From Spain, through Ireland to Switzerland, how Manuel José Pulgar Anguita navigated his career to land a job as a Software Engineer in Switzerland.

24.09.2024, 12:34
with Manuel José Pulgar Anguita & Greg Tomasik

 

In your career you worked in Spain, Ireland, and Switzerland. How did you like the life in each country, both work and free time? What is the main motivation in your career and the reason that you considered relocating?

I believe it is clear for obvious reasons that my homeland is the place that I like the most. I have my family and friends over there, even my dog was there with my mom for years before she passed. There is the woman I love and who will someday become my wife. She, along with my mother and my sisters, have always been the ones who supported me in pursuing my dreams. It is also my mother tongue and my customs. So it’s definitely the place where I fit the most. Life there is fantastic, and people don’t usually live for working but the opposite, work for a living.

Unfortunately, not every aspect of Spain is so nice when it comes to the job market and purchase power. Salaries are very low, and they don’t grow at the same pace that inflation does. House prices are prohibitive for locals, and they are often bought by Europeans who come to live in Spain or by companies looking to profit from tourist rentals.
This was my main motivation to move out of my comfort zone, I just wanted to be able to save money to buy a house in my homeland, near my family.
Then I moved to Ireland. I was pretty much surprised by various aspects of this new adventure I was having.

1. First of all I had a C1 English by that time. Incredibly enough, I understood no word of what the Irish were telling me. Fortunately, it was just a matter of time and things improved quickly.
2. Secondly, the Irish are incredible people! So warm, kind and friendly. They reminded me of my friends in Spain!

I stayed there three years. Prices were generally Okayish, but accommodation prices were on the same level as what you could actually find in Zurich. Yes, I was living in Dublin. Taxes were also kind of high for individuals, while there were low for companies.
I made a lot of friends and was so happy working there, but to be honest, it was never my first choice when it comes to the place I would have loved to live in. The weather was horrible!! I have always thought of going to Central Europe, Germany, Switzerland or nearby places.

And then… I got the chance!
I got contacted from LinkedIn from a recruiter working for a Swiss company in Zollikofen, Bern. I got interviewed by a Spanish guy from Cadiz, and immediately made a good bond with him. The company had a wonderful product that immediately attracted me. I went through the interview process and was finally able to secure the job!

The whole interview process makes me think of a key difference in Switzerland: how important it is to have contacts in a company when it comes to applying to a new role. I do really hesitate that I would have been able to get the contract if this Spanish guy was not my interviewer, but another colleague of his.

Switzerland is beautiful and generally has good weather, as well as wonderful customs and culture. However, my experience in the Swiss job market has not been smooth and relaxed. Two months after starting at my new company, they informed me of my dismissal because the company was unable to meet the expected profitability targets and needed to cut costs.

It took me three months to find another place, and I couldn’t find anything but a fixed term contract that would only last for 6 months for budgeting constraints. And then I was left to go again. My second job search took longer. About 4.5 months. It was very difficult and stressful, but in the end it really was worth it. I became employed by a large international company which really cares for their employees, and honestly, I don’t think I will be changing anymore if everything aligns and I can stay (or am allowed to stay) in this company.

Many Swiss people like to be very strict and always follow the rules rigorously, especially the older generations. They are not the type to easily open up to a stranger. It's harder to form a friendship with a Swiss person in adulthood, although it’s not impossible. Fortunately for me, I work in an international environment where, in addition to Swiss people, there are people from all over the world, and I've been able to establish bonds with all of them.

 

Which country did you like the most and why?

On one hand, I love Spain; I love its climate, its people, its landscapes, its culture. My entire family is there, my future wife, many of my friends, a past, and who knows, maybe even a future. On the other hand, in Spain, young people don't have a future. The cost of living is incredibly high. I'm not just talking about buying a home, even the cost of groceries has become extremely expensive.

On the other hand, I love adventure and stepping out of my comfort zone, even if sometimes I don't feel completely prepared for it. Switzerland was perhaps my first choice. I was drawn to its nature, its system of government, its culture, and the bright future that seemed to lie ahead from my point of view. I knew the prices were high, but I was confident that saving money would also be possible, considering the purchasing power. However, the language held me back. I started studying it, but I'm finding it extremely difficult to grasp. It reminds me in some ways of my early years with English. It took many years in school before my English started to develop into something more than just "hello, how are you." I suppose it's just a matter of time and determination.

