[quantumofalpha]

Money can buy you financial freedom, more holidays than you'd know what to do with, good place to live almost anywhere in the world, trust fund for your heirs and all that other stuff you mention. Good money - the kind you can reasonably fast and predictably accumulate in California today, say ~decade at FAANG, but have near 0% shot at reaching in Europe. To me being able to retire in 30s and have a lifetime to yourself, own pursuits and family is much more enticing than a lifetime of neverending 9 to 5 grind no matter how chill it is and how much parental leave they give (it can't beat ∞). But indeed generally Europe is a better place for the less successful/lucky. Not everyone is ambitious and lucky enough to make it in the US, especially outside tech. Good thing capital is mobile, you/your kids don't have to stay in the US forever once you've reached your target.