How do we create structure, yet allow space for flexibility? How is our productivity and mindset around it affected by the culture we come from? How to figure this out when you have feet in different countries?
We kick off our conversation with Nikki Palazzo, founder of the ExpatCast Podcast and an expat herself, having feet in the US, Germany and Paraguay. Nikki shares how growing up in the US ingrained the “hustle culture” mentality, where her identity was tied to achievements.
Nikki shares how she intentionally decided to leave behind a promising librarian career and moved to Germany for love. This bold move forced her to confront her notions of work and her own value, and suddenly plentiful commodity – free time.
Adapting to a 40-hour workweek in Germany and a completely different work culture was hard. It involved lots of crying, but the support of fellow Americans in navigating life abroad was essential, eventually leading Nikki to start her podcast.
Nikki’s journey continued to Paraguay, where she had to adjust to a new, extremely flexible online work schedule and balance it with her natural need for deadlines and structure. We emphasize the need to understand what works for us and find a balance between structure and flexibility that fits our specific context.
Ready to find your perfect balance between structure and flexibility? Get inspired by this conversation and the concrete examples Nikki shares. Pop in those headphones and get inspired!