Ireland, however, wasn’t my first choice, but it ended up being the only option available to me. I had multiple interviews, some with Swiss companies, while I was still in Spain. However, none of the companies were willing to give me a chance, except for a well-known Irish company in the online gaming industry. What surprised me the most about Ireland was its people. They have big hearts and are open and welcoming, very similar to the way Spaniards are — friends to their friends. The architecture in Dublin was also beautiful, with its charming houses in the city center and outskirts being a true delight. I don't regret the time I spent in Ireland at all, and I'm very grateful. I leave behind great friends there. Thank you, Orange Team!

What didn’t I like about Ireland? Honestly, sometimes the prices are quite similar to those in Switzerland — generally very high. Housing costs are almost identical in Dublin and Zurich. And then there’s the weather, which can be horrible. Not so much because of the low temperatures, but because of the windstorms — a fierce wind that won’t even let you walk down the streets.

Which country do I like the most? Probably Spain, because it's my country and the one I feel most connected to. However, it’s certainly not the place where I feel my future is tied. Switzerland will likely be my final destination.

 

How hard was the process of finding a new job and relocating to Ireland and Switzerland?

Getting my first jobs in both Ireland and Switzerland was quite random and somewhat unexpected. When I was in Spain, I was dealing with a significant amount of burnout. I simply updated my LinkedIn profile to show that I was open to hearing offers. I had dozens of interviews and even completed and passed several technical tests. I failed many others. It was a coincidence that a good recruiter, who knew how to present me well, connected with a good department head and hiring manager, who were able to see what was behind me and appreciate my technical tests. I wasn’t in a rush to find a new job since I was not unemployed, but eventually, this Irish company came along, even though I had been open to companies worldwide, especially in Europe. I remember that around the same time, I was interviewed for a job in Switzerland, and the recruiter gave me his honest opinion: 'Sorry, but I don’t think your English is good enough for this job.' It seems the Irish company didn’t think the same.

Something similar happened with my first Swiss company. I had already been working in Ireland in the same role for about three years. My mental exhaustion was considerable. I was very happy with my colleagues, and the company treated me very well, but working in the same position for a long period had taken its toll. I opened my LinkedIn again and had, literally, dozens and dozens of interviews. Most of them were from Irish companies, some from the UK, the United States... and one from a Swiss company. At first, I didn’t have much faith in my chances of getting this job in Switzerland, but for a long time, it had been one of the options that had stuck in my mind the most. It just so happened that I had a good technical interview, and I also built a good rapport with my interviewer, which led to an invitation for an in-person interview at the offices in Zollikofen. From there, everything was a streamlined process. But my experience in Switzerland didn’t start well. Two months later, the company let me go for not achieving the expected financial results. The group of last people hired was part of the layoff. Finding a job afterward was truly an ordeal filled with insecurities and uncertainties. And to top it off, the next job I found was only temporary, lasting six months. So I had to go through the tedious job search process all over again.

The relocation process to Ireland was quite simple. The company arranged the flights and paid for the first month in a hotel while I searched for accommodation. Surprisingly, the move to Switzerland was the complete opposite. They made me pay for the ticket for the in-person interview, whereas in Ireland, all the interviews were online. They also didn’t pay for a single day of my accommodation initially, nor did they cover the cost of my relocation flights or luggage. As the days went by, due to my financial difficulties — I couldn't sort out the bureaucracy in time to open a bank account to receive my first paycheck—they decided to reimburse me for some of the expenses I had incurred to compensate, and thank God, that allowed me to get by until next payday arrived.

My experience in Switzerland has not been pleasant so far when it comes to job searching. However, I consider myself fortunate. In my third job in two years in Switzerland, I landed at an international company in the health care sector with exceptional people, full of talent and knowledge, and with a commitment from the company to support me in whatever is necessary. As a result, the company has earned my total loyalty.

 

How good are your German/French skills, have they impacted your job search experience?

Here we arrive at an important point. I have studied both French and German, with different results. In high school in Spain, I studied French for four years. That was a long time ago, but I can honestly say that I believe I learned a lot, despite starting from scratch. A lot of time has passed, and unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity to use French again, especially since I live in the German-speaking part of Switzerland.

