Christine Drews Sieger
A Polish author says the reality of life in America is far different from the dream many foreigners imagine.
For many people, the United States still appears to be a land of great opportunities for both work and personal development.
However, according to the website of Polish author Magda Żelazowska, life in the country also comes with a number of challenges.
She describes how many foreigners encounter a reality that differs significantly from the image of the American Dream. Economic factors, in particular, play a prominent role in her assessment.
According to the author, many essential everyday services require a much greater personal financial commitment than in many European countries, Onet reports.
High Bills
Healthcare costs are among the issues that, according to Żelazowska, surprise many newcomers.
Health insurance can cost substantial amounts each month, and lacking coverage can result in significant medical bills.
Education is also described as a major financial investment. According to the author, many students choose to finance their studies through loans, which they continue repaying long after graduation.
Families with young children may also face financial pressure from private childcare arrangements, which often cost several thousand dollars per month, according to Onet.
Working Life and Security
Żelazowska also highlights that the social safety net in the labor market is often less extensive than in much of Europe.
She also describes a society in which a car is often a necessity, as public transportation outside the largest cities can be limited.
In addition, the author cites gun-related crime as a factor affecting many Americans’ sense of security, according to Onet.
Her conclusion is that everyday life in the United States can look quite different from the image many foreigners encounter through films, the media, and popular culture.
The Numbers Support the Criticism
Several of the challenges highlighted by Magda Żelazowska are also reflected in official U.S. studies.
According to the Federal Reserve’s report on the economic well-being of U.S. households, around one in five adults in the United States had student loan debt in 2024, and many borrowers expect to continue repaying these loans for decades.
The report also shows that a significant share of the population would struggle to cover an unexpected expense of just a few hundred dollars without borrowing money or selling possessions.
At the same time, the United States differs from many European countries in that it has no federally mandated paid vacation or paid parental leave.
According to several analyses, the combination of high healthcare, education, and childcare costs means that many Americans face financial insecurity, even when they have steady jobs and stable incomes.
Sources: zelazowska.pl, Onet, Federal Reserve
