When you grow up somewhere, you don’t always realize the influence your country has on the rest of the world. It just feels normal. But the moment you leave, that perspective shifts pretty quickly.
Living in Spain made me realize just how much global influence the United States actually has. And I mean everywhere. From music and movies to brands, technology, and business culture. American influence is almost impossible to avoid once you start paying attention. Before moving abroad, I never really thought about it that deeply. It was just the environment I grew up in. But stepping outside of it made me see things from a totally different angle.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I love living in Spain. It has introduced me to new ways of living, new rhythms, and, honestly, a healthier perspective on life in many ways. The slower pace, the emphasis on enjoying meals with friends, and the work-life balance. Those are things that are genuinely beautiful about Spanish culture. But economically speaking, the two countries operate very differently.
When it comes to long-term stability, career growth, and financial opportunity, the United States wins. And after living abroad, I finally understand where the term “American Dream” really comes from. In the U.S., there’s this energy in the air that basically says, ” Go for it.
People start businesses all the time. Freelancers, content creators, consultants, small business owners. It’s incredibly common for someone to turn an idea into an actual career. And even if it doesn’t work the first time, there’s usually another opportunity waiting around the corner. There’s also a certain level of flexibility that makes it easier for people to create their own path. Working remotely, launching digital products, starting online businesses, and building brands from scratch. These things are part of everyday life in the United States.
Ambition is encouraged. And when someone succeeds, it often inspires other people to try something for themselves. In Spain, the system feels a little different. Salaries tend to be lower overall, and starting a business can come with more barriers. Paperwork, fees, and regulations can make the process slower and more complicated. Sometimes it almost feels like the system punishes people for trying to be their own boss rather than supporting them in the process.
If you’re a foreigner, those challenges can multiply. There are often additional costs, extra administrative steps, and legal hurdles that locals might not have to deal with. In some situations, you may even feel like you’re paying double just to navigate the system.
Because of that, entrepreneurship isn’t quite as visible here as it is in the United States. Many people in Spain focus on working within established systems and stable jobs. There’s nothing wrong with that at all, but the culture around risk-taking and building businesses from the ground up feels less common. Meanwhile, in the United States, people are constantly pushing boundaries: breaking glass ceilings, launching startups, creating new industries, and turning creative ideas into real income streams.
And honestly, that’s something I’ve grown to admire even more since living abroad.
The hustle culture in the United States gets a lot of criticism online, and sometimes for good reason. It can absolutely become overwhelming if taken to the extreme. But there’s also a powerful side to it; it creates opportunity. It gives people the freedom to experiment with their careers, build something of their own, and potentially support themselves doing work they actually enjoy. That kind of flexibility is incredibly valuable.
So while Spain has taught me how to slow down and appreciate life outside of work, living here has also made me appreciate the ambition and economic possibilities that exist in the United States. At the end of the day, both places offer something valuable. But when it comes strictly to career potential, entrepreneurship, and long-term financial success, the United States is still one of the best places in the world to turn an idea into a reality.
Love always,
American Girl Meets World