Before coming to Switzerland, I already had in mind to start studying German in case I ever had the opportunity to move to the country, but I never had the willpower to begin. Once I arrived here, I started studying it. I've been taking classes for two years, more or less consistently. And honestly, the result is disappointing for me. My native language, Spanish, is very different from German, something that doesn’t happen with French. I remember that when I started learning English in primary school, I barely understood anything during the first few years. I suppose this process will be similar. Nowadays, I’m slowly starting to understand sentences and absorb some vocabulary. I’m not planning to give up; I will keep studying German until I can integrate as best as possible into the society that feeds me, but it’s true that the extra effort is considerable and quite overwhelming.

It is also true that in many countries around the world, you find a lot of support from society and the authorities to help you integrate. Among other things, subsidized or very affordable language courses are offered. This is something that is not common in Switzerland, and if it does happen, it is occasionally in some municipalities.

Despite Switzerland being a highly multicultural society and home to many multinational companies, the local language is very important in many companies when it comes to hiring. Even if it’s mentioned that the working language is English (I live in a German-speaking canton), if you don’t speak German, you are clearly at a disadvantage compared to other candidates, and your hiring manager will need to see another one of your qualities to give you a chance. Not to mention that you are automatically ruled out for 75% of job offers where German is an essential requirement. The competition is fierce for the remaining 25% of positions, which will be available to all those who come from all parts of the world where neither French nor German are spoken. This significantly impacts your chances of finding a job if you come to Switzerland and don’t speak one of the local languages.

 

What are the pros and cons of working as a Software Engineer in Switzerland, compared to other countries?

Working as a software engineer in Switzerland has a series of advantages and disadvantages, just like in any other country, but there are some unique aspects that stand out compared to other nations.

Advantages:

• Employee-focused work culture: In Switzerland, you are more likely to find a company that feels like "home," where you feel valued and comfortable. The work culture in many companies puts the employee at the center of the business strategy, seeking to ensure that employee well-being is the foundation for generating profits and expanding the business. This means that, as a software engineer, you will often work in an environment that nurtures your personal and professional development.

• Opportunity to learn from the best: Switzerland is known for attracting some of the most talented professionals in the world. If you're interested in learning from highly skilled and prominent individuals in their field, you're in one of the best places to do so. Swiss companies tend to hire the best of the best, creating a challenging yet enriching environment for personal and professional growth.

• Scientific and financial hub: If you're interested in working at the heart of the scientific world, where much of the research takes place, Switzerland is the ideal place. Additionally, it is one of the world's major financial centers, meaning that if you prefer to work at the intersection of technology and finance, you'll have many opportunities to do so.

• Collaborative and supportive environment: While you can encounter arrogant or boastful people anywhere in the world, this is less common in Switzerland due to business policies that often focus on building cohesive, strong, and humble teams. Swiss companies value cooperation and mutual support among colleagues. In my experience, most coworkers are willing to lend a hand when needed, creating a very positive work environment. In more developed countries like Switzerland, you are more likely to find these kinds of dynamics in companies.

• Salary and purchasing power: Salaries in Switzerland are considerably higher than in other countries, being roughly four times higher than in Spain for software development. While the cost of living in Switzerland is high, it’s not four times more expensive. This means that, generally speaking, you'll enjoy greater purchasing power. The salary difference will allow you to have a better quality of life, with more capacity for saving and investing.

However, it’s not all advantages; unfortunately, prices for almost everything are very high. Although Switzerland offers high salaries, the cost of living is elevated. Housing, transportation, and services can be quite expensive compared to other countries, which can affect your budget, especially in cities like Zurich or Geneva. Even so, as I mentioned before, the balance between salary and cost of living is usually favorable.

To put it in a nutshell: Switzerland offers unique advantages for software engineers. Not only will you be able to work in various industries, from scientific to financial, but you will also enjoy a work environment that makes you feel valued, surrounded by competent colleagues, and in a country with high purchasing power.

 

What surprised you the most after moving to Switzerland in work or living context?

One of the things that surprised me the most after moving to Switzerland was the emphasis on the motivation letter as a key part of the job application process. Seriously, do I really need to explain to an employer that I need a job? If I'm looking to change jobs because I'm not comfortable in my current position, do they really expect me to badmouth my current employer in a motivation letter? It seems they don't realize that anything written in that document will be biased, as the candidate will try to convince the company, and that doesn't necessarily mean that all the information included is truthful or accurate. This excessive emphasis on the motivation letter is something I never saw in Ireland or Spain, where the approach is more straightforward and practical.

Furthermore, the interview process for a job in Switzerland is incredibly long and complicated. I've come across companies that take months to make a decision, sometimes up to three months after the first interview. This process is not only exasperating, but it's also quite common to be left in limbo, without receiving any kind of feedback. Employer "ghosting" is a reality, where you never receive an official response, whether to accept or reject you.

