@teresacreandoestilofg, a Cuban woman living in Miami, has sparked a buzz on TikTok by responding to a user who claimed that Europe offered a better quality of life, while in the United States, people lived to work. Teresa, who spent several years in Spain before moving to Miami, has been vocal on her social media about the growth and entrepreneurial opportunities she has found in the United States, compared to the limitations she faced in Spain.
"I've been here in the city of Miami for 10 years and I'm not leaving. I love this city. I always say, quality is what you make of it. So, if you come to this country and leave behind the Cuban mindset, focus on your work, start your business, your American dream, with sacrifice and hard work you can achieve it. Something that in Spain you can't, in Spain the European dream is for Europeans and for very few Europeans," she stated in her response.
"I came here alone and, to this day, I am happy to have my business, to live off it, and have the quality of life and luxurious life that, as I have said in other videos, I could never dream of in Spain or live like I do here," she continued, provoking dozens of comments on TikTok, where many have shared their experiences and opinions.
Some have supported her vision of the United States. "Spain is total depression... that talk about quality, I don't know what they're talking about, because to start a business, the taxes are through the roof"; "I can attest to that, I've been in Spain for 18 years and I know what you're talking about. Sadly, things are going from bad to worse here"; "I live in Italy and have a hair salon, and everything is about paying and paying, you can't save"; "In Spain, taxes for entrepreneurs eat you alive. As a Spaniard, I want to leave here"; "Spain is not good for entrepreneurship. It's all taxes, and to buy a home, you have to spend at least 30 years paying for it. It's not worth spending your life paying for an apartment"; "In Spain, the great sacrifice is having a job and the salaries, don't even start," some supported her.
Others, however, highlighted the possibilities of success in Spain with effort and determination: "I have a business in Spain, of course, you can do it with your feet on the ground and with effort and struggle"; "Spain gives you many things that the United States doesn't and vice versa. Starting with that, you have more interest in getting nationality, which the United States doesn't provide"; "I've been in Spain for 28 years and it has given me everything, a farm, a house, and my family, but if things are better for you there, we Cubans are fighters and entrepreneurs, I'm glad you're doing well, greetings and blessings"; "I came to Spain and have my business, I've achieved many things and keep doing so; I think it's about setting your mind to it and fighting"; "In any developed country with sacrifice, you can live peacefully, not luxuriously but peacefully. But it takes sacrifice"; "I have lived my dream in Spain, I have my business, my schedule, and I'm happy to have achieved everything, my children in private schools, and I'm Cuban," others opined.
What do you think of this debate that continues to garner opinions?
Debating Quality of Life: U.S. vs. Europe
The discussion on TikTok has drawn numerous opinions on the quality of life and opportunities in the United States versus Europe. Here are some questions and answers to delve deeper into this ongoing debate.
What are the main advantages Teresa found in the U.S. over Spain?
Teresa highlights the growth and entrepreneurial opportunities in the U.S., which she found lacking in Spain. She believes that with focus and hard work, achieving the American dream is possible, unlike in Spain where she felt the European dream was not as accessible.
How do taxes impact entrepreneurs in Spain compared to the U.S.?
Many commenters on TikTok pointed out that taxes in Spain are extremely high for entrepreneurs, making it difficult to save and sustain a business. In contrast, Teresa found it easier to establish and maintain her business in the U.S.
Are there success stories of entrepreneurship in Spain?
Yes, despite the challenges, some individuals shared their success stories of running businesses in Spain. They emphasized that with determination and hard work, it is possible to achieve one's goals and live a fulfilling life in Spain.