Heartily seconding this. There’s a big world out there in the business of software outside the software business. It’s far from homogenous. I’d also add that t

Heartily seconding this. There’s a big world out there in the business of software outside the software business. It’s far from homogenous. I’d also add that the main difference between US and Europe is that here you will take home a lot more money (much higher salary and much lower taxes) and in Europe you’ll have that more relaxed, less intense atmosphere (but the lower salary and high taxes to match). You’re competing directly with, for instance, the Romanian developers some US companies are outsourcing to for cost reasons. In the US you’re expected to meet your own emotional needs by application of money to the problem (for some I assume that’s easier than for others). The happiest people in the American system find ways to do that such as taking ample time off and pursuing their expensive hobbies. (I haven’t worked in Europe but this is what I’ve gathered - salary and tax data is pretty easy to find though so I’m reasonably confident in these modest assertions.)