What is the reality of working in another country? Let’s think about it. Immediate differences are the language spoken everywhere, the climate; the money; the different hours of the working day and of course possibly no friends and family close by. This is typical of Mediterranean countries including everyone’s favourite, Spain.
The language
All around you people are speaking in this romantic language which is descended from Latin. In fact world wide Spanish is the second most spoken language after Mandarin. Time to get learning.
Hopefully you have at least a little Spanish to get by on. Why not invest in an intensive course before you make the move so that you can converse. Endeavour to learn at least one new Spanish word a day and practice. Speak Spanish with a native speaker to pick it up quickly and learn to listen and understand.
The money
If you’ve travelled a little in Europe, the euro won’t feel strange to you. For a sense of context, the euro is currently valued at £1.20 to the UK £1. Of course once you move there you won’t need to do this comparison as you will be paid in euros too.
What you will notice is that the cost of living is generally about 50% less than living in the UK. However in line with that, salaries are lower too.
The climate
You always crave the sunshine and the warm climate but will you be able to work in the heat? On holiday when time is not pressured and you don’t have to travel any where or rush to the office, the heat is wonderful.
If you find it difficult to work in the heat make sure you invest in cool light coloured and light-weight clothes – ditch the all-black wardrobe, always carry water with you and keep yourself hydrated; don’t attempt to go out in the heat of the day. In your new home invest in air conditioning or at least a ceiling fan to keep you cool.
The working day
Take advantage of the traditional Spanish working day and take a siesta during that early afternoon period. You can go back to work in the late afternoon / early evening. You’ll soon get used to the new hours which work so much better in this climate.
Eating late in the evening like the Spaniards do will become a new way of life. When in Spain, live like the Spanish do.
Friends and family
If you have left both friends and family at home in the UK, you will make friends quickly no doubt. Work colleagues will be very generous about the fact that you are on your own. If they aren’t, make the first move and ask some of them round to supper or for a BBQ at the weekends.
Don’t forget your old friends back in the UK. Extend invitations for them and your family to visit but remember it has to fit with your new working life.
One thing’s for certain that work in Spain will soon have you growing accustomed to the Spanish customs and ways of living.
