Quality of life
Have you ever thought about how good is your life in
Poland? Maybe you would be better off in another country? There exists scientific
research that can help you determine objectively how your well-being would be influenced
if you have lived outside Poland. You can use the outcomes of the research to get
to know if your life would be better elsewhere without personally being there or
experience it in anyway.
The most common quality of life indicator is Human
Development Index (HDI). It was invented by an economist from Pakistan - country
where quality of life is known to be especially meager. It takes into account these factors:
life expectancy - meaning how many years statistical human being will be alive
in particular country. education index – average years spend while getting
education. More is better.
income index – calculated income level using data from Gross national income at
purchasing power parity per capita. It is similar to GDP per capita, but
instead of analyzing product made by countries economy it includes income standardised
by how much you can buy with it.
According to the map above Poland belongs to the more
prosperous part of the world.
Next quality of life indicator I want to present is Inequality-adjusted
Human Development Index (IHDI). It is modified HDI to judge countries’ achievements
more fairly by providing one more factor: cost of inequality. This factor subtract
points from three HDI’s regular factors depending on inequality between rich
and poor parts of population. Since the only mathematical operation is subtraction
of positive numbers it means that IHDI is always lower than HDI.
It is surprising that Poland doesn’t change color in the map above comparing to the first map linked in the article. It means that Poland is relatively just and fair country.
Some of the elements that had been taken into consideration in both of the indicators may not be really important for you, such as education, if you are already educated. There exists less abstract research that may conclude the topic better – Net average monthly salary (adjusted for living costs in purchasing power parity per capita). This is a list of countries that maps specific country to salary adjusted with costs of living in mind.
All of the data above describe lives of ordinary
citizen. Since most of us will be specialized computer workers these data is
not that relevant to us. Finally I want to show you list of cities where you
could earn the most as a software engineer.
In terms of net earnings, Warsaw is higher than London and many other west cities here.
Sources:
1. luxinnovation.lu/tradeandinvest/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/05/nexten_software_developers_study_europe.pdf
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_Development_Index
4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_European_countries_by_average_wage
Questions:
1. Have you considered moving to another country for better quality
of life? Which one and why?
2. Which of 4 sets of data is most relevant to you and why?
3. Do you think these sets of data are helpful in anyway or they are too artificial?
Comments
2. I believe that the Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) best shows the standard of living in a given country. If a country is very different in terms of quality of life between the poorest and richest people, it is often not a peaceful country. In my opinion, countries should strive to improve the quality of life of the poorest people because the rich have a good life anyway.
3. I think that the presented data may be useful even if they do not show the exact situation of a given country, but they bring it closer. It is best to find out what the standard of living is while living in a given place, but we cannot live in many countries at the same time, so we would not be comparable to other countries anyway.
To be honest, I am always considering moving to another country. Things are bad in Poland. Ever since Jarosław Kaczyński took power in the country, the structures of the Polish state are regularly destroyed. What makes me sad is that, first of all, Kaczynski will never be judged for what he did, the next government will not rebuild the damaged structures. I would like to move to Israel or Switzerland, I believe that these are the most interesting countries to live in.
2.Which of 4 sets of data is most relevant to you and why?
For me, as a java developer, the most important data is the earnings of developers in the city. I knew that you earn a lot in Warsaw, but I did not think that it is so high when it comes to the whole world. Thanks, a really interesting discovery 😊
3.Do you think these sets of data are helpful in anyway or they are too artificial?
It seems to me that this type of data is interesting for people. It seems to me that, apart from the standard of living, the most important issue is culture. That is, I would never want to live in a country that will be culturally very different from Poland. I would never make such a move as I would just feel uncomfortable. The data you provide do not say anything about culture and the assimilation of immigrants.
I have been both in Israel and Switzerland and they are both amazing countries. I like Switzerland for nature, bike culture and high mountains. Israel has unique feeling to it that is really hard to describe.
I also think that IHDI shows standard of living best comparing to other indicators. There are too many subjective factors IHDI doesn't include though.
