One of the biggest differences between Spanish and Northern American culture is the balance between life and work. In the United States a sixty-hour work week is commonly heard of, a desire for continuous promotion is insignificant, and opportunity is abundant. In Spain, certain companies have rigorous policies that prevent working overtime. When someone finds tenure at a company they remain in such position for almost until the end of their professional life and because of this, fresh graduates and intelligent people are struggling to find work.
The last sentence of the preceding paragraph may seem a little irrelevant to the difference between the work life balance but it’s because I use this claim as an umbrella term to simplify the complex social and economic situation in Spain. See, most Spaniards are comfortable with the system in place, however in my opinion it hinders the economic advancement of the country and drives new professionals to provide their services elsewhere. Regardless, a lot of Spaniards take pride in their leisure like system; claiming that Spaniards work to live, and Americans live to work.
My conclusion is that this value is also what influences the heavy party life in Spain. Where the clubs and bars don’t get full until two in the morning (the time our bars and clubs close) and stay open until seven in the morning. At the beginning of my study abroad program, this is a admirable characteristic, however, when in the thick of it, it doesn’t take long to realize the amount of detrimental impact constant partying has on one’s physical health and responsibilities. I came across many Erasmus students who went parting late every weekday and proceeded to fail their courses because of so.
At the end of the day, this experience has broadened my mind and shaped my opinions in ways I didn’t expect. The thing about different cultures is that you’ve got to observe but not absorb, at least to a certain extent. There are great things about Spanish and European culture, for example the sophisticated social welfare programs in place like free healthcare and cheap university tuition, or the empathic nature of open borders. However, all these things come at a price.
I am almost certain that in my last post I mentioned the phrase “you get what you pay for” and this very thing is why I say observe but don’t absorb. Most Spaniards claim their medical services are second to none, however I heard from a friend who visited the medical offices here in Oviedo mention his disappointment in the service provided to him.
Another thing is, our system in the United States, even though cost of living has increased tremendously, and we are going to be the generation that gets overtly screwed, promotes an impenetrable work ethic and competitive nature which catalyzes innovation and improvement. Therefore, although there are things, I would trade I am also aware of the benefit of living in the United States and a very capitalistic centric culture.