[globnomulous]

I almost relocated to Copenhagen for an SWE job a few years ago. I found it incredibly difficult to do the kinds of calculations you're doing, partly because there were non-financial factors that affected my financial calculations, and I had no way to project or predict what the outcome would be:

Would I receive citizenship, if I wanted it? If not, how much would I set myself back in the USA for retirement by paying into the Danish system? Currently the US and Denmark have some tax arrangements that slightly ameliorate this problem, but would I really want to stake my future on the durability and reliability of these agreements?

Would I have access to the prescription drugs I need? Fun fact: I wouldn't. Denmark's medical system generally will not prescribe Adderall for ADHD. They prescribe Ritalin, which doesn't work for me and causes me awful bouts of rage.

Just FYI, as far as I'm aware, you will not be able to get a FAANG job and then just pick up and move to another country. I know for a fact it wouldn't be permitted at my FAANG-ish company, for reasons having to do with tax law, employment law, and company policies regarding benefits and pay scale. And I'm not saying that my company would dock your pay but permit it. I'm saying they'd wish you luck and terminate your job. The only time it's a possibility, I think, is when you've been at the company for a while and your manager is willing to go to bat for you. But even then there's no guarantee that the company will accept the arrangement.

[jijijijij]

> Denmark's medical system generally will not prescribe Adderall for ADHD.

Not sure about Denmark, but at least in Germany immediate release stims for adults are not covered/approved. Neither methylphenidate, nor amphetamine. However, both are covered as extended release formulations (e.g. Medikinet/Ritalin adult, Elvanse adult). And both can be prescribed as IR, or XR privately, which means you have to pay for it yourself (e.g. ~20€ per for 50 pills Ritalin).

[globnomulous]

That would make much more sense, though if I got this wrong at the time, then I suppose my mistake further illustrates how difficult it was for me to plan for the move (I even reached out to the Danish health service). Alternatively, maybe I'm incompetent or have a terrible memory.

[jijijijij]

I think the general sentiment is correct, as the US is, for better or worse, much more laissez faire about prescribing and approving certain medications, like opiates and psychotropics. Which means, if something less common works best for you, there is a chance you won't get it in Europe, or at least it's not accepted as first-line medication.

Generally, if a medication is available on the market (can be purchased by pharmacies), a doctor can usually prescribe it to you privately ("off-label" etc). However, this implies they are accepting legal liability, if things go wrong. E.g. an ADHD psychiatrist may prescribe immediate release methylphenidate to an adult, but probably wouldn't take the risk of abuse with IR amphetamine, or "experiment" with "newer" drugs like guanfacine, which is not approved for ADHD in Europe. It's mostly a mentality difference tho, I think.

Another thing is, finding a psychiatrist knowledgeable in ADHD in adults may be a painful process to begin with. Depending on where you are your options may be very limited and if the doc is an idiot you may be stuck with them for the moment (depends heavily on the country). Smaller medical issues can be a bit bothersome with socialized healthcare processes, but it's really paying off when you become seriously sick, or unemployed. And of course, in Europe you got more leisure time, so you have more opportunities to break your legs hiking ;)