Working in Valencia: Jarno’s story about work-life balance in Spain

Why move to Valencia for work?

I did not leave the Netherlands because I was unhappy. I had a good job at Porsche and there was nothing wrong with my life there. But deep down, I felt ready for something new. I wanted more freedom, a different environment and a lifestyle that felt more balanced. In the Netherlands, I often felt like everything revolved around work and performance. Over time, I started to notice that this way of living did not fully suit me anymore. I wanted to experience what it would be like to build a life somewhere else.

At some point, I knew I had to stop overthinking and just see where that feeling could take me.

Is moving to Valencia scary?

Of course, moving to Valencia was scary. Before leaving, I had the same doubts many people have. Would I feel at home? Would I meet people I connected with? How quickly would I adapt to a completely new environment? Those questions were definitely on my mind. But apart from that, I did not have many doubts. I chose to go into it with an open mindset and trust that the rest would come naturally. Looking back, that mindset helped me most in the first weeks.

The real challenges of living in Valencia

Moving abroad is exciting, but real life still needs to be organised. For me, the biggest challenge was the practical side of things. Applying for a NIE number, opening a bank account and arranging healthcare all took more time and effort than I was used to in the Netherlands. There are often more steps involved, and things can move a little slower. Even simple things, like finding a dentist where I could speak English, turned into a search.

That is useful to know if you are thinking about moving to Spain for work. The lifestyle can be amazing, but patience helps a lot in the beginning.

Finding accommodation in Valencia

Housing was another challenge. I eventually found my apartment through Idealista, but if I am honest, there was definitely some luck involved too. For many people moving to Spain, finding a good and affordable place to live can take time. My advice would be to start early, stay realistic and be ready to move quickly when a good option appears. Once housing is sorted, everything feels easier.

For helpful tips, trusted platforms and useful discounts for your move, read our blog about finding housing in Valencia. It can make your start a lot smoother. 🏠

What life in Valencia feels like now

Once everything settled down, I found exactly what I had been looking for. Now I really enjoy the simple things. I go hiking in the area around Valencia with friends, run along in the Turiapark or spend time at Malvarossa beach after work. Life feels lighter here. Instead of rushing through weekdays and only living for the weekend, there is more balance throughout the whole week. People genuinely make time to enjoy themselves, whether that is meeting friends on a terrace or having dinner with family on a weekday. That mindset changed a lot for me.

“What I was looking for was visible everywhere here: people work, but they also really live.”

The biggest cultural difference I noticed

The biggest difference for me is how much people enjoy everyday life. There is more focus on culture, social time and being outside. People meet each other during the week, not only at weekends. Meals are shared for longer, terraces are full and there is less rush in general. Something else that stood out to me was how children grow up here. You still see kids playing outside late in the evening with friends instead of staying indoors behind screens. That creates a very different feeling in the city.

Making friends in Valencia as an expat

A lot of people worry about feeling lonely when they move abroad. I understand that, but for me it turned out much easier than expected. You quickly meet people through work, shared housing or communities like Dutchies in Valencia. There are group chats where people organise drinks, sports or beach plans, so there is almost always something happening.

There is also quite a large Dutch community here, which can make the first months easier if you like having something familiar around you. Once you take the first step, meeting people often happens naturally.

Do I miss home?

Honestly, not that much. Valencia is not on the other side of the world, so visiting home feels easy. You can fly back for a weekend without too much trouble. That actually makes it nicer. When I go back to the Netherlands, it feels like a real trip. And when friends or family visit me in Spain, it always feels special too. For me, living abroad did not mean losing home. It meant gaining another one.

“Valencia is close enough that home never feels far away.”

What my workday in Valencia looks like

My day usually starts by checking my agenda and seeing what needs to happen that day. Then I grab a coffee, look at the team target and write it on the whiteboard so everyone knows what we are aiming for. After that, I help guide the team. I train new colleagues, support experienced callers with more complex IT questions and help keep motivation high throughout the day.

Around lunchtime, I usually eat together with colleagues, either at the office or outside in the sun. Those moments are great for catching up, having a laugh and taking a break from the targets. The atmosphere at work is very social, so there is always someone around to chat with or grab lunch together.

In the afternoon, the focus shifts back to coaching the team and making sure we finish the day strong. Before I know it, it is already 17:00 and time to head home. Sometimes I walk back through the Turia park, which is a pretty nice way to end the workday and switch into free time. That mix of leadership, teamwork and problem-solving is something I really enjoy.

How working abroad helped me grow

Moving abroad helped me grow both personally and professionally in ways I did not expect. At work, I developed leadership skills by guiding a team, helping colleagues improve and learning how to keep people motivated on busy days. I also became better at communicating clearly, solving problems quickly and staying calm when things do not go to plan. Living abroad also taught me a lot outside of work. You learn to adapt faster when systems, language and culture are different from what you know. Small things, like arranging paperwork or building a new social circle, make you more independent and confident over time.

I also discovered something unexpected: a genuine interest in IT. I never thought I would become so enthusiastic about that side of the job, but now it is something I would like to keep developing in the future. Sometimes growth happens when you place yourself in a completely new environment and trust yourself to figure it out.

Is moving to Valencia worth it?

For me, absolutely. No place is perfect, and moving abroad always comes with challenges. You still need to sort housing, handle paperwork and build a new routine from scratch. But what you get in return can be worth so much more. Valencia gave me more sunshine, more spontaneity and a lifestyle that feels lighter. It is easy to spend time outside, meet friends after work and enjoy the city during the week instead of only living for the weekend.

There is also a strong international community here, which makes it easier to meet new people and settle in. At the same time, the city still feels relaxed and manageable, not overwhelming.

‘’I did not just change countries. I changed how life feels.’’

Ready for your own move abroad?

Things can move quickly when you take action and step outside your comfort zone. If you keep waiting for the perfect moment, you may wait forever. Sometimes the best decision is simply giving yourself the chance to try.

“Things can move fast when you take action and step outside your comfort zone.”

If you are thinking about working in Valencia, living in Spain, or starting fresh abroad, maybe this is your sign.

Check out our jobs in Spain and discover where your next chapter could begin. 🌞