Settling Down In The Wrong Region: Most of the expats who move to Luxembourg are likely to move to any one of the countrys two main regions, Oesling in the North or Guttland in the South.

0000543847 00000 n Leaving Your Walking Shoes At Home: Many expats express surprise over how much they have to walk around when they are in Luxembourg. 0000022393 00000 n 0000000016 00000 n 0000006732 00000 n News provided by The Associated Press. There are also logistical issues around moving abroad that arise ahead of any financial commitments. The locals have found a way to shop and save money at the same time. This is the home of a career expat, the company man who's spending a few years abroad in a foreign office. On the plus side, this helps you shed weight without hitting the gym. Currency issues are straightforward for eurozone countries, where there is no exchange rate risk and retirees dont have to adjust their living standards in response to fluctuations (as long as your destination country remains a member of the single currency). Like virtually all wealthy countries its size, Luxembourg is a major financial capital, and plenty of foreigners move here for its banks and markets. The multinational staff and the international curricula are just two of the reasons why many expat parents opt to send their kids to an international school. Knowing you want to retire abroad can influence the way you manage your assets for example, you may want to hold less of your money or investments in Luxembourg, and more in your intended destination. 0000025105 00000 n Only family and friends use first names to address each other. And it can take a toll, both physically and mentally.

0000543597 00000 n There are also differences regarding commitment to purchase a property. If you want to prove how well youve settled in, you should try to pick up some Ltzebuergesch. 0000784110 00000 n The thing is, not all of these new homes have to be traditional or even stateside. This is not only due to the natural environment and the cosy small-town flair, but also to the safety, to the political and economic stability of the country. Help other expats who are preparing to have a baby in Luxembourg City by filling out our Having a Baby Abroad Report. cancelling a signed contract - before starting work, Similar discussions about life in Luxembourg. All in all, it's a pretty darn good showing for a country that most Americans still regard with fear and suspicion, but also somewhat surprising given that many expats living in Mexico agree with them. startxref 0000009736 00000 n Updated on: January 13, 2015 / 11:00 AM attending guided tpol penises 0000558382 00000 n Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. Are there shops, services, hospitals and other amenities? 0000141964 00000 n 0000008085 00000 n Luxembourgs school system is modelled after the French education system and leads to an internationally recognized baccalaureate. They take a bus or train to Germany, Belgium or France instead, for purchasing items like clothes, toiletries, household appliances and even food. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Greece, on the other hand, is a surprise. Lots of Americans move overseas for any number of reasons, and life as an expat can be an extraordinary adventure if you know where to go. Here are three of the best (and three of the worst) countries in which to to be an American expat, according to the Expat Insider Survey 2014 by InterNations. Importing A Car: If you are very attached to your car, and wouldnt dream about moving without it, rest assured that you are not alone. 0000543146 00000 n Below is a short guide to ten common mistakes to avoid so that the transition becomes smoother. Many expats ask the question how to get a cheap apartment in Luxembourg because not everyone enjoys the advantage What are the career prospects that are available in Luxembourg? More affluent retirees should also take into account wealth taxes. Financial Advice for Expatriates in Luxembourg, Make smarter and more profitable returns as an expat in Luxembourg, Transfer your money globally from Luxembourg. Joining me today is award-winning podcaster and Business Strategist, Christine Job. 0000141374 00000 n %PDF-1.6 % The tiny, almost fairytale-like country of Luxembourg is tucked away in Western Europe. How will you be taxed on any employment-based or private pension? Speaking Only English: Most expat sites and resources will tell you that English, German and French are as widely used in Luxembourg as the local language Luxembourgish. Just enter your arrival and departure dates to obtain availability and prices in real time. If you are looking for big-city life though, then you are likely to be disappointed. "It is," according to Expat Insider's report, "unsurprising that over nine out of ten expats (91%) report being satisfied with their life in Ecuador. Welcome to a Covid-19-free, safe and clean environment treated with hospital-grade disinfectants. 7k;byQ0 8c 0000018301 00000 n We chat in this episode about his repatriation process, feeling like a stranger in the country he grew up in and how, in the process of returning home, Artur had a realisation about his next path. We guarantee you the lowest price on the web when booking though The Central online portal. 0000013994 00000 n 0000531982 00000 n For answers to specific questions, visit our Luxembourg Forum to talk with expats in Luxembourg City. 0000005662 00000 n 0000627753 00000 n Although expat life in Greece can be excellent, with a culture that emphasizes joie de vivre and some of the world's most beautiful landscapes both inland and coastal, none of that was enough to overcome the country's current economic struggles. Do you have any tips for other retirees in Luxembourg? Finding a parking spot for a big car is a challenge many foreigners face. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Whether you're already living in Luxembourg City or preparing to move to Luxembourg City, our Expat Guide to Living in Luxembourg offers articles and reports submitted by expats about expat life in Luxembourg City. Thailand? Notary fees for transmission of the propertys ownership can also be as high as 10% of the purchase price. In Spain, the cost is 2% of the theoretical value of the property. Please go to the YouTube Feed settings page to add an API key after following these instructions. It is "the clear winner in the Ease of Settling In Index," with nearly 44 percent of expats saying that they'd like to simply stay there forever enjoying the beautiful weather, spectacular food and outgoing culture. It is essential that you first determine how you will support yourself during your stay. To some extent, retirees have to accept the possibility of volatile exchange rates, but there are ways to ensure greater predictability.

