Bulgaria is 'home' and will always have a special place in my heart

Introduce yourself in a few sentences. What is your name, what do you do? What does your work involve as daily commitments?
My name is Valentina, for short Valya. I work in the 'Employer Branding' department in Revolut, in the fintech industry. My job is extremely diverse and I would find it hard to sum it up in a few sentences, but I will try. The main task of my team is to: 1) show what it means for people to be part of our company and what it gives them, and 2) attract the best talent in the market to continue moving the business forward. My daily commitments include organizing events, building relationships with universities globally, creating content for social media, and enhancing our internal ambassadors program.

In which country and city do you currently live and how did you end up there?
I have been living in England for 5 years, having settled in London during the last one. I moved to the capital after graduating from university and starting a permanent job.

What were the biggest challenges you faced at the beginning of your stay?
My adjustment in England was not as smooth as I expected. I arrived during COVID-19 (September 2020), when quarantine was still mandatory. This was definitely an obstacle to making new contacts. I am quite social, and being away from people was a challenge.
Perhaps the biggest challenge was getting used to being away from my family. I have always been close to my parents, and the time spent with them means a lot to me. Therefore, moving to another country was a slight shock. A few years later, I think we have managed to perfect the power of video technologies, as well as good planning of our time every time I return to Bulgaria. 😄

How did you overcome the language barrier (if there was one)?
This happened the moment I started living in a house with Brits. I graduated from high school entirely in English and started higher education in England – I can't say I had a problem with communication, but there are definitely nuances that we are not taught in school – mainly jargon.

What resources or networks (local communities, colleagues, organizations) helped you adapt?
The main network that helped me adapt to the new way of life was undoubtedly the Bulgarian community at the university. In a period of uncertainty and doubts about whether I was in the right place, it was there that I met friends for life – people who carried the warmth of Bulgaria.

What are the main differences between the work culture in your current country and that in Bulgaria?
It is difficult for me to make a completely objective comparison, as my internship in Bulgaria is short (about half a year), and I am currently part of a global team in an international company.
However, one of the main differences I have noticed is the structure of feedback. In England, there is a well-organized performance evaluation system at certain periods, while in Bulgaria this is often more informal.
Additionally, in England, there is more emphasis on flexibility and the ability for employees to balance work and personal life. Progress is also observed in Bulgaria, but there is still room for improvement.

What values and practices in the workplace impressed you the most?
When choosing an employer, I pay attention to three main principles – a cohesive team, quality management, and the opportunity to unleash my potential.
I value an environment where people help each other and motivate one another, without envy and competition. It is also important for me to have trust in my manager and to feel that they believe in me.
What inspires me the most is the feeling that my work matters. Even though I am at the early stage of my career, I feel the impact of my actions on the team.
I am happy that all three principles I seek are a reality in my current work environment.

Have there been situations where cultural differences have challenged you?
Yes, there have been. I was most struck by the fact that people in England are more distant and restrained in their emotions. Bulgarians are more open and allow people to get close to them more easily, which is why I sometimes felt isolated, even in company.
Over time, I realized that this is not a lack of kindness or empathy, but simply a different way of expressing oneself. This helped me become more open to the differences between people.

How does finding a job differ in your current country compared to your homeland?
The process is similar, but there are differences. In England, I have access to more online platforms, such as Glassdoor and Indeed, which give me insight into company cultures. In Bulgaria, similar sources are still not as developed.
Also, in England, much more attention is paid to the so-called 'cultural fit' – to what extent the personality and values of the candidate fit into the team culture. I am glad that this practice is starting to emerge in Bulgaria as well.

Did you have to go through any additional qualification courses?
My previous employer had a qualification requirement for SAF (Specialist Automotive Finance), for which I received full support from the company. Additionally, I have not taken any special courses, but I believe that additional knowledge is always useful.

Have you encountered prejudices or obstacles because of your foreign origin?
I wouldn't say that I have faced serious prejudices. People are quite open, and even if they had some stereotypes, they were not expressed openly.

What would you advise people who want to take a similar step?
Be persistent and consistent. There will be difficulties, especially at the beginning, but don't give up. Every effort is worth it. You might discover a new place that feels like 'home', or you might return later. Whatever happens, the experience and growth are invaluable.
I myself am a living example – I have grown a lot because I gave myself another chance before interrupting my education. Make the most of this step – you won't regret it.

If you could go back, would you choose the same path?
Absolutely – yes. Although England was not my first choice, I do not regret any of my decisions. I believe that everything happens for a reason, and the difficulties I went through led me to the right place. I have always strived to work with persistence and dedication.

What do you miss the most from your homeland in professional and personal terms?
Personally, I miss my loved ones the most. For me, time spent with them is priceless. I also miss the Bulgarian nature, the beautiful views, and, of course, the food. 😉
Professionally, I miss the opportunity to fully use my native language – Bulgarian. This is an important part of my identity.

Have you considered returning and under what conditions would you do so?
Bulgaria is 'home' and will always have a special place in my heart. It is hard for me to imagine that I won't return, but I don't think that will happen soon. I want to gain more knowledge and experience, to create a stable foundation for my future, and one day to contribute to the development of the country.

What do you think about money? What is its influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?
I believe that money is important – not as an end in itself, but as a means of security and stability. From basic needs to the ability to save for my future – money plays an important role.
My advice is: learn how to manage your money. No matter what your income is, without this skill, you will not achieve financial stability. This is something I learned from my father and find extremely valuable.