Upon arriving in Barcelona, I have been walking around a lot to get a feel for the city. While doing this, I approached many streets such as Las Ramblas where there are many street performers and others of the sort trying to make a dollar in any way possible. Although some are more extreme than others, most cities that I have seen have people like this trying to make money in any way possible. The lifestyle in Barcelona is very relaxed, and many think of this as a fun and relaxing way to make money while doing something they love or practicing a talent. Walking around in France, Italy, Ireland, and other parts of Spain, I have seen many different ways of working for a little extra cash.
From painting to dancing to selling small items on the streets, there is most likely at least one thing in particular that will appeal to your interests. For example, I stumbled across a group of performers that were breaking dancing along the streets. They would turn the music up really loud, and involve the crowd with all of their different songs and gestures. By getting the crowd involved, they were able to connect with the audience to a greater degree. If dancing is your hobby and love but you can not make it in a professional standpoint, this is a great way to still enjoy what you love within a sensible context and still earn money from it.
“The dancers were very good, and I enjoyed watching them. Although I do not know much about the art of dance and the technicality of the moves, they were very fun and entertaining. However, I personally did not give money to them. Being a college student, my funds are very limited therefore I can not donate to them”, twenty one year old Maggie Enriquez said.
Most of the people who watched the dancers stayed for about five to ten minutes and then went on their way. Even though the group of men I saw was in France, there are groups of people such as this all over Europe and the rest of the world. Some dance only for fun and enjoyment, and some to get extra money. Others consider this as their main source of income.
A completely different style of earning money is begging. This is generally those who have a temporary, unstable or no home to live in. They try and support themselves or their family by asking others to give a little extra money to them so that they can buy food, clothes, water, or anything else they may need or want at the time. This has become a very controversial idea for many people, and a lot of cities around the world do not allow begging on their streets or in stores.
“I feel sorry for the people that are begging, however I am very skeptical. You always hear stories of men and women that receive money from others and then turn around and buy liquor or drugs with the money that you have them from your own pockets. I feel if you work hard, the benefits you get will be positive. For someone to use the money you earn for their own vices is immoral”, citizen Aurther Padilla said.
Begging is a concept that has various degrees as well. For example, somebody might approach you and badger you trying to get you to give in and others may just sit there silently with a sign or with their hand held out. Another alternative for those that are doubtful is to give money to those that are begging is directly giving them food or other items. This way you know that your efforts are successful and the people are going to have exactly what you intend them to.
Another even more controversial way to earn money is prostitution. This is illegal in most countries, and is definitely thought of in a negative light to many. Although many people take part in it and it has been part of culture around the world for many years, it is taboo for most families and individuals.
“I don’t understand why people choose to engage in things such as this. I feel as it is degrading for both parties that participate. I would never judge anyone solely based on this fact, but you can’t ignore that it most definitely changes your views on them. This form of earning money has a negative stigma for me and most of the people that I know. I would definitely think differently of anyone that chose to become a part of this lifestyle,” Indiana University college student Emily Stern noted.
Single individuals or groups of people that have a talent with music and are inclined within this sense can demonstrate their talents and even make a living off of them. For some this might just be a way of spending time with their group-mates and friends but for others their make source of income.
“Watching this band brought a good vibe to the rest of us walking around the streets. They are enjoyable and pleasant to listen to while having a coffee or spending time talking with friends. I enjoyed their wide range of instruments and believe that they are very talented. I gave them money when I finished listening to them because I believe it is fair to pay for something that has brought a little more joy to my life”, mother Robyn Coale stated.
On the other hand, depending on where the musicians are located it can make a huge difference on the exposure that they are getting. For example, walking around the metro you see singers belting out contemporary songs, religious songs, or Spanish songs. However, you are usually pretty busy at times like these so you do not pay as much attention to them as you possibly could. You also do not stop to give them money because you are on your way to your destination and do not want to stop in the process. However, in locations such as passeig de gracia with multiple restaurants and cafes, you are more eager to give money to those who are preforming while you are waiting for your food, etc.
Due to the very popular aspect of tourism within the countries that I am viewing these strange but interesting ways to earn money, the areas become a prime target to participate in these ways. Locals do not necessarily become bored with the performers, but they are so used to their routines that they are not extremely excited or interested in their acts and self-employed jobs. This means they will not take pictures with the certain characters that many dress up as, listen to a musician, or watch people dance. For those who are trying to earn some cash, this means less revenue for them.
Jobs such as this are uncertain and are not guaranteed to always be successful. With the economy in a recession in the United States and various countries along Europe, everyone is spending a little less. This means less tourists- and with not as many people touring there will be less of a crowd to potentially earn money from. Also, this is a problem for those with these sorts of jobs because many are less willing to throw a few extra dollars or cents at them to help them out.
On the other hand, some of the most popular jobs in Barcelona are very different than these. According to Jobs In Europe, some of the most common jobs are a technical systems engineer, bankers, nurses and doctors, and a sales manager.
Whether or not any of these various jobs appeal to you, each identity comes out within the job choice of the individual. Expressing an individuals interests, likes, hobbies, and talents through their job brings a new light to the composition of each person. By using talents in a greater light to also make money from, they are combining two very important things in life into one. The saying “wake up every morning doing what you love” applies to many of these people you see working on the streets, cafes, in the metro, and around the towns you will visit. Although this is not a traditional nine to five job with a documented payroll, many believe that these types of jobs are more important than any other job could be. Experiencing these performers first hand is an experience worth having and one that many might not get the chance to view. It is a small ideal that adds a little more life and creativity in the world, and has been incorporated within our culture for some time. Even though with each generation many things change, working in different ways to make money is a stable concept that has stood the test of time. Although many new ways to earn money will come about as time goes on and change with the ages, but the concept is indefinite.
