{"id":2405,"date":"2024-03-17T04:41:28","date_gmt":"2024-03-17T04:41:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/relocate.me\/blog\/?p=2405"},"modified":"2025-04-29T16:55:41","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T16:55:41","slug":"software-engineer-work-life-balance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/relocate.me\/blog\/working-abroad\/software-engineer-work-life-balance\/","title":{"rendered":"Software Engineer Work-Life Balance: USA vs EU"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 5<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n

For most of the software engineering community there are two distinct paths. Either working and living in Europe (UK included) or the United States<\/a>. These locations seem to be the most discussed among people within these markets and job seekers from abroad. The United States is obviously known for higher salaries<\/a> and Big Tech while Europe, is a little more modest and focuses on cultural heratige, safety and security.<\/span><\/p>\n

To answer this question posed (which is better), we\u2019ve decided to measure up the work-life balance<\/a> of each location. Aside from salary, work-life balance is probably the <\/span>second most important factor<\/span><\/a> for developers considering a new role. We are going to compare, in detail, three aspects of the working world to discover where software engineers have the best work-life balance. So if work-life weighs heavily in your decision-making process, then read on!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Number of hours dedicated to work<\/span><\/h2>\n

Let’s start with something basic but fundamental: the average number of hours dedicated to work. Of course, this may vary depending on the company, the state, or the European country in question, but some things remain constant that make up the final result: legal limits and culture.<\/span><\/p>\n

Average working hours<\/strong><\/p>\n