Important to note too is that in Sweden, and likely other scandinavian countries, you can find a part time job and get part time unecmployment benefits.

As long as it's within the law, on paper. If you're taking undocumented work then you're also taking a risk where you might lose your benefits if found out.

I think maybe there is a larger chance for undocumented work in countries like the US. I have an impression that there is a more prevalent culture of cash-in-hand jobs due to the sheer size of the country.

So maybe you react more to the quote than I would because I've always had documented work, whether it was 25%, 50% or 80% it was always documented and known to the government what I was doing so I could always apply for the necessary benefits I was eligible for.