[riri]

My husband worked for a subsidiary of his company in Germany.

They had another American there who ran the shipping a receiving department.He was there for like 6 years. A work horse, worked 12 hour days, rarely called in sick, good attitude, etc. The Germans hated him.

So when the company sent my husband and another head honcho over, first thing the head honcho decides is-it is time for the shipping American to go home, he is costing too much as an expat.

So, he leaves and a German man fills the position. First thing he does is announce that Fridays are short days ending at 3:00, brings in a fridge, stocks with food and beer. Next thing they know, the whole apartment is drunk half the time.

[Lael]

So, he leaves and a German man fills the position. First thing he does is announce that Fridays are short days ending at 3:00, brings in a fridge, stocks with food and beer. Next thing they know, the whole apartment is drunk half the time.

riri,

What I don't get is what stops European companies from "outsourcing"???

It would seem to make more sense over there!