Kaixo from my last week in my Basque Country study abroad! (Note how I did not say my last week as I am already planning when I will come back) As my program comes to an end, we have become very reflexive, and I think the thought that has hit me the heaviest comes down to way of life and approach to productivity. Spain and North America have radically different cultural values and approaches when it comes to productivity.
During my time in Europe, I have realized North Americans tend to prioritize ambition and productivity over rest and balance. The work culture in North America often values long hours and a “hustle” mentality, leading to high levels of stress and burnout. There is a sense that rest is a luxury that can be sacrificed for the sake of career advancement or success. Too often I have seen my parents work overtime and hurt their health, in order to attempt to look good in front of their bosses. Even those who claim they won’t let work run their lives; it is very easy to fall into the wheel that is the American workforce and end up doing that which they feared. In doing so, workers not only sacrifice their physical health and sanity, but they sacrifice time with family, personal improvement, and their own peace.
In Spain on the other hand, I have noted a strong emphasis on rest and taking breaks throughout the day, such as the daily siesta. The standard vacation time is of at least one month. People leave their jobs and go to cafes or bars to hang out with friends even if it is in the middle of the week. You will see parents out strolling with their children or just sitting at public plazas with friends. In general, life seems to be calmer and more peaceful. I believe the Spanish approach to productivity is more balanced, as they believe that taking time to recharge and rest actually enhances productivity in the long run. I will say that it is not all perfect, as often the Spanish are seen as lazy, and they lack the ambition Americans have.
While there are certainly exceptions to these generalizations, the difference in approach to productivity can be seen in the different work-life balance policies and cultural norms in each region. This can also be seen in the approach to climate change and environment consciousness. In the US, most movements seem to be loud and shoot for ambitiously somewhat impossible goals. In Spain, movements are more local, and they seem to be more “help as you can and as you are able.”
Although not one of these approaches is best, I believe it is so important to find the middle ground between these. I truly hope that once I return, I do not let myself be dragged into American cycle of ambition and work and I can remember to enjoy life and give myself time to rest and recharge! This is to say, close your computer, turn your phone off at least an hour away, take that walk, get off the couch, go on an adventure. Try to remember, you are working so that you can enjoy other things not the other way around.
