How American workplace values find application in Hungary

Introduce yourself in a few sentences. What does your work as daily commitments consist of?

My name is Slavina Tatarska, I am 36 years old from the city of Blagoevgrad and since 2012 I have been living and working in Budapest, Hungary. I have been working for Interactive Brokers. Currently, I am a ‘Corporate Actions Analyst’ with my main responsibilities including notifying clients about upcoming corporate events (mergers, auctions), as well as initiating payments and reconciling accounting books and records with clearing houses and banks.

In which country and city do you currently live and how did you end up there?

My decision to come to Hungary came back in 2012 when I came here to study in a master’s program in ‘Political Science’ at the Central European University. After a dynamic year and successful graduation, I returned to Bulgaria, but I really wanted to come back. I decided to look for opportunities through the Erasmus program for European Voluntary Service. After completing the program, I started working at Tata Consultancy Services as a customer service representative. After that, I also worked for companies like Citibank and  Borealis in roles such as Third Party Risk Analyst and Supply Chain Analyst. And so until today.

What were the biggest challenges you faced at the beginning of your stay?

It was definitely difficult for me at the beginning, especially when I came to study, because I knew nothing about the country, I had to find housing, I had no acquaintances. Everything was a challenge for me, but definitely constructive, because I stepped out of my comfort zone.

How did you overcome the language barrier (if there was one)?

I am still not, although I speak a little Hungarian (it is a difficult language after all), and English guarantees good survival.

What are the main differences between the work culture in your current country and that in Bulgaria?

I have mostly worked in multinational companies. In cases where the team is mostly made up of foreigners, it is often the best combination of circumstances. In a predominantly local team, it is not easy, I often feel like a foreigner. I suppose that the same observations would be made by foreigners living in Bulgaria.

What workplace values and practices impressed you the most?

It is interesting to see how practices and values of an American company find ground at the local level. As an example, I will mention participation in various initiatives, team buildings, and, in smaller companies, creating a sense of community.

Have there been situations where cultural differences have hindered you?

I wouldn't say so, I had the opportunity to live here at different stages of my life – studying and working and encountering different social groups and people, I dare say that I became more open to different ideas and values. I learned mainly tolerance.

How does finding a job differ in your current country compared to your homeland?

The labor market here has changed quite a bit, especially after the last few years filled with challenges. Due to changes in residence permits, it has become more closed to foreigners, especially for those coming from third countries. I would say that a few years ago, finding a job in Hungary was easier than in Bulgaria and there were more opportunities.

Did you have to go through any additional qualification courses?

No, but I believe that one should constantly develop and invest in their future professional development. 

Have you encountered prejudices or obstacles because of your foreign origin?

No, but definitely Hungarians are a bit more closed people and find it hard to make friends with foreigners. It takes time.

What would you advise people who want to take a similar step?

I believe that everyone, even for a short period, should go somewhere, to see how they would cope far from their homeland. The world is big and opportunities lurk everywhere, especially for young people. Every young person has the need to separate from their secure environment and challenge themselves for something new, a new culture, language, another type of education.

If you could go back, would you choose the same path?

Yes, I would go abroad to study, to gain experience, but maybe I would choose a different field of education and realization.

What do you miss most from your homeland in professional and personal terms?

In personal terms – mainly my family. In professional terms, I cannot comment because my professional life has developed right here.

Have you considered returning and under what conditions would you do it?

At this stage of my life, I would consider returning to Bulgaria, but only if I have a good career opportunity. This decision would also be influenced by my desire to settle down, because even if it sounds clichéd, life abroad is for a certain time.

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?

Money is important, it is not everything, but it should be enough for a decent way of life. And everyone has different criteria for that. Definitely, if we have decided to live in another country, we need to calculate whether we will have to sacrifice something from our already established standard of living and assess whether the opportunity is worth it.