Quality of Life
Austrians are among the healthiest and happiest people on the planet. Their standard of living has no parallels. Austria has a myriad of features that make the country unique and the most sought after for permanent/temporary residence. From the natural beauty of the alpines to the air quality, from healthcare to the public transportation system, from education to the stunning scenic tourist destinations, Austria is a wholesome package, a piece of heaven on Earth.
Austria is packed with tourist destinations. In summers as well as winters the country hosts tons of tourists from around the world. In winters, the country offers some of the finest spaces for skiing, snowboarding, and other snowy events.
In summers, strolls at the lakes, and slow afternoons in the alpine wilderness create some of the best memories tourists may retain for the rest of their lives. Hiking, biking, and strolling aimlessly, seeping in the architectural wonderment of the cities, or admiring the awe-inspiring beauty of mountains, lakes, and a plethora of flowers scattered everywhere is a breathtaking experience.
Life as an expat
Life as an expatriate in Austria can be amazing, however, there are a few downsides too. To start with to assimilate into the Austrian social life, one must know the German language quite well, as it is the official language. Austrians in general take their own time warming up to newcomers, it takes patience and consistency to win their trust. Once they get to know the person, he/she will find Austrians very neighborly and caring and can develop a lifelong friendship.
Secondly, the high standard of living comes at a premium price. A major portion of one’s income may go to service the government taxes, leaving very little dispensable income at hand. Similarly, the house rentals are more than anywhere in Europe. Usually ranging between 300 to 900 Euros depending on the locality, rentals have a significant impact on expats. Having said that, most of the time, salaries have a built-in provision for tax, health insurance, and other sundry expenditures, also there is no minimum wage in the country.
Working in Austria
Working in Austria is a joyful experience. Generally, the citizens have an outstanding work-life balance. From evenings till late night, cities come alive with activities. Bars, theaters, dance floors, etc., host lively crowds of youngsters, while old-age people are seen strolling alongside the riverbank, in parks, or the shopping areas.
Austria ranks 2nd on the Family Life Index, the country indeed is an ideal place to raise a family. The income averages are lower than other European countries comparatively. The main reason behind this is that the country does not have a minimum wage set by the government. Salaries are defined and vary from person to person. Two persons of the same expertise in the same field, but hired by different employers may not be getting the same wage.
If a person is moving to Austria to secure a job, he/she must consult the local placement centers before arriving. Austria has very labor-centric laws in place, which means that blue-collar employees are safeguarded completely. Secondly, the lack of indigenous labor makes it easier to find a suitable job in a short time. Construction, tourism, healthcare, hospitality, etc. offer plenty of expert and blue-collar jobs an expat can choose from.
As mentioned earlier, Austria due to its stable economy, business opportunities, and abundance of financial resources allow the employers to keep the working hours very reasonable. Most of the businesses have 40 hours work week, and that too may be negotiated with relaxed hours of one’s choice, provided such is viable for the business.
