I have laughed hysterically reading some of the threads on this forum from both sides ie. Pro Poland / Anti Poland. So it has been good entertainment. However I find myself in the position of considering a move to Poland (by my own choice) from where I reside which is both the USA & Canada.
I thought it might be good to explain some of my reason and then see the comments.
The Pros -
- growing economy (whoever runs your finance decisions in the government seems to be doing a good job) you avoided the recession and your debt to gdp is ~50%, and Poland has been largest recipient of EU funds.
- beautiful countryside, mountains, cities (I visited Warsaw, Gdansk, and whatever was in between)
- very nice people, friendly, low crime, solid values, respect of elders, general politeness
- ridiculously low cost of living. nice houses for zlt 700,000 - 1.5mln. Everything else is 1/3 to 1/4th cost. Gigabit internet for $40USD!!!!!!!!!!, food is higher quality, not genetically modified or plastic, and 1/3 the cost. *electronics and cars are not cheaper since they are imported of course.
- Low taxes (19% it seems on business, self employed, contracting income) National Healthcare * life expectancy in Poland has been high and is rising.
- Low traffic / congestions - I know some of you may not feel this is the case, but trust me. it is. When the road expansions and highways are more completed things will open up even more. the one highway I was on near Gdansk was one of the best roads I have ever driven on anywhere. (for example it takes 2 hours of congestion in Los Angeles to go about 20 kilometers.)
- Good craftsmanship. the homes seem quite solid and well constructed. modern amenities are plentiful, best cellphone coverage / data speeds I have ever seen in USA / CANADA / EUROPE (is this because nobody in Poland uses it yet?)
Potential Cons -
- suicidal drivers trying to pass each other on 2 lane roads.
- Polish is not the easiest language to learn
- Perhaps govt bureaucracy is worse? or perhaps it just needs some $$ to grease the wheels.
- Perception by Poles that there are no jobs and a depressing outlook. ( stop looking for jobs and start your own business on that Gigabit internet connection.)
I really cannot see what there is to complain about in Poland really. I have lived in London, Vancouver, most cities of the USA, and I see Poland as a place with HUGE opportunities for business and a tremendously high quality of life.
It may be true that wages inside Poland are low or unbalanced. So again, earn money on the internet in USD or Euros. Trouble affording the connection on your own to get started? Start a shared internet office for yourself and other entrepreneurs so you can all share the cost. Cant speak english? use Google translate, download / pirate Rosetta stone in english and learn. You can pay for it when you are making money. Someone please poke holes in this and help me understand why Poland isnt one of the greatest countries at present to live and build business in?
I can list a million reason why the USA and Canada are countries that are unsafe, unstable, and dangerous for your life and your business.
thanks
I thought it might be good to explain some of my reason and then see the comments.
The Pros -
- growing economy (whoever runs your finance decisions in the government seems to be doing a good job) you avoided the recession and your debt to gdp is ~50%, and Poland has been largest recipient of EU funds.
- beautiful countryside, mountains, cities (I visited Warsaw, Gdansk, and whatever was in between)
- very nice people, friendly, low crime, solid values, respect of elders, general politeness
- ridiculously low cost of living. nice houses for zlt 700,000 - 1.5mln. Everything else is 1/3 to 1/4th cost. Gigabit internet for $40USD!!!!!!!!!!, food is higher quality, not genetically modified or plastic, and 1/3 the cost. *electronics and cars are not cheaper since they are imported of course.
- Low taxes (19% it seems on business, self employed, contracting income) National Healthcare * life expectancy in Poland has been high and is rising.
- Low traffic / congestions - I know some of you may not feel this is the case, but trust me. it is. When the road expansions and highways are more completed things will open up even more. the one highway I was on near Gdansk was one of the best roads I have ever driven on anywhere. (for example it takes 2 hours of congestion in Los Angeles to go about 20 kilometers.)
- Good craftsmanship. the homes seem quite solid and well constructed. modern amenities are plentiful, best cellphone coverage / data speeds I have ever seen in USA / CANADA / EUROPE (is this because nobody in Poland uses it yet?)
Potential Cons -
- suicidal drivers trying to pass each other on 2 lane roads.
- Polish is not the easiest language to learn
- Perhaps govt bureaucracy is worse? or perhaps it just needs some $$ to grease the wheels.
- Perception by Poles that there are no jobs and a depressing outlook. ( stop looking for jobs and start your own business on that Gigabit internet connection.)
I really cannot see what there is to complain about in Poland really. I have lived in London, Vancouver, most cities of the USA, and I see Poland as a place with HUGE opportunities for business and a tremendously high quality of life.
It may be true that wages inside Poland are low or unbalanced. So again, earn money on the internet in USD or Euros. Trouble affording the connection on your own to get started? Start a shared internet office for yourself and other entrepreneurs so you can all share the cost. Cant speak english? use Google translate, download / pirate Rosetta stone in english and learn. You can pay for it when you are making money. Someone please poke holes in this and help me understand why Poland isnt one of the greatest countries at present to live and build business in?
I can list a million reason why the USA and Canada are countries that are unsafe, unstable, and dangerous for your life and your business.
thanks