Interview with Jesse Bak
Nationality:
Dutch
Age range:
18-24 years old
Landed in:
2020
Languages:
Dutch, English, German and basic Spanish
Neighbourhood:
Barceloneta
Work:
Throughout the day I am a LinkedIn strategist. That means I am self employed and help people with their LinkedIn strategy and personal branding. My company TextJesse was founded in October 2020. In the evenings I am doing a master in Entrepreneurship.
Introducing jesse bak, a dutch expat in Barcelona.
Why did you choose to relocate to Barcelona?
In February 2020 I finished my Bachelors degree and I wanted to spice things up before starting my Masters. What better way to learn Spanish, than by going to the beach and partying in the sun right?
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced after your relocation?
Apart from the lockdown that started two weeks after my arrival, I had to learn the language from scratch. Additionally, we were dealing with a landlord that was not always as easy going. Lastly, due to the Covid situation it took me approximately six months to get my NIE!
What do you love the most about Barcelona?
Although I understand it is not really Barcelona specific, I am hooked on the easy going lifestyle that people have here. A city where you can have stressful days in the office but still be able to chill out , relax and switch off from work.
If you could give one piece of advice to future expats in Barcelona, what would it be?
DON'T expect beach weather in January and DO bring your winter jacket.
What are the top 3 things on your bucket list whilst living in Barcelona?
1. Visit the festival: Brunch in the Park 2. Eat at the restaurant: Tickets 3. Eat the infamous 'Calçots'!
What do you miss the most about home?
Friends & family and the fireplace!
What were the biggest adjustments you had to make when settling into life in Barcelona?
The biggest adjustment I had to make was to slow down and take a breather. In the first few weeks I felt like a kid in a candy store, absolutely spoilt for choice!
How did you find the job seeking process?
I was very lucky to secure a job in Barcelona before I stepped on the plane. After half a year, when I decided it was time for something new, I had a hard time finding a new job. That's when I created my own company.
Do you use your native language at work?
At my previous job I was working for the Flemish market. Therefore, Dutch and English sufficed. Right now the majority of my clients are Dutch + a few internationals. I might want to acquire a Spanish client before my learnings fade away!
thank you to jesse bak for sharing your expat story with us!
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