I get two weeks of vacation, 5 sick days and 6 paid holidays a year.

Taxes vary by state. Indiana sales tax is 5%, but across the border in Illinois it's higher, not sure how much.

Some people here work very hard but I'm not one of them. Most of my UK friends seem to be better off than myself as far as work comps, flextime, vacation time, bonuses, what have you. I've often thought of getting a job over there. Though I suppose if I worked a little harder here I might get a job with a company that offered better benefits. But then the money/life choice is an issue.

Luckily my company pays for most of my health insurance, which would otherwise cost me about a quarter of my monthly paycheck.