job (i.e. working over normal 40h /week) which pays a fortune. Bulgaria, Lithuania, and other post-soviet countries: long and paid maternity leave was the traditional family support in all east european socialist countries. This cannot be taken easily from workers even after reforms, and nordic countries have learned that it is a good way to keep people happy. I lived and worked in several countries. All have pluses and minuses. My conclusion is that one can live well in almost any country if you look after yourself and familiar with the system. You survive if you know the rules of the game and stay healthy. Do sports, eat healthy, enjoy life, and you will be happy in any country. Good luck!