Yes, I think about it from time to time in the last two years. I am sure i will go abroad but i am not sure where exactly. Mostly I thought about the USA but I considered some other places. In the last days when I talked with friends they had similar idea and we spoke about the Netherlands for example. I am not sure what it will be but I prefer a country with a nice climate and favorable conditions to start my own business.
2. Which of 4 sets of data is most relevant to you and why?
It is hard to say but i think the 4th is the most relevant for me. It shows salary, cost of living and cost of rent. There could be some more data because for example cost of living doesn't show prices. At the end it will always depend on what level of life you prefer. If you will live in the suburbs then your rent will be smaller.
3. Do you think these sets of data are helpful in anyway or they are too artificial?
I think it can be helpful at the start of choosing some country but you can't make a choice only with that. If you want to move to another country you should read more about it.
I think the third one (with the adjusted salaries for each country) is the most relevant to me. I've always perceived the country which had better salaries and reasonably low cost of living as the better. Of course, there are a lot of other factors to take into consideration, but that's my general rule of thumb. Of course, there's the option of working for a company based in a country with a better salary and living in a country with a lower cost of living. That's the most optimal choice for me. Of course to some extent, as countries with the lowest cost of living are generally poor and not very safe.
I think these sets of data are relevant and provide a good explanation and overall view of each country's traits and financial balance. Though, it's worth to make far greater research on the specific country when planning to move abroad.
Yes, I considered it, I am thinking about it from time to time. I am not sure whether consideration is the right word to use, maybe dreaming or thinking would be better, because my thoughts have never been really serious. I was thinking about few countries, among others Deutschland, Switzerland and England. English speaking country would be great option, but I think that English and basics of the official language of the new country would make me able to deal with communication with others. For now I think it is impossible, because I have plans connected with Poland and my whole family and friends live here. It is interesting option for the retirement or maybe after some time I will change my mind and I will move out somewhere, but who knows what is going to happen in the future.
2. Which of 4 sets of data is most relevant to you and why?
I think that I cannot choose the most relevant one, because I would take a lot of factors into consideration, so I think all sets of data would be useful.
3. Do you think these sets of data are helpful in anyway or they are too artificial?
I think that they are helpful, because you can compare countries using a lot of different factors, everything depends on what do you really want from the other country.
It is really cool that you are originally from New York. Do you visit your family there? I have been in New York 10 years ago, it really impressed me - especially Time's Square.
2. I don't know which dataset would be the best. I think they are all interesting. To choose one, you need a thorough analysis.
3. Of course, I think that these collections are useful. You can compute some statistics or variables with these data. Very good for analysis and prediction, e.g. in machine or deep learning.
2.It seems to me that each of them provides relevant information depending on what and how we are considering. I do not know which one is more appropriate. But if I had to make a blind pick, I would choose the second option.
3. I think they are definitely useful. They somehow reflect the real standard of living in the country, which may be useful for many people. When someone does not know where to move, and is looking for the best possible living conditions, such a set of data will definitely be useful to him.
2.It seems to me that each of them provides relevant information depending on what and how we are considering. I do not know which one is more appropriate. But if I had to make a blind pick, I would choose the second option.
3. I think they are definitely useful. They somehow reflect the real standard of living in the country, which may be useful for many people. When someone does not know where to move, and is looking for the best possible living conditions, such a set of data will definitely be useful to him.
Yes, it is totally understandable that you don't consider leaving the country with your condition.
Do you learn Japanese in our university? If not you should attend this language course. It will help you if you decide to go to Japan as you mentioned.
2. All of them are valuable, but personally, I would choose the last one. It shows the real costs and that interests me the most.
3. Yes, they seem to be helpful. You can compare many factors and choose the best option that suits you.
Finland seems like really interesting choice. I have heard that Finnish language is among toughest languages to learn as a foreigner. It certainly would demotivate me to emigrate there.
I absolutely despise mosquitos, so this is another reason no to go there.
