Mike Gallagher’s journey began during his school’s transitional year when his father took him on a backpacking journey across South America. His family’s innate travel genes and this adventure marked a significant milestone in his life. The journey went from Argentina’s diverse provinces to Finland’s cold terrain, and a two-year stint living in Spain, where his Spanish accent initially took on a Madrid flavour. However, since settling in Buenos Aires in 2013, and marrying an Argentine woman he interestingly met in Dublin, his accent has picked up the softer, Italian-influenced tone of the Argentines.
Gallagher, currently serving as the director of engineering at the American software firm Switcher, began his career as a software engineer with OpenJaw Technologies after earning computer science degree from TU Dublin. He has since ascended the corporate ranks whilst working in different software development roles across various companies. Prior to joining Switcher early the previous year, Gallagher was the engineering lead at the North Carolina-based Hip eCommerce.
Having been a remote worker for the long-term, Gallagher’s habits remained largely unchanged when remote work started gaining popularity four years ago. The globalization aspect inherent in his industry and his collaboration with international colleagues primarily around the eastern US times zone is effortless managing, considering the modest time difference with Argentina.
However, he admits the global job market is a competitive landscape, consequently, standing out is challenging. Nonetheless, Gallagher believes honing niche skills and focusing on portfolio development are strategies that have boosted his career.
Though he has evolved towards management roles, he prefers not to abandon software development, something he greatly enjoys. The beauty of smaller firms like Switcher, Gallagher says, is the multiple responsibilities one gets to handle.
Regarding work cultures, Gallagher observes minimal differences between American and Irish styles. Nonetheless, the American expectation of workers utilising their paid time off (PTO) less frequently, even with some organisations offering unlimited PTO policies, starkly contrasts with European practices.
Gallagher, who hails from Ireland, calls Santiago O’Reilly, a fellow compatriot in Buenos Aires a friend, which always brings a smile to his face. When asked about the city’s living costs, he indicates that it varies based on purchases. He notes that more than half of the people in Argentina suffer from poverty and that an average Argentine earns roughly a third of what an Irish individual would earn.
It would cost less to buy a pint of beer in Argentina compared to Ireland, however, the importation tax on high-end branded items like an Apple laptop or designer clothes is quite hefty.
As for feeling at home, Gallagher has found it easier than expected, citing the abundant Irish influence there – present in street names, peoples’ names and even buildings. His friend, Santiago O’Reilly, is a prime example of this. Their shared love for the local GAA club further strengthens this bond.
Mate, a special type of loose leaf tea consumed from a pumpkin gourd using a metal straw, is something quite similar to the tea culture in Ireland and resonates with all Argentinians. This commonality found at practically every gathering is unity in a nutshell; an Argentinean would readily offer mate just like an Irish person would offer tea.
In terms of the people, Gallagher describes the Argentinians as a warm and welcoming bunch with diverse cultural influences due to their rich past. He resides in Olivos in Vicente Lopez, a safe and pleasant neighbourhood, and enjoys spending his free time swimming or running around the illuminated presidential residence nearby. His location also provides him access to a beautiful coastal promenade where he enjoys family walks or runs.
Buenos Aires’ climate is humid, making summers sticky and winters chillier than one might anticipate. From October/November onwards, the weather turns warmer, with January being the peak of their summer.
Gallagher’s two kids attend bilingual schools, calming his initial worries about them having fewer opportunities in Argentina. He clearly has no issues adapting to and appreciating life in Buenos Aires.
Evidently, I long for my loved ones and companions back in Ireland, yet spending time with Argentinians and their excellent wit mitigates the longing-I do miss the indulgence of an icy Guinness pint, a hearty breakfast, and minced pies during Yuletide. However, when I’m back on my home turf, I relish the opportunity to satiate these cravings.
My nostalgia often summons the sly craving for a Leo Burdock’s fish and chips, liberally doused with vinegar. There’s an absence of the iconic combination of salt and vinegar on chips in Argentina, and the locals favour sugary popcorn over its savoury counterpart. This preference my children have for sweet popcorn over salty is baffling! Alongside this, I yearn for the freedom of running through Phoenix Park and the charm of historic pubs. The bars in Buenos Aires are freshly refurbished, all having undergone renovations in the past half a year, making it quite a task to stumble upon one seeped in history.