Working in an Austrian company is funny for me. I have never been “accused” more in my life about being “so American.” Well, thanks!
My Austrian co-workers accuse me of being so American because:
- I have a photo of Paul and me on our wedding day on my work desk. Apparently this display of family life in the work place is “so American”
- I live and die by the numbers. I analyze the reports and make suggestions based off of the numbers. I am aggressive in my decision-making. My instinct doesn’t play a role and I have no emotional attachment
- My boss told me that I acted completely differently than my co-workers and he guessed that was due to me being American. Er, okay. He was quick to reassure me that despite that observation, I seemed to be integrating myself into the team just fine.
I find it odd to be perceived in such a way. According to my point of view everything I do is normal. According to their point of view, everything I do is a bit foreign.
Lucky for me my co-workers handle me with tolerance and kindness. I don’t think my ways disturb them, they just think of me as “so American.”
Britta, it’s funny, because this happened to me, only reversed. I moved to the states and i was just “so european”. My boss at that time was a european expat too and not a very pleasant person. People would repeatedly tell me (!): he’s a jerk, because he’s european!
Huh.
Thankfully no one knows iceland or icelandic people so they can say that to me but i use my expat status often… im sorry, im icelandic and it flies, its a great excuse, especially If you misunderstand something or say something that might be considered rude (in different cultures there are different cultural rules).
As long as it is positive i wouldnt worry
Oooo. Sounds like being an American in Vienna rather than a European in the US might be a bit easier at times
So true Anna. Stay positive!