Millennials want a work-life balance • Hacker News Board

Re: Millennials want a work-life balance

#11

Post by chrisper » Thu, May 07, 2015, 10:13 PM UTC

_delirium wrote: post #8

chrisper wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Do you think there are enough tech jobs in Europe? Because I am from Europe, but studying in the US. Considering going back after I am done here, but many people say the tech scene here is a lot better.

Can only speak for Scandinavia, but there is plenty of technology work available, for both locals and anyone who speaks fluent English (it's a plus, but not necessary, to also speak a Scandinavian language). True both at "tech companies" and in many, many places in other parts of industry. For example in Denmark, Maersk (a global shipping/logistics company) hires large numbers of technologists, ranging from straightf…

Well, salaries here are $150k+ because the cost-of-living is crazy. I think even if you make less in Europe you have a better life in general.

Re: Millennials want a work-life balance

#12

Post by Red_Tarsius » Thu, May 07, 2015, 10:13 PM UTC

MichaelCrawford wrote: post #2

I wouldn't regard myself as a "young American" as I have grey hair now. But I am considering emigrating to Europe. I've lived in Italy and in France; I'd like to go back someday. http://www.warplife.com/mdc/resume/ if you have a job for me there. Germany would be cool too, I studied German in high school.

I'm a 22yo Italian. I will move to the West Coast as soon as I can.

Healthcare and university aside, I don't understand the appeal of Italy. The air you breath here is filled with cynicism and hopelessness. The state is not business friendly. You can find history, good weather and nature in other places.

The deep south has been destroyed by mafia's garbage management. Please, read USA army's findings on Naples. http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/30/world/europe/beneath-south...

Re: Millennials want a work-life balance

#13

Post by derefr » Thu, May 07, 2015, 10:13 PM UTC

jonawesomegreen wrote: post #6

Doesn't everyone want work-life balance? I don't think this is something restricted to millennials.

No; workaholics are plentiful, especially among startup founders. Some people, when asked what they would do with an extra ten non-burnt-out hours in the day, truly respond "get another ten hours of work done!"

Re: Millennials want a work-life balance

#14

Post by toomuchtodo » Thu, May 07, 2015, 10:14 PM UTC

jonawesomegreen wrote: post #6

Doesn't everyone want work-life balance? I don't think this is something restricted to millennials.

Baby Boomers lived through the most prosperous period in American history. They have roots. They're tied to the US.

Millennials have gotten shit on repeatedly, between the housing crisis, the student loan crisis (looming), and a subpar job market. They have less ties and more mobility.

Re: Millennials want a work-life balance

#15

Post by Symbiote » Thu, May 07, 2015, 10:14 PM UTC

jonawesomegreen wrote: post #6

Doesn't everyone want work-life balance? I don't think this is something restricted to millennials.

Perhaps the suggestion is the millennials are doing something about it, where previous generations didn't. It's unfortunate if they feel emigration is the only available solution.

But it's easy to say you'd like to emigrate. Actually doing so takes some dedication. Are there any statistics on that?

Re: Millennials want a work-life balance

#16

Post by toomuchtodo » Thu, May 07, 2015, 10:15 PM UTC

derefr wrote: post #13

jonawesomegreen wrote: post #6

Doesn't everyone want work-life balance? I don't think this is something restricted to millennials.

No; workaholics are plentiful, especially among startup founders. Some people, when asked what they would do with an extra ten non-burnt-out hours in the day, truly respond "get another ten hours of work done!"

Which is a fine attitude to have, as long as you don't impose it on others and work regulations don't cater to that choice.

We should not all be slaves for the minority of workaholics. I don't mind that you hustle, I'd rather have a beer at the beach with my wife, work 4 days a week, and lead a more simple life.

"The days are long but the years are short."

Re: Millennials want a work-life balance

#17

Post by npsimons » Thu, May 07, 2015, 10:23 PM UTC

jonawesomegreen wrote: post #6

Doesn't everyone want work-life balance? I don't think this is something restricted to millennials.

I think it's pretty easily explained in even just the fifth paragraph in: most bosses are baby boomers, with a stay at home spouse who takes care of household things (the "life" part of the balance), and they consider face time important. Most millenial couples OTOH are both working full time jobs, but willing to telecommute and have flexible hours, but are not permitted to, thereby leaving less time for the "life" part of that balance. It's basically a mismatch of perceptions and failure to understand what "work-life balance" actually means.

Re: Millennials want a work-life balance

#18

Post by [deleted] » Thu, May 07, 2015, 10:26 PM UTC

npsimons wrote: post #17

jonawesomegreen wrote: post #6

Doesn't everyone want work-life balance? I don't think this is something restricted to millennials.

I think it's pretty easily explained in even just the fifth paragraph in: most bosses are baby boomers, with a stay at home spouse who takes care of household things (the "life" part of the balance), and they consider face time important. Most millenial couples OTOH are both working full time jobs, but willing to telecommute and have flexible hours, but are not permitted to, thereby leaving less time for the "life" p…

[deleted]

Re: Millennials want a work-life balance

#19

Post by sandstrom » Thu, May 07, 2015, 10:27 PM UTC

chrisper wrote: post #5

MichaelCrawford wrote: post #2

I wouldn't regard myself as a "young American" as I have grey hair now. But I am considering emigrating to Europe. I've lived in Italy and in France; I'd like to go back someday. http://www.warplife.com/mdc/resume/ if you have a job for me there. Germany would be cool too, I studied German in high school.

Do you think there are enough tech jobs in Europe? Because I am from Europe, but studying in the US. Considering going back after I am done here, but many people say the tech scene here is a lot better.

There is a huge shortage in the nordic countries. Quite a lot of people move here (1/4 or more in some companies are from abroad). If you speak good english you'll get by easily.

There is a social benefit to learning the local language, but not necessary for getting hired (i.e. no need to know the language in advance).

I think northern European countries are doing pretty well, but the southern ones get most of the headlines, because they are in trouble. I.e. as long as you move to a well-functioning, growing country the outlook is great.

Re: Millennials want a work-life balance

#20

Post by taco_emoji » Thu, May 07, 2015, 10:29 PM UTC

dang wrote: post #4

Please don't editorialize titles when submitting stories to HN. (Submitted title was "40% of young Americans considering emigrating due to work-life balance concerns".) https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html

I don't see how quoting a statistic from the article is "editorializing"...