Soundshaper

Hi all,

I just signed up and hope I can pick a few brains. I'm looking to move out of the UK, probably staying within europe, but keeping an open mind. I'm in my late 30's and work in IT, so need to move somewhere with a healthy IT sector. I've been looking at southern Spain/Gibraltar, Switzerland and also Malta. Countries like Holland and Belgium also seem to have plenty of work, and I am considering them,but a mediterranean climate would be nice. Italy would be good as I have family there, but haven't found much in the way of work there unless you speak fluent Italian, which I don't.

I would really like to hear from others who have moved (to any of the countries I have mentioned or others), recommendations and advice in general.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

scott909

You should consider Portugal!

Soundshaper

Hi Scott909,

Thanks for your reply. If I could get a decent job in Portugal, I'd move there yesterday!

Do you know of any sites that list English-speaking IT jobs in Portugal?

Thanks.

Rural Bulgaria

I have a Norwegian friend that works in IT in Sofia, Bulgaria. Or could you not work from home freelance if you had good internet connection and could then go anywhere. Definitely good climate in Bulgaria (although Dec/Jan/Feb rather chilly). I have recently been looking at job sites for a friend and seemed quite a few IT related jobs in Bulgaria, mainly in capital. Friend stays in city during week and heads to a little house in the country that he rents cheaply off me for the weekends and time off.

Rachel

Soundshaper

Thanks for the suggestion Rachel. Bulgaria is an intrereting option. I should go for a weekend to have a look. Also, the freelance option is something I have been thinking about too.

Riven

Hi Soundshaper,

Sounds like me - any wisdom to share?

Cheers.

newintavira

Sorry to say but I think it very unlikely you will find any English speaking IT job here in Portugal and if you did it would be poorly paid. I work in IT successfully from here but self employed /freelance, which is always something worth considering....

B

milinky21

I moved to Quebec City, Canada. Ok, it's not Europe but it is as European as you get over the Atlantic. A beautiful city, very French and lovely warm summers. It has a large IT sector (depending on what you specialise in) and I think the Canadian government runs a scheme for fast tracking essential workers (certain types of IT sectors fall under that). In Quebec they do their own initial immigration and they are actively recruiting skilled workers. If you don't speak French don't worry, most companies require you to work in English and you can learn French while you are here.

Climate: well hot, humid summers and toe curling cold winters (-30 or less on a chilly January day). Expect 4m of snow but it isn't like the UK. It's dry and bright, you dress correctly and the bonus is you have skiing on your doorstep. The city creates free ice rinks in the parks and cross country skiing runs. You can really embrace winter here. Food is good, boulangeries on every corner.

Just thought I'd throw a random option in for you!

Good luck on your choice and travels. The world is there to explore!

Soundshaper

Sorry for the exremely late reply, but thanks for your reply. The freelance option is appealing, but I guess it's all about making the right contacts and getting enough work to sustain yourself.

Soundshaper

Sorry for the extremely late reply. It's been ages since I logged into here. This is a very interesting option. In fact, I have been looking at Canada (Vancouver mainly, but open to options). I have read that it's very difficult for non-Canadians to find work in IT due to an abundance of over-qualified workers over there. You mention IT workers fall under the category of essential workers. Is this still the case in Quebec?

Many thanks in advance.

Domino

there seem to be a number of IT positions in Madrid and Barcelona, especially for people with SAP experience

just give a google I'm sure you will find quite a few

rgds