Surviving The Recession Expat Style
November 18th, 2009 - Chris MarshallFor many expats living in Spain or even working in Spain there is little option in the recession other than to ride it out and hope for the best! Moving back to the home country simply isn’t an option for many, and getting a job in Spain for many is a economic or physical non starter.
While it is easy to take the view
Enjoy the good times, survive the bad times
it is certainly easier to enjoy the good times; surviving the bad times isn’t as easy.
In recent weeks virtually everyone that I have spoken to in Spain is saying that this winter is going to be tougher than ever, and certainly harder than many had expected. I have written before about the state of the Spanish economy, so I thought that to balance things out I would write about 5 Things To Do To Survive The Recession for expats:
1. Do the FREE Things
Back in the 80’s as a student in the UK there really wasn’t that much to do! The Internet hadn’t been invented, mobile phones didn’t exist, and student loans hadn’t even been thought of.
We did the cheap things! We walked, we sat around and had conversations. A cup of coffee lasted an hour, and a bag of chips was a treat! OK so we had a few drinks fro time to time *cough* but effectively living on a (very) tight budget with extremely limited income opportunities was the way it was.
Sound familiar?
2. Get A Hobby
Take photographs, explore the countryside, read, learn about the history of where you live, get involved with a good cause etc.
Virtually every expat in Spain that I ever meet tends to have come over with a number of great intentions, that for one reason or another haven’t materialised yet, so why not take this opportunity for a second chance.
3. Get Fit
I know, pot, kettle, black but now is a great time to get fitter. Eat and drink a bit less and you save some money. Walk rather than use the car and you get fitter as well as save some money. Am NOT saying spend money on a gym, but pilates or yoga at home, jogging or walking with friends, are all great ways to get fitter, save some money and maintain social interaction (assuming you get a training buddy to keep you motivated and provide some company)
4. Set Yourself A Challenge
We eat and drink more when bored, and that involves spending money, so why not set yourself a challenge or two?
5. Use What You Have
One word repeatedly crops up when talking about the current recession ………. GREED
Greed for bigger profits, faster and newer cars every year, meals out 3 or 4 times a week, latest fashion, 2 or 3 holidays a year.
Aspiration is good, affordable aspiration is perfect, but greed ……..
It is too late to turn back the clock, but we can and should learn our lessons, and to me that is pretty simple. Make do with what you have, at least that way you can’t argue that you didn’t get good value out of it!
Being an expat is a opportunity to adopt a different lifestyle. While a recession isn’t what the Doctor ordered it does provide an opportunity to take stock, and with these five points I reckon survival will be a little bit easier.
It is a while yet to New Years Eve, but why not get a head start on the old resolutions this year!
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