You can hope to make a lot of friends who will get you involved in different activities and outings. Even though it is one of the smallest nations in the world, expats from all over are attracted to this place mainly because of its standard of living, rich culture and colorful history. After graduation, students may choose to attend university in a neighbouring European country or enrol at the University of Luxembourg. She has spent the past five years living in Valencia in Spain, and her podcast, Flourish in the Foreign, celebrates the voices and stories of black women, and women of colour, who are - just like her - living and thriving internationally. Did you make any mistakes along the way? 0000026454 00000 n A lot of expats living in Luxembourg have decided to stay here and even acquire citizenship. 0000004912 00000 n +22pM9*? About Luxembourg 8 good reasons to live in Luxembourg City as an Expat. But outside the euro area currency will be a major factor if your income is in one currency and your day-to-day living costs in another. For example, taxes, ease of transferring your pension, etc.. Are there any specific formalities you had to go through as a retiree moving to Luxembourg (for example, is there a particular retirement visa)? 0000543777 00000 n According to international surveys and rankings, Luxembourg is among the top 20 countries which offer the highest quality of living worldwide. 0000005212 00000 n Tx Terms and conditions Citizens of the EU/ EEA member states dont require visas. 0000018124 00000 n Taxis are too expensive for everyday commuting and it may take you longer to reach your destination if you take the bus. Learn more, Alternative investment options for complicated times, The evolving role of trusts in wealth planning.

0000009407 00000 n In the 14th century, Walloon and Ltzebuergesch were the dominant spoken languages. While the size of the average European care has grown in the last few decades, the size of the parking spaces hasnt. Some multinational firms have established pan-European pension funds based in a single EU country, in some cases in Luxembourg, which would make things easier. While most people feel happy and fit when they retire, old age usually brings lesser or greater health problems. ++*V(VTRXXUJbbU*UU*V)VTU_W+*!UU_W&o o7M7&o o7M7;.w]w;.w,*.y4}_NeTZ+Z|` T Expats and global nomads in Luxembourg City share their experiences with health insurance, healthcare in Luxembourg, local hospitals and specialists, quality of medical care and more. Retirees will also be required to pay taxes if they earn any form of income in Luxembourg. Breathwork Academy Creator, Artur Paulins, first left Latvia to study in Denmark knowing zero Danish. 0000019817 00000 n Ltzebuergesch goes back to the Moselle-Franconian dialect which was spoken in Luxembourg. On a list of best places to live as an expat, almost no one would have picked Ecuador.

Help other retirees, who are thinking about retiring in Luxembourg City by filling out our Overseas Retirement report.

