Pursuing my dream life in Valencia: a different path after high school graduation

Hi, I'm Lisa Maria! After graduating in 2023, I decided to take the plunge and move to Valencia instead of going straight to university. What started as an eight-month plan turned into a life-changing adventure full of career growth, new friendships and embracing Spanish culture. In this blog, I share my journey of living and working in Valencia: from starting over, adjusting to a new lifestyle and overcoming doubts, to finding joy in sunsets, yoga and building a fulfilling life abroad. If you're curious about taking the plunge yourself, this might just inspire you! ✨

Why I chose to live in Valencia

My choice to move to Valencia happened quite unexpectedly. I had always known that I wanted to live abroad and Portugal or Spain were at the top of my list. I'd travelled to Spain a few times and was familiar with the culture and lifestyle, but I was also open to the idea of living in Portugal. I wanted to keep an open mind and find out what was best for me. So I started applying for different internship roles and eventually the International Recruiter role in Valencia at Yobbers itself stood out as the perfect opportunity. 

From intern to International Recruitment Consultant: my career journey

I started at Yobbers as an intern and quickly advanced to the role of International Recruiter. Not long after, I was offered the chance to grow further and became an International Recruitment Consultant. 🚀 What I love most about working in international recruitment is the rapid career progression—it’s exciting to take on more responsibility in such a short time. This dynamic and supportive environment has pushed me to grow continually, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

👉 Do you also want to kickstart your career at Yobbers? Check out our vacancies!

What I learned about starting over

Having doubts about a big move is normal. I feared missing home and losing touch with loved ones, but staying connected via WhatsApp or FaceTime and hosting friends here changed that. They saw why I took the leap! I also worried about feeling stuck, but I’ve learned you can always go back if needed. 🧡

The first weeks were busy with new people and impressions, but I never really struggled. Feeling alone was odd at first, but that quickly faded away!

“It just felt like the right thing to do and here I am!”

Adjusting to Spain: culture shocks and new friendships

Settling into Spain was easier than I imagined! Making friends (whether at work or through Bumble Friends) was effortless, as everyone was eager to connect. The biggest surprise? Spain's late-night lifestyle! 🪩 Coming from a quiet Austrian village, it was a big shift—but now, I love the vibrant rhythm and wouldn’t trade it for anything!

My new life in Valencia

Outside of work, I have several favourite activities that make my time in Spain even more enjoyable. One of my highlights is watching the sunset on the beach, whether I’m with friends or soaking it in solo; it’s the perfect way to unwind after a busy day. I also love to grab drinks with friends or colleagues, which is a great way to relax and socialize. Staying active is important to me, so I often play paddle or join pilates classes during the week. 

On Saturdays, I make it a point to do yoga, either in the park or on the beach, which helps me recharge while enjoying the beauty of my surroundings. These experiences not only bring joy to my days but also help me connect with the local culture and truly feel at home in Spain! ☀️🧘‍♀️

Overcoming doubts

The biggest lesson I’ve learned working abroad? It’s okay not to have a plan—everything falls into place. My advice: just try it! I had doubts too, but you’ll never know unless you take the leap. It might just be the best time of your life or, at the very least, an unforgettable experience!

Ready to kickstart an exciting adventure in Spain? Embrace the thrill of working abroad, discover new experiences, and begin your next chapter in a new country. Check out vacancies in Spain and take the first step toward your unforgettable journey abroad!