I’ve lived in Almunecar for nearly 24 years, and I’ve seen many people come and go in that time.
Starting a new life in a new country is always going to have challenges, but if you get clear and really plan on what you want this life to look and feel like it can be an incredible adventure.
I’ve been a member of Costa Women Tropical for a few years now and I’ve met a wonderful variety of women making their lives here on the coast. Single women, women with young families, businesswomen and retired women – the full spectrum.
Moving to Southern Spain is a dream come true for many seeking a new chapter filled with sunshine, vibrant culture, and a slower pace of life. However, the journey to settling in this Mediterranean paradise isn’t without its unique challenges and considerations.
Coming to a new culture it can feel scary to put yourself out there, particularly if you don’t speak the language. It’s like diving into a completely new environment and many people don’t necessarily have a ready-made friendship circle.
Making friends when you’re young is easy, we don’t even think about it as children and teenagers, – we have our group of friends and they grow up with us. But coming to a new country we have to start again and that can feel challenging. Being older we’re so much more self-conscious then when we were young. One of the things I’ve seen is that joining groups like Costa Women Tropical can be a great way in.
Not only is there a ready-made group of fantastic women to meet and connect with, but also within that group there are many women who have their own businesses, who’ve already made it here in Spain and are always happy to share their knowledge and experience.
Starting afresh in a new country takes openness and resilience. Openness to try new things – even thing you maybe wouldn’t have done before. I know when I first came here I said yes to whatever invitations I received. That isn’t to say that everything was my cup of tea, but you never know where things lead and who you’ll meet. And we all need resilience to keep on putting ourselves out there.
Always be clear in your own mind as to what you are looking for. Whether this is just about what you want to do with your time and your social life or if you want to create a business here. We are much more likely to find what we want when we know what that is! Follow your passions, interests and if something new catches you eye – explore it. One of my favourite sayings is “if it comes to your attention, give it your attention!”
If you’re thinking of starting your own business or are bringing a business with you then finding your client base is crucial. I’ve seen many women fall into the trap of underselling themselves, because they think as Spain is cheaper they think they can’t charge a full rate.
You need to be as business minded here as you would back home, owning your own value is important and sends a powerful message. There is always the Costa Women Business Growth Mastermind or the online-networking events if you want to expand your business as well as the local Almunecar BNI (Business Network International). Networking here is growing and can be a great way to get referrals.
The Costa Women Tropical Group has a host of events and opportunities, so check it out and make the best of this life in the sun.
By Jessica McGregor Johnson
(Feature: Costa Tropical Women’s Association)
Keywords: Women’s Association, Life in The Sun, Starting A Business
feature, andalucia, granada, costa tropica, women’s association, life in the sun, starting a business