Are people accepting of racial, cultural and religious differences? 0000532081 00000 n Help others following in your footsteps by filling out our Working Abroad Report. 0000557451 00000 n / MainStreet.com. 0000558260 00000 n It is landlocked and bordered by Germany, France and Belgium. 0000004762 00000 n 6j1eJK6Z4 7eml[_W_\^66jhu[8Z-i-l{H^l{v];wt}Z! Luxembourg is the Second-Richest Country in the World in terms of GDP per capita after Qatar. You can use forward transactions that set the exchange rate for transactions at a future point. Have you had any good or bad experiences dealing with healthcare professionals? Find out in Do you need a visa to travel to Luxembourg? Luxembourg has much to recommend it, but at retirement, many people nationals and foreign residents alike long for sunnier weather or sea air. Skype and Amazon, for example, have their European headquarter in Luxembourg. No surprises about Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Even after this, youll see that you still have time to spend with your family.

For major purchases, it is important to stagger currency transactions to avoid being on the wrong end of significant and unexpected fluctuations (although currency movements may also leave you better off). Learn what you need to do regarding tax when leaving the UK in this free online course from Expat Focus. endstream endobj 766 0 obj [/Separation/PANTONE#20295#20U 797 0 R<>] endobj 767 0 obj [/ICCBased 798 0 R] endobj 768 0 obj <> endobj 769 0 obj <> endobj 770 0 obj <>stream 0000019790 00000 n In Luxembourg, the retirement age is 65, and you need to have made pension contributions for at least 10 years to obtain an ongoing monthly public pension, otherwise your contributions will be returned as a lump sum. Your circumstances and intended country of retirement may affect how you take the benefits from your pension plan. 0 Get a quote for health insurance from our partner, Allianz Care. 22-good-reasons-to-visit-luxembourg-city-as-a-tourist. Many features are not available without adding an API Key. Luxembourg has a compulsory public health system which offers universal coverage to 98% of the population. ICE Limitations. In France, it comes on signing the preliminary sale contract (compromis de vente), while in the UK it is much later in the process. LOEWE SARL, 3-5 Avenue de la Gare, L-1611, Luxembourg |. Although several European countries have abolished taxes on net worth in recent years, they still exist in countries such as France (although the tax now applies solely to real estate), Switzerland and Spain. 0000003929 00000 n Vietnam? Legal Statement. What are the best ways to meet other expats? Copyright 1997-2022 Burlingame Interactive, Inc. Expat Health Insurance and Healthcare in Luxembourg City, Culture Shock in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, International School of Luxembourg in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, Dream vs. "I don't want to say the election is over": House Jan. 6 committee looks at Trump's actions, New York gubernatorial candidate says he survived attempted stabbing at rally, Half of America's cities now don't have enough homes, Mulvaney believes Hutchinson, other officials testifying about Trump, Biden tests positive for COVID-19 and has "very mild symptoms," White House says, Ex-officer gets 2 1/2 years in prison for violating George Floyd's civil rights, House passes bill to protect access to birth control, Watchdog directs Secret Service to stop internal investigation into deleted texts, First polio case since 2013 in U.S. reported in New York state, Ransomware is the new malware that could ruin your finances, Looking to score cheaper plane tickets? HdN#G=ObusK\`f2OJ>nw7hSN/}z|:N~,_Wf;grus3]~~1/_OWurit{;~~xy>?|>c?>^i>7`/a_vxf/N9!olfofofofollFyK*[Uvd^9r$Gy(Wl [V~o[-~+o[V~o[-~+oww;N~;~'ww;N~;~'{^~{=~/{^~{=~/?.w54jh,,YYP@ffA54jh,,YYTHffQL?GQ?G#(?9iolt7]yyHumY]d:v~No.?oZ9[:3XF=oW/I:gb~MO9dKO$':''i~$]$4?Y! <]/Prev 1064414/XRefStm 3470>> 0000786724 00000 n 0000022920 00000 n 0000024490 00000 n While down-payments on home purchases can be high in Luxembourg, where investors also must factor in registration tax and transcription tax on top of the agreed price, countries such as the UK impose stamp duty, which can be far higher. Ecuador ranked high on almost every metric surveyed, including personal finance, making friends, and personal happiness. %%EOF

