16 Apr, 2025 @ 09:50
2 mins read

WATCH: ‘Are the Spanish just happier?’ Brit revels in life in Spain – but Spaniard abroad says he wouldn’t go back ‘even for a joke’

A BRIT in Madrid and a Spaniard abroad have ignited a debate after giving contrasting perspectives on the pros and cons of living in Spain.

Tom, who has lived in the Spanish capital for six years, shared a video on TikTok reflecting on why life in Spain feels so much more joyful than in the UK — or even the USA.

“Are the Spanish just happier, or is it just me?” he asked. “Here in Spain, it feels like people work to live, not live to work.”

He spoke of his daily routine in Madrid — finishing work, going for a walk along the river, seeing friends — and said it felt like ‘there are just more hours in the day.’

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Life in Spain is hotly debated – is it a paradise?

The contrast, he said, was stark compared to his old life in London, which he described as ‘rushed and rainy.’

The video, which has racked up nearly 100,000 likes, ends on a heartfelt note. “I don’t know if I’ll stay in Spain until the day I die… but there are worse ways to spend your years.”

But not everyone is so eager to live in Spain.

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@tomcharliedesign

?? Are Spaniards happier or is it just me? When I lived in London life seemed rushed and rainy, yet here, there are more hours in the day. #workfromhome #workandtravel #madridvlog #dayinthelife#madridalcielo #vlog #uxdesigner #digitalnomad #portfoliotips #dayinthelife #spendthedaywithme #weekendvlog

? Runaway – Piano Version – your movie soundtrack

Ismael, a Spanish physiotherapist based in Switzerland, told Spanish daily La Razon ‘I wouldn’t go back to Spain to do the same job, not even for a joke.’

In his native country he was earning €1,182 a month. Now, in Switzerland he takes home the equivalent of €5,100 each paycheck.

“I’m not going through that again; [living on that salary] was the most difficult year of my life,” he said.

“You have to take action in your life, or your future looks very bleak.’

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“In this world, salaries are generally based on collective agreements, and there’s little progression, so people who’ve been working for 20 years only earn a little more than when they started.”

Ismael noted some key differences between the people and the life in Switzerland and Spain.

“People there are colder. They live to work. They don’t work to live,” he said, echoing Tom’s sentiment — but in reverse.

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“To enjoy life in Switzerland, you have to work hard. In Switzerland, nothing is given for free, and the level of work standards is very high.” 

There are, of course, many things Ismael misses from back home: “The little things; a hug from your parents, a beer with your mates — those things are priceless. No salary can replace that.”

Walter Finch

Walter Finch, who comes from a background in video and photography, is keen on reporting on and investigating organised crime, corruption and abuse of power. He is fascinated by the nexus between politics, business and law-breaking, as well as other wider trends that affect society.
Born in London but having lived in six countries, he is well-travelled and worldly. He studied Philosophy at the University of Birmingham and earned his diploma in journalism from London's renowned News Associates during the Covid era.
He got his first break in the business working on the Foreign News desk of the Daily Mail's online arm, where he also helped out on the video desk.
He then decided to escape the confines of London and returned to Spain in 2022, having previously lived in Barcelona for many years.
He took up up a reporter role with the Olive Press Newspaper and today he is based in La Linea de la Concepcion at the heart of a global chokepoint and crucial maritime hub, where he edits the Olive Press Gibraltar edition.
He is also the deputy news editor across all editions of the newspaper.

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