The American dream has been dead for at least a decade. The days when you work hard and could comfortably provide for your family has been slowly fading away. That doesn’t apply to a vast majority of Americans anymore. The election proved how desperate people are to believe anything can be done to go back, but they probably going to end up sorely disappointed.
One thing I learned about life is that you have to evolve or get left behind. Big business doesn't care about your dreams. I've watched so many people work all their lives to end up with nothing, so sad.
The American Dream is very much alive in my humble opinion. I feel comfortable saying that because there are still a great many people leaving their home country for the U.S. because of the opportunities it provides. There are financial and economic opportunities, and most importantly, the Freedom to pursue your dream. I am the son of immigrants, and I, along with my sister, have lived the dream.
Thanks Fred. You are correct housing is wayyyyyyyy too expensive for most people even renting plus in my opinion the health care in the US is a joke and a very bad one at that. It is dead but, it isnt if you can find other ways to make money like investing, not going into debt, and cutting your costs as much as you can. Taking it portable is even better.
You explain it all so well and with much thought behind your words. I’ve been thinking it’s time to learn new languages. I’ll be watching what happens after January 20,2025
Whoa! Dude...by any set of objective criteria, things in the US are still excellent. Sure things are expensive. Sure taxes are high. Sure there are plenty of places around the world where you can take your dollars and stretch them farther. These things are not equal to the American dream...or any dream for that matter. If some rich guy in the US takes his money to Italy or France to retire in a chateau that he couldn't afford in the US, is that the end of the American dream??? The same principle applies if you are a retired teacher or cop. Prices rise wherever you live in the world. Income drops wherever you retire in the world. While our taxes seem high at 24%, the fact is that you get a lot in return. 95% of those things are things you take for granted. Like you, I plan to retire in a place where my dollar goes further. At the same time I know that a lot of those things I take for granted in the US won't be there. The question is if I can live without them. In some cases the answer will be no. In other cases, it'll be yes. It will be different for everyone. Example: Colombia has low costs, great health care, and lots of fun things to do. But, can I live with the crime, the food, and the language barrier? Do bad roads and unlit streets bother me? Am I comfortable not being near a police station and not being able to communicate to an EMT? While the hospitals are good, can I deal with the fact that they aren't as polished as those in the US? If I was one of those people who gets annoyed in the US when service providers can't speak English, will I be any happier in another country where English is not spoken? Can you feel comfy eating foods in places with NO safety inspections? Or, drinking water with uncertain treatment? And, on and on and on. It depends on the person. Having worked all over the world for over 35 years, I can personally tell you that the life of an expat isn't for everyone. This past week, one of my retirement dreams was shattered. For years I've been seriously considering retirement in Valencia, Spain. In the past week, this lovely place experienced disastrous floods, in which people were killed. Lower costs and taxes are great, but when they translate to no preparation and resources for disaster recovery, there is no net advantage. FEMA is one of those things we take for granted, as is the Army Corps of Engineers, National Guard crisis assistance, and Presidential disaster aid. If I had bought a home in Valencia, I would have none of this. The point is that everything has trade offs. We as Americans are also spoiled. While I still plan to retire abroad, I also intend to be very careful. As for the American Dream, there are still millions of people from around the world who are begging to get in and be a part of it. There are also the majority of Americans who wouldn't go anywhere else, even with the issues you mentioned. The Dream is doing just fine. Another great video.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment and the great perspective! I completely agree that the "American Dream" means something different to everyone. I think you do have to weigh what you're willing to tolerate and navigate. Over here I've found the balance in the healthcare system. I pay a little more to go to a hospital where English is spoken, still at a fraction of the cost back in the states. It does take a big picture approach. I appreciate your perspective.
Couldn’t agree with you more. At the end of the day YOU are responsible for your own dream and it primarily comes down to the choices you make in life.
The American dream has been dead for at least a decade. The days when you work hard and could comfortably provide for your family has been slowly fading away. That doesn’t apply to a vast majority of Americans anymore. The election proved how desperate people are to believe anything can be done to go back, but they probably going to end up sorely disappointed.
