually when you’re in France, you’re French and in Germany you’re likely German, however in America you are American no matter where you came from or where you and your family were born.
However, major European cities like London, Paris, and Berlin are incredibly international and multicultural.
So, the experience can vary widely depending on where you work.
So, Is Working in Europe Worth It?
For Wolters World, working abroad was one of the best experiences of his life.
After more than a decade living and working across Europe, he states that:
It gave him a completely different perspective on work, lifestyle, and culture.
Yes, there are adjustments.
Yes, there are bureaucratic headaches.
And yes, salaries can be lower.
But the lifestyle, the travel opportunities, the food, the history, and the work-life balance can make the experience incredibly rewarding.
If you ever get the opportunity to work abroad, especially in Europe, it’s absolutely something worth considering!
Because sometimes the biggest growth happens when you step outside the work culture you’ve always known and experience something entirely different.
And who knows?
You might just find yourself finishing work at 5 PM, sitting in a café somewhere in Europe, thinking:
“Yeah… this was definitely worth it.” Or “Yeah…I loved being like Emily in Paris.”
If you liked this breakdown over international topics, I highly recommend subscribing to Wolters World on YouTube where he covers all sorts of international topics while traveling to your dream destination! He has a mix of real-world experience and humor that will educate you without lecturing you.
If you’re interested in going to Europe did this blog help you feel more motivated to apply and work full-time or did you get more hesitant?
Additionally, if you have experience living and or working in Europe do you agree with this analysis? What would you add? What would you omit?