As for daily life, Swiss culture surprised me in some aspects. Depending on the person's age, Swiss people can be extremely strict or more understanding. In apartment buildings, I've experienced situations where if you make a small noise or drop something on the floor, neighbors will complain by banging on the walls. This makes it nearly impossible to invite a friend over for a beer or to watch a movie at night, depending on who lives nearby. In contrast, in both Spain and Ireland, it’s culturally accepted to gather with friends at night, either at home or outside, having some drinks and staying up late, without it being considered excessive.

On the other hand, it's true that Switzerland has high salaries and low taxes, but the cost of living is reflected in what you have to pay for almost any procedure or service. If you need a certificate from the municipality, they will charge you. If the bank has to send you a document, even by email, you're likely to have to pay for that too. In many other countries, these services are free, both in the private sector and in public administration, but in Switzerland, you pay for everything, which is another adjustment one has to get used to.

 

What do you think about the current state of the job market?

Let's be honest. The job market is in a very bad state, not just in Switzerland but around the world.

In my view, when comparing Switzerland to other developed countries, the situation is worse in Switzerland for the following reasons:

• High salaries lead to intense competition for available positions.

• After the massive layoffs from large companies, many of which are FANGs, the market is saturated with professionals. Many of these professionals are highly competent and have well-developed technical skills.

• Swiss companies take their time to make decisions, meaning you might start an interview and only receive a hiring decision or rejection three months later.

• Due to the high costs associated with hiring in this country, companies are very cautious about whether it's necessary to proceed with hiring, and some cancel the process halfway through.

• The current economic uncertainty is also not helping the job market.

In summary, what we see in Switzerland's job market is more or less what we could see in any other developed country, but here its effects are somewhat amplified by the fact that we are in a small country with a limited number of available positions, as well as the peculiarities of Swiss idiosyncrasies.

 

What do you like and what do you hate the most in the career of a Software Engineer?

Honestly, what I like most about my position as a software engineer is being constantly in touch with the latest technologies and developments. I’m a deep lover of technology, gadgets, mobile phones, and all kinds of machines with a microprocessor that are responsible for performing or automating a task. It’s something I've had inside me since I was very young, almost since I was a child, I’d say.

What do I find most challenging? Having to deal with arrogant people who believe only in their work and their way of doing things, and who look down on others' work. Fortunately, this is not something I have to endure anymore, at least in my current company.

I’m also not enthusiastic about the need to continuously update myself on new techniques and technologies in software development. While it’s something I enjoy, I sometimes wonder if it’s something I could continue working with until the very day of my retirement. It seems like an exhausting job.

 

Do you plan to move to the countryside and buy a farm after finishing the career of Software Engineer some time in the future?

You’re going to laugh at my response, but I literally think you’ve read my mind. I left my country to save money and buy a house in the city where I could raise my kids and be happy with my girlfriend (I don’t have kids yet, and I’m not sure if I ever will). Now that I’m earning a good salary in Switzerland and can save money, my thinking has completely changed. Instead of a house in the city, I would buy a house in the middle of the countryside, with the nearest neighbor 20 kilometers away. A large plot full of fruit trees, a pool, and enough space for my dogs and cats. All I’d need is an internet connection and a car to go buy groceries.

But it’s not something I’d wait to do when I finish my career as a software engineer, no… It’s something I’d do immediately if my company gave me the possibility to work 100% remotely, which unfortunately is not possible right now.

 

Disclaimer: This interview contains some AI-generated pictures. We can assure you that no GPU was harmed during prompt testing.

 

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Manuel José Pulgar Anguita is an experienced Fullstack Developer with over a decade of expertise in both backend and frontend development, specializing in PHP, JavaScript, and popular frameworks like React and Angular. With ten years of frontend experience, he has a deep knowledge of technologies such as Bootstrap, Styled Components, and Material Design. Additionally, Manuel has three years of experience in Java and Android application development, and he is skilled in Kotlin and NODE.JS, showcasing his passion for the Android ecosystem and programming in general.

 

Greg Tomasik, Co-Founder & CTO at SwissDevJobs.ch, GermanTechJobs.de & DevITjobs.uk. A Software Engineer with over 8 years of experience working at international companies. Involved in the recruiting industry since 2018, focusing on building transparent job boards for tech talents.