[jcarrano]

From my experience in Germany exclusively (after being half a year in the US). I can't speak for other countries, which may have friendlier visas for contractors working for foreign companies (like Portugal).

- The salary issue you are already aware. - Germany is pretty straightforward for visas/permits, meaning the requirements are clear and if you fill them, you are in, no arbitrariness. - Companies don't need to do anything related to the visa (though many don't know that). You apply yourself once you have a contract and is pretty easy. There's also a work search visa for people with your experience level. - Last time I had to deal with the immigration office they were taking so long I had to pay a lawyer to expedite the process. - The Germans have a much more relaxed attitude to work. The stats I read said 30 avg sick days per year, which wouldn't surprise me. At my last job there was always someone either sick or on holidays. On the other hand I had a supervisor who every Friday after noon would go grab a beer and bring me another one. - Here was the first time in my life that I had time for real side-projects. - I have 10yoe and had been out of a job for the last year. Friends in other industries also had difficulties. IDK whether it is because of my specific skills or the not-so-good economic situation. - German culture is quite credentialist. This is in contrast to US culture (I guess anglo-saxon in general?) which I feel is a more pragmatic "show me what you can do". - Contractor work is not straightforward. You have to have your main clients in Germany to apply for a freelance visa. Once you are a permanent resident it is easier, but there are laws related to disguised employment contracts. In general everything related to laws and taxes is more convoluted.

My main concern would be the medium and long term outlook, mainly economic but social too. As someone else mentioned, the economy has been stagnant for years, not really growing since 2008. One has to wonder why, given the good infrastructure, huge integrated market, qualified workforce, and lower salaries and cost of living, which would be a competitive advantage, you see the US decidedly in the lead in the tech industry. This is not so much of an issue if you're not here for the long run, though.