[protastus]

Americans work much longer hours than Germans.

The business culture of the SF tech scene demands long hours and intensity that most Europeans cannot imagine, having not lived in the environment.

American wages come with sacrifice.

[RealityVoid]

Hah, that sounds like a lie you tell yourself. As if Germans are unable to work long hours and with intensity. But doing so will not increase the salary you get anyways. It _is_ dictated by the local market.

[IdiocyInAction]

Working hard like that isn't really rewarded working for software in Germany, which is why people don't do it as much. If you work hard as a lawyer in Germany, you might make partner or something, which is why lawyers are prepared to do a lot of hours. If you work hard in software, you just get more work.

And there are actually plenty of crappy jobs with overtime in Germany too. Lower pay does not always mean less expectations.

[pjmlp]

Anyone that wants to slave themselves in Germany is able to do so by going freelancing.

You can work as hard as you feel like, charging generous hourly rates.

Just don't be surprised when big corp decides to consolidate external contractors into more well known contracting companies, delivering from Eastern Europe or Asia.