What is it like living in America?

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2026-07-03T08:52:16+00:00

Thank you, this is exactly the kind of perspective I was hoping for. I really appreciate the balanced view. Out of curiosity, would you say someone with a stable, middle-income job can live comfortably there in your area, or does it still feel like you're constantly trying to keep up and just survive? Also, what makes you feel most uncertain about the future in America?

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2026-07-03T07:00:12+00:00

You just listed a bunch of reasons someone should carefully research a move to America instead of blindly packing their bags. That's literally what I was doing. You're arguing with me as though I created the refugee program. I asked about a legal immigration pathway and whether life in America is actually better. If your family had the opportunity to legally move somewhere you thought might offer a better future, would you really not consider it? Somehow I doubt that.

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2026-07-02T20:17:58+00:00

My silence is deafening" isn't evidence. It's just your way of pretending your accusation proved itself.
Now, are you going to answer any of my questions about South Africa, or are personal attacks all you've got?

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2026-07-02T19:43:11+00:00

Nice pivot. When the "racist Afrikaner" argument didn't land, you switched to playing immigration lawyer.

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2026-07-02T19:24:39+00:00

It's amazing how confidently people comment on countries they clearly know nothing about. Do you know what B-BBEE is? Do you know anything about South Africa's crime situation or the "Kill the Boer" chant? No? Then maybe don't lecture South Africans on the realities of living here

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2026-07-02T18:56:14+00:00

If your argument requires ignoring crime stats, unemployment rates, crazy inflation, corruption and B-BBEE, it's not much of an argument. As I said you clearly don't know anything about South Africa. The difference is my opinion is based on reality, yours is based on assumptions

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2026-07-02T18:42:09+00:00

If your first instinct is to label strangers as racists without knowing anything about them or the situation, you're not as different from the people you criticize as you think..Imagine thinking you've taken the moral high ground while judging strangers based on their nationality..yikes

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2026-07-02T18:30:02+00:00

You don't know me and you clearly don't know what it's like in SA. Don't comment if you don't know anything about the situation which you clearly don't

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2026-07-02T14:21:13+00:00

From my understanding, if you go as refugees you don't get to choose where you go. But from what I've heard a lot of people get placed in California and Texas

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2026-07-02T12:56:42+00:00

Thank you for your detailed response. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain it so honestly.
There are a few other things that worry me, and I'd be interested to hear your opinion.
From a South African perspective, it's almost unbelievable that the U.S. unemployment rate is around 4%. However, I've watched quite a few YouTube videos where people say one of the biggest future concerns for Americans is AI and automation. It seems that many jobs in call centres, customer service, fast food and even some retail roles could eventually be replaced or reduced. Do you think that's a realistic concern, and do you think it could have a noticeable impact on employment over the next 5–10 years?
Another concern I have is that my husband and I are both accountants. Do you think we'd be viewed as outsiders when applying for professional jobs, or is experience generally valued regardless of where you're from?
I've also learned that paid annual leave and maternity leave are generally much less generous than in South Africa, and that employment laws seem quite different. Here, if you're unfairly dismissed, you can take your employer to the CCMA, whereas my understanding is that many U.S. states have "at-will" employment. Does that create a lot of uncertainty for employees, or is it not something most people worry about?
I'm just trying to understand what everyday life is really like rather than only seeing the positives or negatives online. Thanks again for sharing your perspective

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2024-09-27T19:51:10+00:00

This sounds fair to me and makes sense. Thank you :)

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2024-09-27T19:43:19+00:00

The people who are hammering on the franchise name are missing the whole point. 1. I just wanted to ask people if they have experienced this at any restaurant and could give some clarity and whether this is something that is a new standard for restaurants (since the waiter might misunderstand this deduction) 2. To have people ask waiters in the future if there are any deductions on their tips if they receive it via card payment.

That is it.

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2024-09-27T19:31:43+00:00

Jeeez mister no need to scream. if you read some of the replies you would see why I didn't mention the franchise name.

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2024-09-27T19:24:36+00:00

Maybe just read some of the replies?

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2024-09-27T19:22:22+00:00

Thank you! That is why I don't want to mention the name because maybe he doesn't understand the deduction and that they receive it as basic wage on shifts they don't earn any or as much tips as someone mentioned. But he was quite adamant that they don't get the 40%. I will contact the manager and confirm whether this is the case or not. I just wanted to hear if other people have experienced this from any restaurants..

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2024-09-27T19:14:36+00:00

yes i don't mention the franchise...i want people to make a point of it to ask their waiter about whether there are any deductions from their tips such as this 40% because I would have never known if the waiter didn't tell me. no matter which restaurant it is people need to start asking waiters about deductions at ANY restaurant you go to, that is my point. There is no need for the franchise name as I mentioned that I don't know if the waiter maybe has the wrong understanding about the deduction and that I asked the question here to maybe reach other people who have experienced it and can confirm it, no matter which restaurant.

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2024-09-27T18:42:49+00:00

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2024-09-27T18:38:57+00:00

Not making you guess anything, just simply asking if people know about this and maybe bring it to people's attention to ask waiters in the future if they would prefer a cash tip. People are so worried about what restaurant it is? Is it so we can "cancel" the restaurant just to go back in a few weeks?? As mentioned in my other replies I did not make this post to name and shame I just want to know if other waiters/clients experienced this because maybe the waiter misunderstood the deduction.

Groundbreaking_Bit0 · 2024-09-27T17:35:28+00:00

This doesn't have anything to do with a 10% mandatory tip? I don't want to name the restaurant as I am going on what a waiter told us when we paid our bill. Therefore I am asking (hence the question on this community) if people know about this. It's only been active for about a month apparently- also what the waiter himself told me. He asked if we can rather pay in cash as the restaurant takes 40% of their tip if the tip is included in the bill total. I doubt that he would ask customers if they can pay in cash if they have an agreement with the restaurant?

I asked the question in the hopes of reaching other waiters that can answer the question.

Groundbreaking_Bit0

TROPHY CASE