As an American who much prefers life in the Netherlands to life in the US, I must admit the growing frustration at the pay difference... it's almost enough to make me go back home.
My impression is that with remote work this is changing. There are a lot of opportunities for working remotely with better salaries than in The Netherlands. Of course, it's not for everyone.
That said, I'd always take a cut for working in a nicer, friendly company where I can make a difference. I'd rather make a decent wage with work that I enjoy over an extravagant wage over something that I hate. Bonus points if I can work on FLOSS software.
> I'd rather make a decent wage with work that I enjoy over an extravagant wage over something that I hate.
I don't think this point of view holds up, really. When the pay difference is 10x, it's hard to conceive that working 10 years at a nice job has better utility than working 1 year at a not-so-nice job and spending the other 9 years at one's leisure.
It sure does. Putting up with a year of a not-so-nice job sounds much more mentally draining than 10 years of a job you're happy with. A good job can provide you with other things than just compensation.
Unless the 10 year job gives fulfillment. Eg. I currently feel extremely happy/lucky to get paid for similar work as what I’d do as a hobby. It’s energizing. Plus the company is very nice.
My impression is that with remote work this is changing. There are a lot of opportunities for working remotely with better salaries than in The Netherlands. Of course, it's not for everyone.
That said, I'd always take a cut for working in a nicer, friendly company where I can make a difference. I'd rather make a decent wage with work that I enjoy over an extravagant wage over something that I hate. Bonus points if I can work on FLOSS software.