After a recent spring break trip to Madrid, Spain I became witness to various cultural norms. One thing that surprised me was how quiet the people were. While riding the metro or walking down the street, we never once heard someone laughing loud or rudely blabbing on their cell phone. These nuisances are common in the United States, so I was very surprised to find that the ‘bustling’ city of Madrid wasn’t noisy. Another difference I noticed was how easy it is for people to use walking as a means of transportation. Not just your daily workout you squeeze in before class or work, but a leisurely stroll in the park or walking to work, because, dare I say it, it’s fun and enjoyable? This cultural difference was refreshing, and something I think we could dare to adopt here in the States.
Aside from these minor differences in city life, the major difference I saw was in the lifestyle of the people. Their days began around 8 in the morning, just like us, but by 1 o’clock until about 4 in the afternoon things close down for the lovely, culturally accepted norm, siesta. After this rejuvenating nap, natives begin their day again as the sun starts setting. Then, comes the fun stuff! The things people worry about when they book their trips abroad: the night life. The entire country lights up, and everything is open. From restaurants to tapa bars, people are hopping from place to place and meeting friends and enjoying their time away from work. To put it simply, these people are working to live. Their jobs aren’t their lives. They do whatever they need to so they can actually live outside their 9 to 5 routine.
As a college student, this experience made me question which custom was right, living to work, or working to live. I have often told people that my career and my life were synonymous and that what I did with either would define who I was. My work made me who I am. And this impresses people. We live in a society where we live to work. We think nothing of 12-hour days, 14-hour days, making money just to save for the next big purchase. Why can’t we live life day-to-day and enjoy ourselves? Instead of planning a vacation months in advance, why can't we live life to the fullest every day?
A friend of mine from Mexico saw me struggle every day with school and how it consumed my life. He often asked me why I couldn’t stop and just live my life and be happy. And I never had an answer for him until now. Here in America, we create this idea of the American Dream and that we have to constantly work for something. That we can’t stop. But we make it work. It’s what makes us who we are. I never claim to have the right answer, and maybe there isn’t one. Regardless, live your life the way you want, and I hope you find happiness in whichever path you choose: Live your life to work, or work to live your life.
