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> Expats who come to The Netherlands generally earn a lot. Not in the last place because they are highly subsidized by not having to pay any taxes over 30% of

> Expats who come to The Netherlands generally earn a lot. Not in the last place because they are highly subsidized by not having to pay any taxes over 30% of their salary. In return for that, they post not very insightful comments like this on HN. Mocking people's mental issues in public literally costs lives. Hope the thread starter realizes that somewhere.

stevesimmons 7y ago
You suggest I lack perspective. I worked in the Netherlands for 6 years as a start-up founder, as a management consultant to Dutch companies and the Dutch subsidiaries of international companies, and was on the management team of a business unit of one of the big Dutch banks during a major takeover. I can compare that to my working experience in Australia, UK, and the US. I have also worked in France and New Zealand. I love the Dutch way of life (it is the closest I have found in Europe to my native Australia) and I am nearly fluent in their language. My partner, who is native Dutch, also had time off for burnout. In his case, following bullying by a partner at a top-tier US law firm. So I understand the context, understand very well that some people have genuine reasons for stepping back from work, and also understand that accepting burnout too readily gives some people an easy way to simply have a paid holiday.
- the-dude 7y ago
  So you do empathize with your partner's burnout, but all others are paid holidays? How do you square that?
- miken123 7y ago
  I'm not suggesting you lack perspective. I am suggesting you are in no position to judge other people's problems as you are not a qualified healthcare psychologist. In denying other people's issues, you are creating a toxic environment in which some people will not ask for the help they need. Also, your comment is utter nonsense when looking at the statistics. Sick leave in the Netherlands is below EU average [1] and the Netherlands have one of the lowest rates of burnout in Europe [2]. France has one of the highest rates. [1]: https://gateway.euro.who.int/en/indicators/hfa_411-2700-absenteeism-from-work-due-to-illness-days-per-employee-per-year/ https://gateway.euro.who.int/en/indicators/hfa_411-2700-abse... [2]: https://www.wilmarschaufeli.nl/publications/Schaufeli/500.pdf https://www.wilmarschaufeli.nl/publications/Schaufeli/500.pd...

stevesimmons 7y ago

You suggest I lack perspective. I worked in the Netherlands for 6 years as a start-up founder, as a management consultant to Dutch companies and the Dutch subsidiaries of international companies, and was on the management team of a business unit of one of the big Dutch banks during a major takeover. I can compare that to my working experience in Australia, UK, and the US. I have also worked in France and New Zealand. I love the Dutch way of life (it is the closest I have found in Europe to my native Australia) and I am nearly fluent in their language. My partner, who is native Dutch, also had time off for burnout. In his case, following bullying by a partner at a top-tier US law firm. So I understand the context, understand very well that some people have genuine reasons for stepping back from work, and also understand that accepting burnout too readily gives some people an easy way to simply have a paid holiday.

the-dude 7y ago
So you do empathize with your partner's burnout, but all others are paid holidays? How do you square that?
miken123 7y ago
I'm not suggesting you lack perspective. I am suggesting you are in no position to judge other people's problems as you are not a qualified healthcare psychologist. In denying other people's issues, you are creating a toxic environment in which some people will not ask for the help they need. Also, your comment is utter nonsense when looking at the statistics. Sick leave in the Netherlands is below EU average [1] and the Netherlands have one of the lowest rates of burnout in Europe [2]. France has one of the highest rates. [1]: https://gateway.euro.who.int/en/indicators/hfa_411-2700-absenteeism-from-work-due-to-illness-days-per-employee-per-year/ https://gateway.euro.who.int/en/indicators/hfa_411-2700-abse... [2]: https://www.wilmarschaufeli.nl/publications/Schaufeli/500.pdf https://www.wilmarschaufeli.nl/publications/Schaufeli/500.pd...