It always seems that others are better: the neighbor's grass is greener, the car is cooler, the children are smarter, etc. We used to think that life in Russia is difficult and bleak. However, a little comparison of the facts will show that not everything is so bad.
How they work in the USA
America's enviable standard of living has more than just a festive side to it. To achieve the "American dream" or just live with dignity, you need to be a workaholic.
Having three jobs and practically living on them is normal for Americans. Expats have a hard time finding good high-paying jobs at first, so they work long hours a day to pay the bills.
In America, life is not only comfortable, but also expensive. When a person is forced to leave work for 3-5 months, it is easy for him to slide down to the level of a homeless person.
How to relax
As a rule, people prefer to work, but there are also holidays and weekends in the US. Everything will depend on the company and state. For example, Texas law does not specify a specific number of days off, there is only a recommendation for employers - "within reason". This is beneficial for both the employee and management.because America loves extra billable hours.
Americans prefer to relax in the family circle, walking in parks or sitting in restaurants and cafes. Celebrating national holidays is also customary in the family, with the invitation of guests.
Weekend road trips in the US are the choice of most citizens, as they can enjoy the outdoors or travel short distances for a reasonable price.
Official holidays
There are not many official paid holidays in the US:
Independence Day - July 4th. On this day in 1776, the American colonies adopted a declaration of independence from the British king and government, and the name "United" was first used. People love this holiday, because on weekends in the USA, fireworks, parades, fairs, and outdoor recreation are organized on this occasion
- Day of Remembrance for American Warriors Who Ever Died. Celebrated on the last Monday in May. On this day, flags are lowered until 12 noon, and people honor the dead by visiting memorials and cemeteries.
- Thanksgiving is celebrated every fourth Thursday in November. This holiday is rooted in a distant history, when the first settlers, with the help of the Indians, received an unprecedented harvest in harsh natural conditions. On this day, prayers of gratitude to God were offered at a large table. Now the religious connotation of the holiday has faded, and thanks are expressed to everyone: parents, friends, etc. Gastronomic traditions have been preserved:obligatory dishes on the table - turkey in cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie as symbols of prosperity.
- Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25, is the most beloved holiday in the United States. Three days are considered days off: from 24 to 26 December. Although the symbol of the holiday has Christian roots, representatives of all religious denominations celebrate this day with great pleasure. This holiday is considered a family holiday and is similar to the Russian New Year. Families and their friends gather at a richly laid table, Christmas trees are lit and gifts are distributed. There are many illuminations everywhere, Santa Clauses in supermarkets distribute gifts to children, mini-performances based on stories from the Bible are held in squares and schools, and choirs sing Christmas carols.
New Year, which is celebrated on January 1st. In some companies in the United States, January 2 is considered a public holiday and is also paid. New Year is not as popular as Christmas, 72% of Americans celebrate it
On other holidays, organizations, at their discretion, can make days off and paid for their employees.
Vacations
Vacations also have their own national identity. The number of days may depend on the number of years worked in the company, seniority and state laws. Every fifth company provides vacation at its own expense. In America, a typical situation is when an employee does not take a vacation for several years in a row, otherwise you can earn the disapproval of colleagues.
The vacation that Americans allow themselves lasts about a week. Vacation planning starts long beforethe rest itself. It is customary to spend the weekend in the US without going abroad. 70% of Americans spend their holidays traveling around the country by car. Visiting national parks, museums, historical sites, people aim not only to relax, but also to broaden their horizons.
Compare
In Russia and in the USA, public holidays differ as follows:
- The number of official holidays in the year for Russians is more and is 14 days, for Americans it is two times less.
- The minimum guaranteed paid vacation in Russia is 28 calendar days. In America, to get that many days off, you need to work at the company for at least 10 years. And it will be completely incomprehensible for Americans to have a paid vacation of 56 calendar days, which is provided to teachers in our country.
- Unlike Americans, Russians have one of the main holidays New Year, which can be celebrated ten days in a row without losing wages.
As the proverb says: "Everywhere is good, where we are not." Sometimes we need to appreciate what we have, and not look around. As some emigrants joke, it would be ideal to live like in America and work like in Russia. Every medal has a reverse side.