zanemm

Hi Jonathan my family & I moved out to Spain 8 years ago same as you just needed a change none of us spoke a word of spainish we sent our husbands out first to find somewhere to live/ work admittedly it was scary at first but we managed to set up a very successful business even went to classes to learn Spanish and really enjoyed the challenge!! We were welcomed into the village of Benijofar because we tried, we found that with a lot of patience and hard work the rewards are well worth it , yes work may be hard to find, but it is in the uk as well I'd say go for it at least you can say you tried it

jonomurphy3

thank you so much for your input guys! a question: are jobs there to be found (regardless of difficulty in the process of finding them!) in IBIZA?

cricketman

I thought you wanted to move to Spain when actually you just want to party

Nobody here lives in Ibiza. And I'm guessing you want to be where the nightlife is so the only way you'll know is by going out there and asking around

Btw, I know someone who worked for a year in a nightclub in a tourist area and it nearly killed them for a couple of reasons. I wouldnt recommend it

stuboy

Jon, it seems to me like you are a dreamer, what do you really want that you can't have/get in London at your age.

Be honest, what attracts you to Ibiza?

jonomurphy3

Ibiza more because of the lifestyle, however as I said I am going for the culture and would be happy ANYWHERE in Spain.

bob_bob

Save, save, and save, but several thousand pounds in your pocket and come on holiday. Doubt you will find work as you have no work skills that will 'sell you' in Spain but at least you can have two or three months and just enjoy yourself. You can always go back to the security of family.

billgates

You want to leave London because of the lifestyle, but you want to go to Ibiza for the lifestyle and the culture?
Now I've never been to Ibiza, but isn't it renowned for its party life and just full of tourists and holidaymakers where the lifestyle mainly involves drinking as much cheap beer as possible for as long as possible? Where's the culture in that?

steviedeluxe

The mention has been made of treating this like a holiday..
There is a middle way, that may prevent you burning your boats..
Save up for a year and take all your holiday entitlement in one chunk. Base yourself in a city like Madrid, Valencia or Granada, get a months' accommodation, then enrol in one of the many language schools, to learn Spanish (if you look around you'll find very reasonable prices). I'd go for between 2 and 4 hours of classes daily so it's not overwhelming, but try and keep some discipline. You may also take advantage of intercambio meet-ups.
The reason I advise this is that you can look and ask around regarding job opportunties (or lack of them). Often, others on the course will be taking Spanish lessons as they are working or on internships in the country - that's been my experience previously on courses in Granada and Valencia. You will also have plenty of free time to socialise and view the lay of the land as regards jobs.
Then you have the option at the end of the month (or three weeks or however long your holiday entitlement was). Stay in Spain, or, if there was no prospect of work, return to your M&S job in London.
Good luck

Domino

There is an increase in the number of jobs being advertised in Madrid and also Barcelona, but whilst they are vibrant international cities they are also very similar to London (although "London" is made up of a large number of villages joined together like a patchwork quilt - so it really does depend on which part of "London" you want to escape from.)

Such jobs are looking for certain language and IT skills and are in Media and Sales environments.

But you will need experience - I know without it life is like a merrygo round of refusals.

As others say, take some time out and visit for a few months and then go home to make more money. You will then have a better idea of What, Where, and When.

good luck, keep us informed
rgds

cricketman

As you hint at, Barcelona and Madrid really arent anything like London

Zaragozaram

I lived in Zaragoza from 2007-2010. Interesting you call it the Scotland of Spain, sounds like you know some of my mates!! In a place like Zaragoza, where the ex-pat count is low, the best job you can get is English teaching. Many of the English speakers I know there, teach English or have their own Academy. Whilst TEFL qualifications are desirable, your biggest asset is your nationality.

jonomurphy3

Haha, I probably do!

Thank you for the information.

Domino

and nothing like CDS.
BUT they are thriving international cities, attracting all the good, bad, ugly sides of Spain - as such magnets do. Just as London does.

Retired in Euskadi

If you mean that, then the north, such as Asturias, Galicia or Euzkadi have culture but without the ex pat life. The 1st 2 are cheaper to live in probably than here in the Basque country.
As others have said, English teaching can be promising, especially as you are a 'native' speaker. If you have teaching experience, that'll help a lot.

In all honesty, because of your age, I wouldn't be too put off by those who say save, save, save before coming. Yes, it helps, but if you're not careful, you'll never come.
Your main strength is that you have youth on your side & with that, you can do anything.

God bless in your venture.

jonomurphy3

Thank you so much, your words have really made me motivated.