Moving to Asia or Madrid

[thelittlebear321]

Hey everyone!

I'm considering relocating next year to either Madrid or somewhere in Asia. The roles would be broadly the same just different locations / working culture. I have a Madrid offer on the table already.

I don't speak any Spanish (would of course learn) and am originally from East Asia although grew up in England so have this nagging fear that I'd be culturally feel a bit lost in Madrid not speaking the language and being a minority but equally love the idea of living somewhere totally different in Europe.

I would love to hear thoughts on people's expat experiences in either country? I would know at least one person in both and I'm single / 30 (F). Also have this i irrational thought that if I leave the country, I'm missing out on the opportunity to meet someone at home in England to settle down with as I hit my early 30s because I'd ideally stay abroad for 18 months to make it worthwhile.

Thank you!

Would the job in Madrid include Healthcare & accommodation? Otherwise you maybe paying them to work for them IYSWIM. Usually, East Asian employment packages include accommodation, flight allowance & healthcare package. The only thing you’d perhaps have to consider is if borders are open, quarantine expectations, vaccine expectations & lack of liberties (as in, would you be alright if the nice men & ladies in hazmat suits cart you off if testing positive (stringent covid rules.))

Whereabouts in Asia because living in Hong Kong is completely different to living in Jakarta or Tokyo? I wouldn't recommend HK/China at the moment as if only for 18 months chances are you'll literally be stuck there the whole time as the quarantine rules are so draconian so unless you have stacks of annual leave or your employer lets you work from quarantine, you cant actually leave.

If it's Singapore - go, you'll meet stacks of single people there.

I haven't lived in either but have close relatives living in Manila. Pre-pandemic they had a wonderful life, lots of travel, etc., but they have literally been confined to their immediate neighborhood since March 2020 - they were barely allowed to leave their apartment at times. As a PP said, research the Covid-related restrictions that have been in place (and could be again), or you could end up stuck WFH and not meeting anyone.

Yes, depends where in East Asia. If it's SG, then grab the opportunity with both hands!