[coenhyde]

You're right and wrong. You are right that it is hard if you are poor and easy if you are rich. But you are wrong that HN or people outside of the US do not understand that it is only hard for poor people. It's just that external to the US, people care about the welfare of poor people more. The fact that you felt it necessary to state that caveat illustrates how systemic problems which victimize poor people can be excused and remain unchanged in the US.

For context I've lived for decades in both Australia and the US. Pros and cons in both cultures, and I love both.

[opportune]

I brought it up more to illustrate that the work culture of the US is not just a result of precarious financial situations due to lack of a safety net.

[coenhyde]

I would agree that it's not entirely the result of precarious financial situations. But even in tech and other high paying sectors, I would argue it still plays a factor, even if it is unconscious. Golden handcuffs are in part evident of this. Everyone in America wants to make enough money they can retire comfortably. Which is an entirely rational thing to want to do. But other countries do have higher paying pensions, so the fear of retiring destitute is less.

Also keep in mind employer expectations are a market just like any other. You as an employee compete against others willing to go lower. If you have a portion of the population in precarious financial situations, that will still impact you somewhat as they compete for jobs indirectly with you.