One thing I learned about life is that you have to evolve or get left behind. Big business doesn't care about your dreams. I've watched so many people work all their lives to end up with nothing, so sad.
@@farawayfred802 yes!
Yep, couldn’t agree more. Move to Thailand and build your tribe! Nicely put Fred.❤
The American Dream is very much alive in my humble opinion. I feel comfortable saying that because there are still a great many people leaving their home country for the U.S. because of the opportunities it provides. There are financial and economic opportunities, and most importantly, the Freedom to pursue your dream. I am the son of immigrants, and I, along with my sister, have lived the dream.
Thoughtful Fred. It's much the same in the UK
That's what I'm hearing from my friends over here as well. Thank you.
Thanks Fred. You are correct housing is wayyyyyyyy too expensive for most people even renting plus in my opinion the health care in the US is a joke and a very bad one at that. It is dead but, it isnt if you can find other ways to make money like investing, not going into debt, and cutting your costs as much as you can. Taking it portable is even better.
Well stated! It is about reevaluating and taking a different approach. Thank you.
The Australian dream also died years ago but got a lot worse faster since the pandemic. 😔
Thanks for dropping in. I think it has in a lot of countries. I'm just glad there are options.
You explain it all so well and with much thought behind your words. I’ve been thinking it’s time to learn new languages. I’ll be watching what happens after January 20,2025
It's dead for 50 years!
Wish I could retire now. 😢
Its dead
It's dead.
Whoa! Dude...by any set of objective criteria, things in the US are still excellent. Sure things are expensive. Sure taxes are high. Sure there are plenty of places around the world where you can take your dollars and stretch them farther. These things are not equal to the American dream...or any dream for that matter. If some rich guy in the US takes his money to Italy or France to retire in a chateau that he couldn't afford in the US, is that the end of the American dream??? The same principle applies if you are a retired teacher or cop. Prices rise wherever you live in the world. Income drops wherever you retire in the world. While our taxes seem high at 24%, the fact is that you get a lot in return. 95% of those things are things you take for granted. Like you, I plan to retire in a place where my dollar goes further. At the same time I know that a lot of those things I take for granted in the US won't be there. The question is if I can live without them. In some cases the answer will be no. In other cases, it'll be yes. It will be different for everyone. Example: Colombia has low costs, great health care, and lots of fun things to do. But, can I live with the crime, the food, and the language barrier? Do bad roads and unlit streets bother me? Am I comfortable not being near a police station and not being able to communicate to an EMT? While the hospitals are good, can I deal with the fact that they aren't as polished as those in the US? If I was one of those people who gets annoyed in the US when service providers can't speak English, will I be any happier in another country where English is not spoken? Can you feel comfy eating foods in places with NO safety inspections? Or, drinking water with uncertain treatment? And, on and on and on. It depends on the person. Having worked all over the world for over 35 years, I can personally tell you that the life of an expat isn't for everyone. This past week, one of my retirement dreams was shattered. For years I've been seriously considering retirement in Valencia, Spain. In the past week, this lovely place experienced disastrous floods, in which people were killed. Lower costs and taxes are great, but when they translate to no preparation and resources for disaster recovery, there is no net advantage. FEMA is one of those things we take for granted, as is the Army Corps of Engineers, National Guard crisis assistance, and Presidential disaster aid. If I had bought a home in Valencia, I would have none of this. The point is that everything has trade offs. We as Americans are also spoiled. While I still plan to retire abroad, I also intend to be very careful. As for the American Dream, there are still millions of people from around the world who are begging to get in and be a part of it. There are also the majority of Americans who wouldn't go anywhere else, even with the issues you mentioned. The Dream is doing just fine. Another great video.
Thanks for the thoughtful comment and the great perspective! I completely agree that the "American Dream" means something different to everyone.
I think you do have to weigh what you're willing to tolerate and navigate. Over here I've found the balance in the healthcare system. I pay a little more to go to a hospital where English is spoken, still at a fraction of the cost back in the states. It does take a big picture approach. I appreciate your perspective.
Couldn’t agree with you more. At the end of the day YOU are responsible for your own dream and it primarily comes down to the choices you make in life.
Holy paragraph, Batman.
wrong time