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"Rethinking the Decision: A Cuban Woman's Comparison of Life in Spain and the U.S."

Wednesday, July 2, 2025 by Isabella Rojas

A Cuban woman has taken TikTok by storm by sharing her migration experiences between Spain and the United States, igniting a wave of reactions with her candid statement: "Living as a lower class citizen in Spain and the U.S. is not the same." The user, known as @alietty_livestyle, began her video with this provocative observation, leading into a raw and controversial narrative that has sparked considerable debate.

She recounted spending a decade on one of the Canary Islands, working wherever she could find a job—supermarkets, cleaning, elder care, you name it. "That's the reality when you migrate without papers and without understanding the local landscape," she explained. Initially, she worked "under the table," noting that while this is rare in Spain, she found it more prevalent in the U.S., where working "in B" seems more accessible.

Once she obtained proper documentation, job opportunities were steady, though her choices were limited. Nevertheless, she managed to cover her essentials: rent, food, and most importantly, her peace of mind. "I even afforded the luxury of visiting Cuba every two years, which isn't cheap, and I got to see other European countries as well," she shared. So why did she decide to leave all that behind?

The Allure and Disappointment of the American Dream

"Like many, I fell for the lure of the American dream," she admitted. Yet, that dream quickly turned into a nightmare. "Sure, you earn more here, but the quality of life is worse. Rents are outrageous, the food is subpar, and peace of mind is fading away," she lamented. Her most striking reflection was a poignant question: "What's the point of having money if I lack time and mental health?"

The TikTok video, which has stirred emotions across the platform, was accompanied by a telling description: "My experience in Spain is worth repeating. I wish I hadn't decided to come here." Naturally, comments flooded in, as numerous as confetti at a carnival.

"I feel the same. I lived in Spain for 14 years, moved to the U.S., and it was the worst mistake. I earned well here, but I wouldn't trade my peace for a thousand extra dollars," one user commented. "In Spain, you work to live; here, you live to work," another added. The discussion attracted not only Cubans but also Spaniards, who agreed that life there, although with less money, offers greater well-being.

Of course, some staunchly defended the American system. However, this Cuban woman held nothing back, creating a platform for many, both inside and outside the United States, to discuss what few dare to admit: having more doesn't always mean living better. And you, which side are you on?

Understanding Life Choices Between Spain and the U.S.

Why did the Cuban woman regret moving to the U.S.?

She regretted moving because, although she earned more money in the U.S., the cost of living was high, the quality of life was lower, and she suffered from a lack of peace of mind.

What differences did she note between working in Spain and the U.S.?

She noted that while irregular work is less common in Spain, it's more prevalent in the U.S. Furthermore, in Spain, she could meet her basic needs and maintain mental peace, which she found lacking in the U.S.

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