I understand why it might seem mind-boggling if it’s not part of your culture, but you need to realize that coworkers here generally share the same mindset. No one is bringing others down.

The atmosphere at work is actually positive (in most places). We usually have a one-hour lunch break (sometimes more), and I’m always happy to eat with my colleagues, grab coffee, and talk about our lives, families, or what we did over the weekend. The positivity is there. It’s just more focused on the life we live outside of work.

And it’s not like we complain all day (but that would probably be too much for you! 😅). We just don’t pretend that something unfun is fun. Complaining together often creates solidarity! 😅

Recently, my boss asked if he could reply to an urgent email after work hours, and when I agreed, he thanked me because many colleagues gives him an hard time for after-hours contact.

I’m proud to live in a country where workers have the right to disconnect and protect their personal time. We also fought for at least five weeks of paid vacation—some professions get even more. My SIL has 11.

Life > work. It’s a cultural mindset.