I am considering this option to move in the future in order to benefit from a better standard of living. As for the second part of the question ... I do not have a specific country where I would like to move. Nevertheless, it would be best if the country to which I was to move had an official language that I know, it could be, for example, English. It is very important to know the language of a foreign country. Without it, it's hard to improve your standard of living. An additional factor in choosing another country to fuss about is the climate. I don't want it to be cold all the time or hot all the time. Something in between.
2. Which of 4 sets of data is most relevant to you and why?
After delving into the topic, it is still difficult for me to decide which option is the most suitable. But maybe IHDI? It's hard to say...
3.Do you think these sets of data are helpful in anyway or they are too artificial?
Of course, this data is very helpful. However, it should be remembered that these are only numbers and what is at most in the ranking does not mean that it will be best for us. It is worth to test a few places, make your own opinion on where you feel best and then make a possible decision in connection with the move... Of course, if someone has such an intention...
Very good points, but have you considered that the reason some country is too cold or hot for you is due to the fact, that you aren't used to particular weather? If you have spent some time in another country placed on different latitude you would eventually get used to the climate there.
2. I do not fully understand what date of the sets you are asking about. The arguments you presented for and against to live in certain countries? If so, neither of them, because they do not seem reliable to me.
3. None of these figures are true about the quality of life in the countries concerned. Each of us has a different perception of quality of life. One person can live on 500 euros a month with a great property in the countryside where the living costs are negligible, and the other can earn 5,000 euros a month in a big city where he can afford a pseudo-flat he calls an apartment.
Well, people that earlier responded to the second question understood correctly what I have meant. I think you didn't even read my blog post. The data sets are reliable. They are used by government agencies around the world.
Yes, I consider moving to another country. I'm still not sure where and that's the one of the many of the factors why I do travelling - because I'm still looking for the right place for me. If I had to choose now, I would pick Canada. I'm learning French, so it would be easier to accommodate. Additionally, Canada is developed country, and it offers many possibilities for engineers. And I love snow. I could stare at snow many hours and I dream of seeing the northern lights
, what could be possible there!
2. Which of 4 sets of data is most relevant to you and why?
For now the most relevant for me is an information where I could earn the best but in the future probably at the same level of importance will be indication about level of education.
3. Do you think these sets of data are helpful in anyway or they are too artificial?
In my opinion to get to know how the conditionals in some country looks like, any sets of data wouldn't be helpful. To get to know the culture and the real situation you need to go to this place and try it on yourself.
2. Truly speaking, my thoughts and feelings are the most relevant for me. I prefer to experience everything myself, rather than to trust data. Nevertheless, statistics do help some people to make some decisions.
3.I believe word “artificial” can’t be used when we are speaking about data. It’s obviously artificial, as the methods of gathering and analyzing information are artificial. Despite that, the sets of data give another perspective, which also can be helpful.
I am glad you feel well here! Are you planning to go back to Belarus someday? I see your point and indeed calling the data sets artificial is not 100% accurate.
No, I have never ever considered moving to another country for better quality of life.
In my opinion the IHDI indicator is the most meaningfull one.
I think these sets of data can be helpfull at some point, but we should approach them in a very distant way (like to almost every statistics).
In the end I'd like to move to US, where my parents currently are.
2. There is a lot of factors to consider if you want to move to another country. It's very important to feel yourself both comfortable with all the expenses as well as be able to save up money for self realization.
3. They are not artificial that's for sure. You have to get more information when you think about changing countries. The best way is to look for information on dedicated forums, where you can find it being put into the perspective by people from your country. They can raeally shine the light on expenses that may surprise you.
Is it really that easy to make a lot of money to even buy Mercedes in Ukraine? I haven't about this country as a place where you could earn so much money.
Thanks, I am glad you liked it.
Yes, many times I thought about moving out of Poland. I was considering going to London for my master's degree, but this is too expensive a country for me. I am currently thinking about going to Amsterdam or Copenhagen. I feel much better in the previously mentioned countries than in Poland. It is difficult for me to give a specific argument, I just feel like it.
2.Which of 4 sets of data is most relevant to you and why?
