How to Make the Best Out of Life in Prague with Marian Van Doorsselaere
“It’s been more than five years already,” Marian Van Doorsselaere counts how long she’s been living in Prague. She moved here from Belgium in November 2017 and has been calling it home since.
She currently works as a Localization Associate Manager. “Basically, I make sure that my company’s platform is translated correctly to the 28 local languages we say we support.”
When she’s not working, she loves to dabble in all kinds of things: singing, learning languages, online gaming, caring for plants, or sewing clothes. “I need a lot of different creative outlets!” she laughs.
Marian 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
Marian enjoys bonding with people over shared interests and hobbies, both offline and online. For her, it’s about a give-and-take dynamic.
“Connecting with people happens when I get back as much as I put in, in a conversation. Humor is a fun way to connect with people and a great way to find out their morals, values, opinions, etc.”
Balancing Life and Finances in Prague
After rent, most of her money goes to food-related expenses. “I mostly save by not going out too much, which means less opportunity and temptation to buy things,” she shares.
“It also helps not knowing my credit card number by heart and being too lazy to check when trying to buy things online.”
“My boyfriend is generally more frugal than me. His asking me questions about things I’m thinking of buying also deters me from splurging occasionally.”
“Finally, I think having financial goals, as well as firmly respecting my boundaries when (not) spending money, makes the biggest impact on my spending behavior.”
Finding Purpose and Fulfillment in Prague
Marian makes sure she is in a physical and mental space to focus on whatever it is that she wants to do at that moment. “For example, I have a hobby room where I can work on my sewing projects without distractions.”
“When I work from home, and my boyfriend is away to work in his office, I put on a few songs and gleefully ease into a full-out karaoke session. Sorry neighbors!” Let’s face it: sometimes, we all need to escape the daily grind and get our groove on.
Other times, Marian enjoys a quiet relaxing moment. “I take my favorite fleece blanket and a cup of steaming hot chocolate and nestle myself in the bed or the sofa with a good book.”
Exploring Prague: Marian Van Doorsselaere Recommends
If you’re looking for a place in Prague to relax and soak up the scenery, Marian recommends taking the 9 tram. It’s also a fantastic way to get to know Prague.
“I love taking the 9 tram at different times of the year to enjoy the city center, view of the Prague Castle over the Vltava, and so on in different seasons. The light is always different. And there is something about being in motion while being passive at the same time. It’s a great way to make my mind wander and relax.”
Where Genuine Stories Are Captured And Shared
I hope you’ve enjoyed this interview with Marian and that it inspired you on your own journey to find happiness, purpose, and belonging in Prague.
Hi, it’s Teny Casal.
I’m a LinkedIn strategist working with senior international professionals — executives, consultants and founders — at a career turning point, helping their profile catch up to where they actually are and where they’re headed.
Connect with me on LinkedIn, and let’s stay in touch!
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