Overwhelmingly, expats in Luxembourg report that they struggle to make friends. 0000557718 00000 n Do you speak the language? }{W` It is important to ensure you can access reasonably affordable healthcare in your destination. 0000142001 00000 n 0000015577 00000 n You can't take five steps in Chiang Mai without tripping over a farang, and the Latin Quarter's backpacker-staffed Shakespeare and Company is legendary. Less than two-thirds of respondents were happy with their level of personal safety, leading to a bizarrely high number of people who claim to be perfectly content while living in fear. xref Try asking the people who've already done it. 0000593187 00000 n Expatica helps make your expat journey the experience you've always wanted.

0000030322 00000 n Site map, Enter the e-mail address you registered with, Welcome back You have already signed up with this email , please enter your password to proceed. However, German and French served as primary administrative languages of the time. Our customer care team can help you making a reservation or if you need help during your stay. Thank you for sharing your experience. I'?i3,?gY?g3,?gY?g"_//E0|PXXQBbbE You bet. Their biggest motive for moving out of a fairy tale country within a few hours of Amsterdam, Paris and the Black Forest? Getting the apartment of your choice through an agent could therefore take a long time. h%f 0000022254 00000 n Padraig OSullivan, Managing Partner, OSullivan Field, 5 Reasons Why Love Across Borders Is The Best Thing That Could Ever Happen, Expat Focus International Healthcare Update July 2022, Expat Focus Mental Health Update July 2022, Expat Focus International News Update July 2022. Make an appointment with a specialist for a remote consultation, with respect to your confidentiality. What type of housing and neighborhoods are typical for expats in Luxembourg City? Get a Quote, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What to Know About Living in Luxembourg City. Create your account and join our expat community! It is therefore a good idea to attain a fair level of proficiency in French and/or German before moving to Luxembourg. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Im chatting to an expert from one of our health partners - Cigna - in this episode, to get some insight into recent trends, and recommendations on how to make good health a priority, no matter where you are in the world. myLIFE: my finances, my projects, my life! Multilingualism is an important aspect of life in Luxembourg. 0000005062 00000 n Middle Eastern countries have long had steep learning curves for Westerner expatriates. The national carrier Luxair, member of the Miles & More programme, connects Luxembourg with the main European airports. Individuals who have made contributions to a state pension in one or more member states can receive their combined pension in any other EU country. 0000531836 00000 n Luxembourgs high level of safety and security as well as its low rate of crime are considered to be linked to its overall wealth and its residents level of satisfaction with life in Luxembourg. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Having Limited Financial Resources: Moving to any new place is an expensive affair. What were your main considerations when deciding to move? The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Shopping outside of Luxembourg is the most widely-shared secret to saving money. Market data provided by ICE Data Services. In other countries, healthcare is free to residents, but its important to know the extent to which healthcare may impact your finances. Luxembourg is home to ArcelorMittal, the largest steelmaker in the world. endstream endobj 745 0 obj <>/Metadata 149 0 R/Names 746 0 R/Outlines 121 0 R/Pages 147 0 R/StructTreeRoot 151 0 R/Type/Catalog/ViewerPreferences<>>> endobj 746 0 obj <> endobj 747 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 52/Tabs/S/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 748 0 obj [749 0 R 750 0 R 751 0 R 752 0 R 753 0 R 754 0 R 755 0 R 756 0 R 757 0 R 758 0 R 759 0 R 760 0 R 761 0 R 762 0 R 763 0 R] endobj 749 0 obj <>/Border[0 0 0]/H/N/Rect[67.5 638.341 495.0 622.053]/StructParent 53/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> endobj 750 0 obj <>/Border[0 0 0]/H/N/Rect[67.5 610.841 495.0 594.553]/StructParent 54/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> endobj 751 0 obj <>/Border[0 0 0]/H/N/Rect[67.5 583.341 495.0 567.053]/StructParent 55/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> endobj 752 0 obj <>/Border[0 0 0]/H/N/Rect[67.5 555.841 495.0 539.553]/StructParent 56/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> endobj 753 0 obj <>/Border[0 0 0]/H/N/Rect[67.5 528.341 495.0 512.053]/StructParent 57/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> endobj 754 0 obj <>/Border[0 0 0]/H/N/Rect[67.5 500.841 495.0 484.553]/StructParent 58/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> endobj 755 0 obj <>/Border[0 0 