Throughout my time abroad, I have started to notice and understand differences in businesses and individuals in Costa Rica from the United States. One difference that really stood out to me was time management, and the importance of being on time. In the US, people tend to be punctual and put an emphasis on not wasting others’ time, whether it is in a business or personal setting. In Costa Rica, individuals run on what they refer to as “Tico Time.” Costa Ricans have a laid-back lifestyle with an emphasis on quality time with loved ones.
In the corporate environment in the USA, people idolize a hustle-and-bustle, always busy lifestyle. Maybe it’s because we think we are more successful if we have more on our plate, or maybe we want to distract ourselves from the stresses of our personal lives. Either way, what I’ve realized here is that Costa Ricans have a totally opposite view of life.
Individuals here deeply cherish family and close friends, and often prioritize time spent in meaningful conversation over a stressful work event. Every meal is important in this culture, so lunch breaks in a corporate environment often last over an hour, while in the US, people would assume you were lazy for taking that long of a break for lunch. Costa Ricans make sure to take time to rest and relax from a busy day or stressful environment, even if it means they are late to a gathering or stay late into the night at a friend’s house.
Costa Rica’s national saying is “Pura Vida.” It translates literally to “pure life” in English, but it means so much more than that. It is used as a greeting, as a goodbye, as comfort, as thanks, and as an attitude. It’s a reflection of the country’s laid-back, quality time-driven lifestyle. And as I prepare to leave the country, I am realizing that I should incorporate more Pura Vida into my life, and you should too.
