How to Make the Best Out of Life in Prague with Goranka Rakić

Croatian economist, Goranka Rakić, has been residing in the Czech Republic for the past three years. “I came here because I found a job and I’ve been here ever since,” she says. As a Pre-Pack department employee at Lego, Goranka gets to be a part of the creation of some of the world’s most popular toys every day. “The job is responsive and fast and taught me a lot, like how to make a decision quickly, behave under stress and be a good team player in an international environment,” she reflects.

Moving abroad has been a valuable opportunity for Goranka to grow both personally and professionally. “The world is so big and beautiful. It’s a shame to stay in one place your whole life. Moving abroad has been an opportunity for me to get to know myself and learn something new.”

With her background in economics and additional education, Goranka balances a full-time job with her role as a consultant and writer, showcasing her love for challenges and drive to achieve her goals. “I consider myself a person who can achieve anything I set my mind to,” she says, “and I have a lot of interests and hobbies to back it up.”

In this interview, Goranka shares with us her secrets of finding happiness, purpose and belonging in Prague that might inspire you on your own journey.

Making Friends and Finding Community in Prague

“Prague is a world in a small edition, offering a friendly and open community and beautiful nature so you can easily find something you can enjoy,” Goranka says. She loves visiting local libraries and exploring unique cafes, castles, and parks, taking advantage of the good bike paths and her love for water by frequenting swimming pools and saunas. 

“During spring, I would often go to a park for a picnic with a book and I always find someone interesting, usually walking a dog, with whom I can chat. Besides that, in Prague, there are a lot of activities designed specifically for socializing and meeting new people, such as various workshops.”

She recognizes the importance of maintaining relationships with distant friends and family, as well as connecting with locals to feel a sense of belonging. “I organize virtual coffees with my friends but also hang out with local people.”

She also highlights the availability of centers for foreigners in the city, “We should not forget they are there to help with practical things like language courses or explain how things work here, and of course, there you can also meet and connect with new people.”

Balancing Life and Money in Prague

Being an economist, Goranka takes a practical approach to managing her finances. “I like talking about money, making a budget, organizing spending, and savings,” she says.

“I prefer using a credit card so I can easily check where my money went.” With a careful approach to budgeting, she makes a rough spending plan and prioritizes her expenses. “When I am expecting larger expenses like a gift which I am planning to give, or I am organizing a trip, I will start to save small amounts earlier.”

In her everyday life, Goranka tries to be mindful of her spending habits. “I try to prepare my food in advance to save time and money, walk instead of taking a taxi, and rationalize my purchases.”

Finding Purpose and Fulfillment in Prague

Goranka enjoys socializing with friends and loved ones but also recognizes the need for moments of solitude. “Quality time is really important for me. Even though I enjoy hanging out with dear people, I also need some quiet time.” 

During these peaceful moments, Goranka indulges in listening to her favorite podcasts and dedicating her time to writing her book. These activities serve as a way for her to unwind and recharge.

Exploring Prague: Goranka Recommends

For those looking to explore all that Prague has to offer, Goranka suggests starting at Vyšehrad. This popular area offers a rich cultural heritage and is perfect for walks and relaxation. “It’s a national cultural monument and symbol, and it offers a unique natural location with breathtaking views of the city,” she says.

“It’s a must-visit place, with the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, the famous cemetery with the graves of composers Antonín Dvořák and Bedřich Smetana, and many other hidden gems.”

Making the Most of Life in Prague

With Goranka’s tips and advice, navigating life in Prague becomes a little bit easier. Her story shows that with determination and drive, and an open mind, anyone can find happiness, purpose, and a sense of belonging in the city.

Whether it’s through exploring the rich cultural heritage, finding community through social activities, or dedicating time to personal pursuits, Goranka’s tips and experiences offer inspiration to all looking to make the best out of life in Prague.

For more inspiration, check out the previous interview with Aleks. I also share more exclusive tips and stories with my subscribers in a newsletter. If you like nurturing your Prague curiosity, join us by subscribing here:

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