It is worth pointing out I think that every country in the developed world is experiencing the same austerity, rising taxes and cost of living. It's the penalty for years of living beyond our means and believing the gravy train would never stop.
In France Mr Hollande was elected on a pledge to end austerity and is about to pass the most austere budget in France's history - he's realised they've got no money and their taxes are higher than the UK. It's the same in the US, Australia, Italy, Spain and now even Germany is catching the same cold. Probably the only exceptions are countries like China and India really.
I was offered a very lucrative job in Moscow earlier this year which I had to think very hard about. The 12% tax, salary on offer and $5,000/month rental allowance made it very appealing at face value but there is more to life than money. I would've been away from my family & g/f, in a country where I wouldn't feel safe frankly, with 5 months of very harsh winter (-25c the norm) and as it turns out, I am very glad I didn't go, because recently my closest friend has been diagnosed with cancer and is recovering in hospital from major surgery as we speak. I would've been allowed in the UK for only 90 days a year which would've been tough, being so far away when he's been going through such a rough time. As said in an earlier post, I went with my instinct, which in this case told me to stay put. Next time might be different though....