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Work & Money

Leave, drinks with colleagues, saving. Different work, different exhaustion.

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Work & Money

Paid Vacation Days by Country: Zero by Law in America, Five Weeks in France, and Who Actually Rests

US federal law guarantees zero paid vacation days; France guarantees five weeks but caps a single stretch at 24 working days. Japan requires five days off.

Sep 3, 2026·7 min read·United States, France, Japan, South Korea
Work & Money

After-Work Drinking Culture in East Asia: What Actually Changed at the Table

Do you have to drink with coworkers? Korea's favorite company dinner is now an alcohol-free lunch, and Japan named both the bonding and the bullying.

Sep 2, 2026·7 min read·Japan, South Korea, China, United States
Work & Money

Why Is the Tipped Minimum Wage $2.13? What a Tip Legally Is in Four Countries

In America a tip is part of the wage, in France tax-exempt income, in Korea a line item the tax code audits, and Japan folded it into the sticker price.

Aug 30, 2026·8 min read·United States, Japan, France, South Korea
Work & Money

Kakeibo, the 50/30/20 Rule, and the Money Club: How Four Countries Make Spending Visible

Japan has hand-written household ledgers for 120 years, America splits income by ratio, Korea pools money in rotating clubs, and Germany holds on to cash.

Aug 29, 2026·7 min read·United States, Japan, Germany, South Korea
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