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Comment by danso | Hacker News Reader

Related question...all other things considered, do Europeans (well, anywhere with strong universal healthcare) find it easier to do freelance/contract work because of the healthcare guarantees?

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I've been freelancing for 5 years (since I was 18) and I'm positive I couldn't have done it living in the US. I don't have to worry about health care and I know that if I were unable to get work for a while (not happened so far) I could apply to receive housing and job seekers benefits among other things.

As a Canuck I can whole-heartedly: yes. I pay for supplemental health care (~300/mth for a family of 3) on top of universal, but we've been considering ditching it.

As another Canuck, same here. I've gone without benefits sometimes (waiting periods for spouse's new jobs) but that means putting off new glasses or dental cleanings for a few months, not skipping dr's appointments or worrying about breaking an arm.

This is exactly why I had to stop contracting, once children came along. No US health care. Paying out of pocket was $1200+/month for a family plan. It was worth it to take a perm job paying half the rate just to have health insurance.

> Paying out of pocket was $1200+/month for a family plan. It was worth it to take a perm job paying half the rate just to have health insurance.

0.5 * Previously Monthly Revenue <= $1200

so...

Previously Monthly Revenue <= $2400?

so...

Current Job <= $1200/month + Health Insurance?

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