Networking, social life and loyalty in… Spain

”People think that dreams are better than reality but this is not always the case; sometimes, because you dream too much, you are unable to see what you have in front of your very eyes.”

Antonio Munoz Molina

Hola todos!
Hello everybody - welcome to my last post about intercultural happiness… 

Today's post was created thanks to Eliszka and Julia who shared their opinion about the labor market in Spain, reflected about values and what does a happiness mean to them: thank you ladies :)

Networking and product placement

No matter what I am doing, I am trying to find a key element: something which will make a difference, which tips the balance… I was pretty surprised why and how networking important is in Spain. It is crucial while searching for a job, and here are 3 of the most important elements of that:

First of all, it helps in finding any jobs opportunities: you need to have good contact with people around you and it will benefit in your career. Your acquaintanceship can recommend you in their company or ask their friends about any possibility anywhere: spread the word and wait for responses.

A second aspect is that good social network can be even more important than a master diploma from studies… You can be a really well educated, but without close bonds, your clout is crummy.

A third aspect why networking and social life is important is a fact that for Spanish people having close bonds is part of overall happiness: you can be unemployed, fired, or your job cannot be satisfied, but with a good companion and close friends, you can overcome all struggling.

You need to remember, that good networking is only a part of success, another major element is to show during your job interview that you are the best candidate for this position: check all requirements carefully and highlight your strengths, skills and qualifications during an interview: let them think that they will never find anyone better than you. Show your power, hide your insecurity and be yourself :)

Values and working attitude

Spanish people are very cooperative and warm (in general) but… You need to fulfill one, really important obligations to succeed in your team: act with loyalty and honesty, because trust is part of their values. Just be kind and respectful to all coworkers, and then you will be able to become part of a “family”. What cannot be neglected is your attitude towards your supervisor. If you don't want to have a trouble you should remember one holy rule: don't ever show that you are better than your boss… His injured pride can go hand in hand with the end of your career.

Happiness and satisfaction

For me, Spanish people are masters in work-life balance attitude. They don’t want to spend the whole day at work. Their core element is to fulfill basics needs by having close and warm relations with family and friends: just enjoy time together, have fun and laugh a lot, share great moments together or just chill out in a garden with great and simple food, wine and music. Life is an enjoyment when you know that you can count on your family and friends!

It is true, that work satisfaction is part of happiness: you should love what you do and have a possibility for self-development. Of course, there is also another group of people, for whom work is just needed to earn money for living… But those people are mainly those who do not have opportunities for nice and joyful work… But in general, having both: satisfying job and great relations is all that Spanish people need in their life.

It was a pleasure for me to share with you all what l learned and observed about intercultural happiness correlated with the professional work environment. I hope that you will be able to use some of those tips on nearest future! Good luck with finding dreamed job abroad!

And please remember that …

”Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”

Albert Schweitzer

Yours sincerely,
Natalia