In Switzerland, work must be done in the best possible way

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

My name is Kristina Vladimirova, and I am a reporter by profession. I worked for many years in Bulgaria, until the moment my husband and I decided to try to continue our lives abroad.

Currently, we live in Geneva, Switzerland. I work at the headquarters of EBU (European Broadcasting Union), in the news department. My job involves coordinating the news flow that comes from all over the world – specifically – preparing it for delivery to members of EBU. We process videos, and we implement what are called live reports from various points around the world. Quite an interesting and dynamic job, especially in recent years of conflicts and tension worldwide.

I work freelance, choosing my own pace and commitments, which makes me very happy because I can achieve the long-desired balance between personal life and career.

In which country and city are you currently living, and how did you end up there?

After years of working in Bulgaria, it wasn't exactly coincidence that took me abroad. My husband received a job offer, and at that moment I had to rethink my path. It wasn't easy, because I am a person who loves what I do endlessly, and it wasn't just work, but a passion and a way of life. But in Bulgaria, journalism goes hand in hand with compromise, and I wasn't convinced that this was my path.

The decision wasn't difficult, the risk – completely justified, the challenge personally in front of me – great.

After Berlin and Zurich, we currently live in Geneva. We changed several cities and two countries within 7 years.

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

The language and administrative issues regarding the most basic everyday matters – like opening a bank account and finding housing. It was a big headache, but that is also part of the adventure. Later, you tell about it with laughter, but at first, it is far from funny.

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

The adventure for us started in Berlin. I didn't know a word of German at the beginning, and that depressed me horribly because I love to talk to people. With daily lessons and a lot of effort, within a little over a year, I spoke German. And so I lived in comfort for several years. Then we moved to Geneva. I don't speak French. Now I am going through the same, but apparently, that is my fate. At least, funny moments are not lacking, so we laugh heartily at the situations we find ourselves in. Recently, I went to a store to look for batteries, and since I try to speak French and want to manage on my own, I asked for batteries. The seller, however, quite indignantly explained to me that he had no such things in his store. But I see that there are, and I pointed them out, and he replied, “Madam, you are asking for bacteria, (the pronunciation is close, and I didn't hit the right one), we don't have bacteria, batteries – we have!” We continued our conversation in English to prevent further misunderstandings.

Now the big plus is that my daughter speaks perfect French and I have a 5-year-old translator.

What resources or networks (local communities, colleagues, organizations) helped you adapt?

Only and solely the wonderful people I met by chance along the way. I now believe that there is actually nothing random in life. We left friends in Berlin, Zurich, and found new ones in Geneva. They helped me a lot and continue to help.

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

The main difference is attention to detail, generally speaking. Work must be done in the best possible way. And exceptions are not allowed. Yes, people make mistakes and that is normal and taken into account – making a mistake is not fatal, it is not pursued or punished, but approached with understanding. Perhaps this is also a motivation for people to give their best.  And most importantly – here I have never heard the phrase “There are no irreplaceable people.”

What values and practices in the workplace impressed you the most?

“Ask!” was the first thing I heard. For us, it seems that asking is a symbol of ignorance and helplessness, a sign that we are not capable of handling what we are hired for. Here it is the opposite. Especially when it comes to someone who is just entering the work, regardless of their previous experience. Questions here are welcomed as a sign that you want to quickly delve into the subject, and not as a reason to wonder why they hired you. Which is quite reassuring and motivating when you are new.

And not only that – care for mental health is another key point. Something that in our country still does not stand among the priorities of most employers. In Bulgaria, it seems that if you choose to be a journalist, doctor, police officer, it is your job how you will cope with the stress, which is a big part of your daily life. Your responsibility, your job.

Currently, a large part of my work is related to what is happening around the world, and it is literally “burning.” As for the information flow, we are on the second line – after the people who are on the ground. Every day we publish videos from Gaza, Ukraine, all the so-called “hot spots.”

These are shots that are difficult to reach for broadcasting. Because they are too brutal. But it is our duty to provide them. That is our job. The job we have chosen.

And here comes the role of our managers. Additional time for rest, various mental health training, specialized help. The moment you feel that you are not feeling well, a solution is sought for you. Mental health is a priority.

Have there been situations in which cultural differences have troubled you?

Never. Everyone approaches with respect and understanding towards others.  Our differences unite us, we love to tell about our customs, traditions. We have a lot of fun! It is great to work in an environment where every day you meet people from different parts of the world – it happens that I am greeted in five different languages with good morning – it’s nice!

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

Unlike my husband, upon arriving I found myself in the situation of NO ONE. A person who is completely foreign and unknown in the labor market and to find a place under the sun, one must prove themselves with all their might.

First, let’s clarify one thing. How does one find a job abroad when your profile is so specific? When the native language and perfect command of it is the basis of your work. When knowledge of the local environment and personal contacts are your most valuable resource.

There is a saying – “At home, even the walls help” – and in the case of journalists, this is exactly the case. Throughout my career path, we work with our name and face, so for us, finding a job does not happen on websites or at job fairs, but between conversations in the newsrooms.

When I started looking for a job, we were already living in Switzerland. And there, the labor market is quite specific. The media are fewer in number, international organizations and companies have their headquarters here, but are mainly situated in Geneva, which reduces the chance. And to all this, competition must be added, which is indeed from all over the world.

For someone with a profile like mine, who still wants to continue doing what they love, the challenge was huge. I think four years passed and a significant number of submitted CV-s, to reach the moment of an interview for a position that actually matches my profile. By a happy coincidence, we were already living in Geneva, where at the headquarters of EBU (European Broadcasting Union), they had an open position in the news department. (And to clarify – on a civil contract, initially without a fixed commitment for the number of hours of employment).

Did you have to go through any additional qualification courses?

Everyone goes through mandatory training, then there is an adaptation period. The trainings are not one-time – we have them constantly, because globally trends are developing, and we need to stay current. So it’s hard for me to list how many trainings I have gone through, they are simply part of our work.

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

No, I have never faced prejudices. With curiosity, yes. But everything is very positive. Unfortunately, sometimes I am not very positive regarding what is happening in our country. The truth is that Bulgaria is still a rather unknown country to foreigners.

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

To do it, to try. Even if they don't like it, it is experience. Invaluable experience. Life is infinitely colorful and interesting if we dare to step out of our comfort zone. A very true cliché.

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

Yes, this is the best decision I have ever made. I regret not having done it earlier.

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

The only thing I miss is family. There is no way of communication in the modern world that can compensate for a real hug, conversations until the early hours, or spontaneous meetings at the last moment with friends.

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

No, firmly. No matter how much I miss my family, I don't see how I could take a step back. In life, you never know anything, of course, but at this stage, I see my path outside Bulgaria.

What do you think about money? What is their influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

Money for me is a symbol of peace. I don't need millions in the bank account, just enough so that I don't have to think about what I will do if an unexpected expense arises or how to save for vacation. It is important for me to feel adequately paid and secure about the future. Money is not a goal, but a means to be calm and realize our dreams. In this aspect, they are important to me.