It’s hard to say but in my opinion, the most important data set for me is number 4. The reason for this choice is simple - it shows data about salary, cost of living, and rent. For me, this is the most important data, which everyone should know about moving to another country.
3.Do you think these sets of data are helpful in anyway or they are too artificial?
I think that these sets of data could be really helpful for people who consider moving to another country.
2. I don’t think it is possible to chose any specific one. As I said, I think that moving abroad is always about making a ‚disadvantages and advantages’ list, whether it’s on paper or in our head.
3. I believe these informations can be very helpful but I don’t think that anyone would make that decision based only on sets of data. It can obviously raise our awareness as we sometimes tend to look at some countries as paradise places.
2. I have read the book “Factfulness” by Hans Rosling. He divides the world into four levels relying on life quality, day salary, etc. For me, it’s a definitely better way to talk about life quality, because we can’t depend only on one aspect of life.
3. I think sets of data are helpful, but they don’t describe how people life actually looks like. These numbers are averaged for every country. Which means that separate units can have a much higher or lower level of life quality than an average one.
Yes definitely, I think I did my first step. I came to Poland, and I hope I will go further. Actually I like Poland but I would like to try another countries not because they are better but to learn something new from new culture.
2. Which of 4 sets of data is most relevant to you and why?
I don't think that listed set of data can be relevant to me because obviously the most important things for me are salary, TAXES(the most important), level of life. So generally I think everything is important. Also for now we are getting used to work online that our life is much easier and free.
3. Do you think these sets of data are helpful in anyway or they are too artificial?
I think it is just a statistic. Statistic as we know is a lie. As for me it is not helpful usually we are learning those thing in school, it is kinda general view or separating the world into parts.
2. In my opinion the most relevant is Net average monthly salary. I think that it shows better the quality of living than the GDP or HDI. Of course it's not the best way to measure the quality of life because the data about for example average consumer goods is missing but it shows much more than the two others.
3. For me these data sets are quite helpful in some cases but also can be used to manipulate people. We have to be careful in order to avoid such manipulations.
Moving to another country has crossed my mind once or twice. Thinking in such perspective is not easy in terms of leaving my home country. But changing place of living for a different experience and better quality of life is an idea worth considering. Choosing another country for living is quite tough nut to crack. I would definitely choose among European countries. I could live in warmer climate in the south, central Europe, United Kingdom or in Scandinavia. There is plenty to choose from and my decision would be made depending on the cost of living, climate, food, culture and whatever my gut would tell me. I just know I wouldn’t probably leave Europe.
2. Which of 4 sets of data is most relevant to you and why?
From 4 sets of data mentioned in the article I care about income index the most. Knowing about how much income people can get in particular country and how much you can buy with it, would be very useful information to make a decision where to live.
3. Do you think these sets of data are helpful in anyway or they are too artificial?
These sets of data are helpful, but like with any other statistics you should take current context, social and political situation into account.
For selecting which countries to go and which to skip in this kind of lifestyle, I think that the best datapoints that would help to make a right decision are: cost of short term rent which needs to be higher than the salary, internet speed suitable to remote work and whether the country allows people in due to pandemic.
In my opinion HDI is most relevant data set because it shows everything - earnings, education etc. When I want to move to another country I don't look for IHDI because I need to have something to offer - education and some savings for start new life in another country.
I think data sets are helpful but there are only data. We can't judge country based on it score. Maybe we can get some good job in country with low HDI and live better than our country or culture and lifestyle will be better for us than our homeland.
The most relevant for me is the last set of data – we can only imagine differences in the cost of living, but it’s difficult to reach reliable data referring to it. This table gives some insight into the matter and can be helpful to start our own research.
2. Honestly, none of those. All of them are good to view a certain aspect of life somewhere, but neither provides the whole picture. If i had to order countries by quality of life I'd use a combined parameter using IHDI and Purchasing Power Parity(PPP). It should provide a more comprehensive image of every country.
3. I think they are helpful. Of course rarely statistics, directly relate to what's happening in certain country or place, but they can help highlighting issues and areas which need attention. They might not be perfect, but in my opinion they are necessary