0]/H/N/Rect[67.5 473.341 495.0 457.053]/StructParent 59/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> endobj 756 0 obj <>/Border[0 0 0]/H/N/Rect[67.5 445.841 410.413 429.553]/StructParent 60/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> endobj 757 0 obj <>/Border[0 0 0]/H/N/Rect[67.5 431.841 495.0 415.553]/StructParent 61/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> endobj 758 0 obj <>/Border[0 0 0]/H/N/Rect[67.5 404.341 495.0 388.053]/StructParent 62/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> endobj 759 0 obj <>/Border[0 0 0]/H/N/Rect[352.928 100.575 395.631 85.7038]/StructParent 63/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> endobj 760 0 obj <>/Border[0 0 0]/H/N/Rect[27.36 53.5441 160.301 33.6588]/StructParent 100/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> endobj 761 0 obj <>/Border[0 0 0]/H/N/Rect[168.413 53.6139 186.761 35.2662]/StructParent 49/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> endobj 762 0 obj <>/Border[0 0 0]/H/N/Rect[185.492 53.5281 206.935 35.352]/StructParent 50/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> endobj 763 0 obj <>/Border[0 0 0]/H/N/Rect[205.305 53.6139 224.373 35.2662]/StructParent 51/Subtype/Link/Type/Annot>> endobj 764 0 obj <> endobj 765 0 obj <>stream Retiring abroad can be a great option for retirees seeking their dream lifestyle at an affordable price. It is important to ensure you can access reasonably affordable healthcare in your destination. What is Luxembourg's healthcare like? 0000009585 00000 n What types are jobs are typical for expats in Luxembourg City? trailer HlVn7}L%Q@vE}(nNA}A!9\pDQ9o>\]gWp}Ioop]mN7oss}@!nawUFZ8l?~=0SR,,Y9-t=g\p~NNXa&R8-r3g*x)lzGZ^~;5\Xw/g";T`{?y]-Sxi1I_q81q=~5O NqQtBrt{xyS7o.~yOsC7IB+p_nA1FS. Moving to Luxembourg January 2022, New members of the Luxembourg forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022. 0000532143 00000 n 0000542812 00000 n He later moved on to London with no connections or contacts. 0000012702 00000 n It turns out the Expat Insider Survey 2014 was conducted by InterNations. 0000005814 00000 n No-one wants to find themselves impoverished in a strange country without friends or family nearby. Companionship. 0000003878 00000 n Shopping Locally On A Budget: Luxembourg is very expensive in comparison to its neighboring countries. Meet other people living in Luxembourg City. Do you have friends there? Have you moved to Luxembourg as an expat? Health insurance is essential for anyone living abroad. Most countries have reciprocal pension agreements with Luxembourg, but its best to check, particularly if you are going somewhere unusual for example Costa Rica, which has been voted the worlds third retirement destination for 2020. In addition to this you can apply for Luxembourgish citizenship if you have lived here for the past five years, have passed a Luxembourgish language test, and have passed the course Living together in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Working in Luxembourg has long been an attractive option for expats who want to benefit from the low unemployment rate, the low inflation, and the countrys solid growth, especially for those with a university education, trade qualification, specialist skills, and/or plenty of work experience. Z[,49--=y9o~ "RM)Wr?K1%GqK/?E:]+/9FEuW,oZklR} 744 0 obj <> endobj How difficult was it to obtain a work permit? Buying property overseas can be very different from buying in Luxembourg. Using First Names Too Soon: In Luxembourg, the locals use an honorific title like Monsieur (for men) and Madame (for women) with the surname to address one another. Retirement can be a difficult adjustment, even without a major relocation and all too often, the dream of living abroad does not match the reality. 0000557779 00000 n How do you figure that out? 2022 Expat.com, All rights Reserved The treatment of private and company pension schemes may be more complicated and expert advice is highly recommended. 0000005964 00000 n About 60% of the people living in Luxembourg opt for such additional complementary mutual insurance. 0000026588 00000 n Sports memorabilia: the newest investment hotspot. How did expats choose their doctors, midwives, hospitals? Expecting A Fast-Paced Life: Expat life in Luxembourg is a bit slower compared to many other countries. But Ecuador? Its heritage lies with the Romanic and Germanic ethnic groups which coexisted and heavily influenced the development of the country. 0000006578 00000 n What are people's priorities in Luxembourg City - work? Donate to the UN Refugee Agencytoday. family? 0000543658 00000 n Learn how to choose the plan that's right for you in this free online course from Expat Focus. Their curricula are specifically designed to accommodate expat kids and cater to their needs. We talk about Christines own journey abroad, passport privilege, and how her experiences differ as a woman of colour in a foreign country. So, what can you do to help keep your overall health in check?

