Living in Spain and being fluent in Spanish have long been a dream. Now Spain opens-up its border and I don’t need visa up to 90 days. We still work remotely and most of my teams are in Europe and Asia so time-zone would work.
I asked “mama” in Costa Rica to give me the contact of the couple who lives near Barcelona and who I had met last year in Costa Rica. I asked the wife if I could stay with them in July/ August so I can continue Spanish learning/ immersion. She said yes right away.
I approached my boss who didn’t express strong opinion but said I should check with HR on the process. My heart dropped…yet I thought let’s give it a try. I found out our HR business partner who happened to out-of-office, I emailed her along with HR alias asking for the process. In the following week, I reached out to her, got the global nomad application form, filled, submitted then waited…2 weeks to go, I got the approval, yes!
Next I talked with aunt who didn’t think I shall be away before settling the house. I understand her concern yet believe I can make it work. I communicated and seek supports from team (bank/ attorney agreed on power-of-attorney; agent is willing to manage the house and tenants temporarily, tks all) and made financial and legal arrangements. Mom and dad were also supportive; Spain, yo voy!
Lessons learned: (1) go for the dream even with doubt, (2) believe possibility and ask, people usually like to support, (3) find ways to reach yes.
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