Yes...it is interesting reading all the responses and opinions in this thread! Everyone has their own priorities and experiences in life and they deserve the right to be the way the want to be. Since we ARE moving to NZ, I am adopting the policy of 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do'My observations during my short trip to Chch in February were made in comparison to life like I know it here in the US. Gasoline is $2.79 a gallon (and we are complaining about how expensive it is!), food is cheaper, clothing and cars are a lot cheaper, income tax is 15% and our 1,900 square foot home with a screened pool cost us US$127,000 six years ago. Of course, houses in NY City would be much more etc. Not everything in the US is wonderful....some people have to work more than one job to make ends meet. Until I got married just five years ago (I am pushing 49) I had 4 jobs AND I have a graduate degree. I am self-employed and everytime I got sick, it would cost at least $250 to see the doctor and get drugs. Being self-employed also meant paying double social security taxes (30%).
The reason why I mentioned waiters being paid a decent wage is because in the US they are paid close to nothing, making most of their money on tips. So, even for those who are willing to work hard here in the US, it can sometimes be a challenge.