Here is some useful information on travel formalities for different types of stays. 0000015335 00000 n Help others moving to Luxembourg City by filling out our Moving Overseas Report. Editor's note: This post originally stated that the survey was conducted by Expat Insider and a second organization.

0000531906 00000 n The results will surprise you. Not that effectively, according to them, the three top places for a U.S. expat to avoid. However, upon moving, you will realize that only a small percent of the people are fluent in English and you will probably need to know more than basic French in order to converse independently with the locals.

0000021052 00000 n This is a particular issue in countries such as the US, where there is little or no care automatically available to expatriates. If you are planning to look for a source of income after moving to Luxembourg, you may soon find yourself in a tight spot. Last but not least, Luxembourg is very open to foreign investors, offering tax incentives. Insurance will be vital to avoid the risk of ones savings being consumed by a health emergency. Transfer your money worldwide securely and at cost saving rates. What should you take with you when you move to Luxembourg City? Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Luxembourg City. If you move around the world by choice, consider helping those forced from their homes by conflict. Thinking about retiring in Luxembourg but unsure of your options? Even those who are planning to retire in Luxembourg should consider this aspect carefully.

The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. 0000004612 00000 n Expats talk about what it's like living in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg: Cost of Living, Healthcare and What Newcomers to Luxembourg City Should Know. What's it like to find a job in Luxembourg City? 0000746173 00000 n hTkLSg~i:[Z(U=-EjL 0000558443 00000 n 0000030578 00000 n

Choose a bank adapted to your life in Luxembourg, among our recommendations. Expats mostly benefit from the strong, high-tech-driven service sector, higher wage levels than in the rest of Europe, and the recently introduced 5-year tax exemption for expats working in Luxembourg. What are the implications for receive your statutory pension, for example? Help other expats and people moving to Luxembourg City by filling out our Living Overseas Report.

0000023168 00000 n 0000593248 00000 n Moving Without The Paperwork: Anyone who wants to live and work in Luxembourg should have the required residence and work visas. jdDHyJ d^JsgC0)*C_O$]9PC!OY Living And Thriving As A Black Woman In Spain. This problem can be easily avoided with a little research and reading up before making the move. We live in the Age of Mobility. Reality of Living in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, Guide to Living in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, Healthcare in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg, Expats Talk about Living in Luxembourg City, Expat Report: Healthcare in Luxembourg City. 0000019538 00000 n

The countrys excellent telecommunications infrastructure, economic stability, and access to other European financial centres make investing in Luxembourg an even more interesting option. While retiring abroad can be complicated, careful planning can enable you to live the dream. Traveling to Luxembourg soon? Z_ , Greece took last place in jobs and careers overall, last place in job security and last place in personal finance, making it an excellent destination perhaps for retirees or the self-employed, but a clear loser for anyone who's looking for work.