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How to Avoid Being a Stupid American When Working in Europe
by Alex Bochicchio
Face Times Staff Writer
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After working in New York and Boston following graduation, I moved to Hungary in June to pursue an opportunity in the telecommunications space. Here are some initial findings from my cultural learnings. *** BUDAPEST - Although this city is stunning, my office in an industrial park outside of the city reminds me that yes, I do live and work in post-communist Central Europe. I left my finance job in Boston to start a job here. Basically, I wanted an adventure. I wasn't quite ready to move by myself to a hut in Tibet, but moving to a new ville with an unfamiliar language and culture was appealing. Instead of hitting up Starbucks for a grande soy misto each morning, I begin the workday by emphatically smiling and waving at the parking attendant, three receptionists and any coworkers whom I pass in the hall in an attempt to compensate for my limited Hungarian vocabulary. Apparently I equate borderline-manic cheerfulness to not acting like a stupid American. Here are a few other suggestions.
Realize you are in a fortunate position.
Coworkers repeatedly - and incredulously - ask me, "Why did you ever move here?" They cannot fathom why I voluntarily would leave the United States to work in Hungary. And the answer is that I have it better than they do. As an American, I make significantly more than my local counterparts and am able to take advantage of the great things Budapest has to offer without dealing with the crap - the high taxes, currency fluctuations and corrupt national healthcare system.
On the flip side, most of my (educated, English-speaking) coworkers have never been to America. Until recently the U.S. rejected most of their applications. On top of that, it was prohibitively expensive. I am kidding myself to think we've had the same opportunities.
Be aware of America's influence.
America has influenced the history of every country in Europe. As a result, most Europeans are knowledgeable about American politics and culture and feel no qualms passing judgment or sharing their opinions. The average American does not have the same informed view of Europe. And why should he? Unlike Europeans, Americans do not have the need to look for culture and opportunities outside of their own country.
As I live and work in Budapest now, I better understand how America has impacted Hungary. If I don't, I either can say nothing or talk out of my ass when my coworker criticizes American foreign policy in front of me. And it is only when Americans argue about something about which they have no clue that Europeans think they are stupid.
Have wine at lunch.
Previously, I worked in jobs where I ate lunch (and often dinner) at my desk. Here, the office moves at a much slower pace; lunch breaks are at least an hour, often involving alcohol, and I cannot ask my coworker how he is doing unless I am prepared to spend 10 minutes listening to how his girlfriend left him, his flat is being painted and his head hurts.
I need to acclimate myself to the office culture or I will drive myself, and my coworkers, crazy. The best advice a fellow expat gave me prior to moving here was to be patient - patient that I didn't get a computer until my second week of work and patient that my coworkers play darts in front of my desk. And taking time out of the workday to relax isn't such a bad thing - I doubt I would have been able to write this article during the workday in my previous life as investment banker in New York.
Actually, thinking more about it, investment bankers now probably have plenty of time to write articles...
Flirt.
I have not heard the phrase "sexual harassment" once since moving abroad. When my male coworker mentioned that a female controller had a "very sexy voice" and he would like to "make lots of babies with her," I laughed it off as harmless. And much like I have learned to eschew takeaway coffee, I no longer think twice when my female coworker arrives to work sporting a hot pink mesh tank top. Europeans simply do not take sexual banter and expression as seriously as Americans do and there is not a litigious culture here.
Remember you are American.
While Europeans clearly dislike many Americans stereotypes, they are also envious of other American traits such as happiness and confidence. I have attracted a lunch group of coworkers whom want to practice their English with me and received this email when I had to cancel our lunch date last week.
Oohh :(
I've waited so much this day! But, no probelem (sic). I know the work is important!
When we were on lunch last time I really enjoyed! I don't know how you do that! You're always smiling and happy :)
Just because I live in Budapest does not mean I need to embrace the passive and pessimistic "Hungarian mentality." Yeah, I don't want to stand out for being ignorant, defensive or loud. But if I stand out for being confident and freakishly cheerful, bring it on.
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