Four Lessons the UK Has Taught Me

My name is América, and I belong to one of the twelve million Mexicans who live outside the country. I consider myself a sort of ambassador – someone who fervently promotes our colourful, inspiring, and joyful culture everywhere I go. Although this article is focused on my experience in the UK, I intend to highlight the influence of the place I was born and how it has impacted my life since moving abroad. 

It has been two and a half years since I arrived in the UK, and although I have experienced one full year in the pandemic, through isolation and working from home, it has been exciting. Thanks to the internet, I have created friendships with new people and reconnected with friends I had kept throughout my life.

My personal growth after arriving in the UK      

People from Latin American cultures are clever at creating bonds without attachment; we know how to get away from our families to be independent and seek our success and happiness. 

In my case, my growth as a person has been immense. Finding the balance between living away from my family, my roots, and my people, and fitting in a new country was a constant battle. British culture is different – not only in terms of language, but also in ideology, which is said to be subversive, but can also become overwhelming.  This has made me cautious to think twice before acting. For example, the UK is the cradle of many revolutionary ideas, including gender diversity, gender equality and racism. So, I had to learn and develop this sensitivity and caution to adapt and open my mind to new ways of living.

When I look back, I understand the emotional and mental ups and downs I have faced without my family. I am proud to say these challenges have made me stronger and made me feel capable of facing new challenges.

The message beyond the language 

Although it is not the first time I live outside my country, and English has always been a language I feel confident with, I must accept that communicating in the UK has been a challenge.

Before I speak, I need to recap and consider the intention of the message, the modulation of the voice, and the interpretation I’m aiming for. As a Mexican living in the UK, you expect the recipient to be warm, empathetic, relaxed when speaking, and even a bit loud (please, laugh!), since that’s how we are in our culture. Nevertheless, you discover that communication and trust barriers are a bit more difficult to cross than you would have imagined. In a certain way, I have had to be like a chameleon and adapt according to the social circle in which I find myself. However, after adapting to this new way of communicating, you master it and your ideas and techniques for the development of interpersonal relationships are strengthened. It’s a win-win situation. 

The importance of relationships

I came to London only with my partner, who I met seven years ago while working on a cruise line. He was born in Croatia, and after living sometime between his town and Mexico, we both arrived without knowing anyone, with a few job interviews lined up, and lots of hope. 

In a short time, we were both employed, and in my case, I began to create friends almost instantly with people from other countries living here. My surprise was that although I felt I was the only Mexican, I discovered a group of Mexicans living in the UK, who have become the moral support of being away from home.

I must admit I'm an introvert, but I still need to interact with other Mexicans to reconnect where I come from. In this way, after searching on the internet, I found #RedGlobalMXUK, an association of Mexican professionals and academics to support, guide the path of entrepreneurship, when necessary, promote initiatives and work together with the Mexican embassy to promote the work of Mexicans in the United Kingdom.

Having Mexican friends abroad is invaluable emotional support. I even dare to say that they can become part of your family because you share emotions, experiences, challenges, and joys. They become your unconditional support because we are all in the same circumstance.

The job challenges

Living in London changes your life. It is an ambitious city, and this is contagious!

For someone whose native language is not English, getting a job in the UK is an impressive achievement. If that job is meaningful and has a specific purpose, it is considered a success. As a foreigner, you must demonstrate many things to get a job: skills, knowledge, experience, and of course the language. Altogether, this must make you stand out. It is almost a mental and resistance game. You must have your self-esteem well set and have a well-defined purpose. You must recognize that the competition is twice as difficult as it would be in your country and keep preparing. For example, I am currently working from home doing some administrative work and studying for a master’s in digital strategy. I also read a lot and take small courses, as I intend to start a professional career in marketing. I know the road is not easy, but personal satisfaction is invaluable.

As a final statement, my key advice to all Latin Girls at Work is: Don't stop until you're happy!