Hayley Domin, a British expat living on the East Coast of the United States for the past 20 years, has found herself torn between the opportunities and challenges of American work culture. While she is grateful for the doors that have opened for her in the US, she admits that she has never fully adjusted to the work-life balance and culture that prevails in the country.
In a recent interview with Business Insider, Domin expressed her concerns about the work culture on the East Coast, which she finds to be borderline unhealthy compared to Europe and other countries she has visited for work. She noted that work in the US seems to consume people in a way that is not seen in some European countries, where there is a clearer distinction between work and personal life.
One of the main benefits of working in the US, according to Domin, is the higher salary compared to her native UK. While the median annual salary in the UK is around $47,000, it jumps to $65,000 in the US. However, she feels that this higher salary comes at a price, as she often finds herself prioritizing work over other aspects of her life and missing out on opportunities outside of the office.
Despite her efforts to maintain a healthy work-life balance by not answering emails outside of work hours, Domin still feels the pressure to be constantly available to her colleagues. She has tried to promote a better work-life balance in her office by encouraging colleagues to take breaks and connect outside of work, but has had little success in changing the prevailing culture.
This disconnect extends beyond the workplace for Domin, as she finds it challenging to form genuine connections with people in her community. She notes that in Boston, where she lives, people rarely engage in conversations on the streets, making it difficult for her to feel a sense of belonging.
While Domin appreciates many aspects of American culture and the outgoing nature of its people, she often finds herself yearning for simplicity and true connections. After every trip abroad, she struggles to return to the US and is considering moving to a place with a stronger sense of community where she can find the connections she craves.
In the meantime, Domin remains committed to being a cheerleader for work-life balance in her office, hoping to show her colleagues that there are more important things in life than just work. As she navigates the challenges of American work culture, she continues to seek a balance that allows her to thrive both professionally and personally.
