Maybe it really is socialism kills entrepreneurial spirit. If you can be an artist or a 35hr/wk public servant and live well, why bother being an entrepreneur?
I think one issue is places like Vail, PC, Tahoe are already spread out. Going there on vacation doesn't feel special at all, just feels like you're in some generic suburb. Places like Tremblant are nicer as there is a compact walkable town where all the buildings are 5 stories tall.
I quite like the rules in the Tirol - you can only own property if you live there. No second homes, no big hotels, no renting out houses. Just small owner operated hotels and locals.
If you have the opportunity to work in the US definitely do it. Its a great change from Europe, esp if you like business & tech. Once you're here Europe really feels like its heading for relegation.
After that I'm not so sure, we got citizenship and now feels a bit like a trap. I like the land, people and climate (though too hot) but it seems a bit shallow and corporate. A lot of people from other parts of the world make huge sacrifices to bring their kids here to the land of opportunity, I worry there is too much materialistic reward and not enough culture.
Interestingly dont have a problem with the inequality, I think the rich here are almost to be pitied working non-stop to buy an even bigger 2nd house and a more luxurious car? I'm not even sure why they do it.
Perhaps I did suggest principal level isn't worth it. Most of my friends have taken the first 10-20 years off the resume - or have dramatically shrunk it.
I think low expectations is the best outlook. After 35 you're less desirable, sure you have experience but its not with the things employers are looking for. Eg right now the hot skills are tech that's only been around for 5 years, so you dont have any advantage over a 30 year old. Its worth doing some management jobs but they generally suck, my view is to keep as IC and just be happy with getting paid less than you used to make. If you are less fussy on money there are more choices out there. If you want more money get a side hustle.
Yes people will tell you can be pricipal dev or whatever but the pyramid narrows quickly, its only for people who are really good tech and people wise. That might be you but most devs assume they'll get there when they wont.
Well I live near Newark and currently there are a bunch of boats there that came from Asia in a month, via Suez & Panama. Its much more efficient than trucking across the whole country.