Working abroad - where in Europe?

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shnaek

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Where would you choose to work in Europe if it wasn't going to be Ireland, and what are the reasons for your choice?

I have friends working in the UK (language was an issue, along with more work in fashion, entertainment and journalism), Holland (got a great job and stayed there because they loved the lifestyle), Denmark (only there a year but thinks Copenhagen is a really well run, clean, safe city. Moved there for a job) and Belgium (moved there for work and ended up staying three years. Enjoys the Irish scene over there).

I have worked in Germany myself, and I really enjoyed living over there. I never had a car - I didn't need one as public transport was amazing. I enjoyed being able to grab a beer at any time, day or night. The German's were very friendly, and the work was well paid. The pubs weren't quite as good as over here, and you can't beat the Irish scenery - though there are some amazing places in Germany where the mountains and lakes are as beautiful as anywhere in the world. The only trouble is you are generally always far from the sea. Tax is higher alright, but boy do you get value for money. Property is a lot cheaper.

If you were going to go to Europe for a few years to ride out the storm, where would you go?
 
Here are my choices, and the first probably not too much of a surprise. Just to note I am fluent in German and work in the IT industry:
1) Switzerland: mainly for tax and economic reasons. Have two friends who moved there, one German working in IT and one Irish working as a teacher who went back after coming home to Ireland for 2 years and just couldn't justify exposing his family to the Irish health care and eduction system (his words not mine)
2) Belgium: good chance of an overpaid low tax EU job. Friend of mine moved over about 2 years ago into a job for the EU. It is ridiculous what the EU pay in wages and benefits while at the same time getting a lower tax rate than other people in the private sector do.
3) Germany: Probably somewhere towards Munich. Bavaria was relatively unaffected economically after reunification. Great weather in the summer and close ski resorts in the winter
4) Portugal: I love Lisbon and the weather and the people. Other than that it has all the government and economic problems as Ireland.
5) UK: Have quite a few friends all over the UK who have not had much trouble finding enough work (majority in IT)

Outside Europe:
1) Hong Kong/Singapore: High wages, low tax and plenty of job opportunities
2) Australia/Canada: solid economies, but I don't know how much work there would be for me

Here's to hoping I won't be taxed out of the country. I see this being more of a likelihood than for lack of employment.
 
1) Munich - same reasons as stated by Chris. Multicultural city where most of population can speak english (and want to), so language not as big an issue as you think. Good social scene.
2) London - only part of the UK I'd go to. As its a large International city, there will always be opportunities. And theres lots to do/things of interest. Rest of UK will be hit very hard with cutbacks over next few years.
3) Monaco - only if I was rich enough (no chance in the current climate).
 
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