On social media, it is increasingly common to find stories of people who share their work experiences in other countries, and one of the most impactful recently is that of Alexa young Spaniard who lives in Iceland. Through his TikTok account, Alex revealed details that have left many speechless: in Iceland, many people work only half of the month and yet they manage to save large sums of money.
How is it possible to work only 15 days a month?
As Alex commented in his post, the normal thing in Iceland is to work 15 days a month and rest for another 15 days. Work shifts are organised in such a way that, for every two days worked, people enjoy two days off. This model of work is unthinkable for many in Spain, where schedules tend to be more demanding and working days longer.
Alex works in a restaurant and recounted an experience that illustrates the difference in workplace mentality: “I went out for a smoke, and when I came back, my boss was smiling and said, ‘how great, you prioritize being happy and calm instead of being stressed. ’” This approach to employee wellbeing and happiness is one of the most appealing aspects of working life in Iceland.
Income and savings: an enviable lifestyle
Another of the revelations that caused great impact was the amount of money that workers can earn in Iceland. As explained, it is common for someone working 15 days a month in a job to earn around 5,000 euros. In addition, many people supplement their income with other jobs during their free time or start small businesses, which can raise incomes up to 10,000 euros per month.
But what is most surprising to many is that, in addition to these high incomes, employers often cover accommodation and foodwhich allows workers to save a large part of their salary. Alex shared that he knows people who manage to save up to 5,000 euros per monthan unattainable figure for many workers in countries like Spain.
A difference in mentality between Iceland and Spain
This approach to work is in stark contrast to the reality in Spain, where working hours are longer and savings levels are often considerably lower. In Alex’s words, “Here in Iceland, if you have a worker under pressure and stress, you get nowhere.” This paradigm shift in work is increasingly present in Iceland, where worker well-being is prioritized over constant productivity.
In short, Alex’s experience in Iceland has revealed a working reality that has surprised many: working only half the month and still managing to save significant amounts is something that sounds almost utopian to most people in Spain.