Advice Please .... to move or not to move?
 

I am a senior citizen thinking of moving to Valencia. I would like to hear from anybody who could give me some ideas on the lifestyle there for english speaking expats. I would like to think I would have a chance to open a small cafe or begin a childcare course which will enable me to work in a nursery. The reason being, I am a very active senior citizen and would like to be occupied for most of the day. I would love to hear from anyone.

Re: Advice Please .... to move or not to move?
 

As Concierge for the Spanish section of BE I would like to say hello and welcome.

BE is a very large expat website, so if you have problems finding your way around we have concierges who will try to direct you. The moderators for the Spanish forums are Mitzyboy and Fred James, moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderador who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge of the issues of living in Spain. At the top of the page you will find a quirkily named thread called Free Beer which is full of important and useful information. Hope you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Re: Advice Please .... to move or not to move?
 

First question is 'do you speak Spanish', or more correctly looking at where you are thinking of moving to, 'Do you speak Valenciano'? If the answer to both/either is 'no' then the chances of getting any employment is probably nil, the unemployment in Spain is well over 30% in true figures, any childcare course would be in the local language, small cafes/bars are opening and closing very quickly, and the hours are very antisocial. Sorry to sound negative, but Brits are trying to sell up and move back to the UK as the Spanish ecconomy lurches from one crisis to another.
Having said that then as long as you meet the financial requirements to become resident, yes there are requirements, the fact that you are already a UK pensioner would mean you wold be able to get free healthcare in Spain, then there is no reason not to move over and try it, but just look on it as being on a very long holiday, find somewhere to rent and just move over, as long as you live within your means you would be OK.

Re: Advice Please .... to move or not to move?
 

Please, if you want to remain a very active senior citizen
DON'T DO IT

Activity now doesnt mean activity next year or the year after.
If you want to be sociable then come out here, live near the centre of town and always have a kettle on. If you want to help others then help them.
But do not make it formal, with opening hours, liquor licence, environmental checks, health and safety checks, (yes they do have those out here). Servicing machines regularly. Cleaning up regularly during the day (the Spaniards a renowned for dropping things on the floor)

Childcare sounds nice, but will be limited to English speaking. Better to work for someone else part time, helping out. Let someone else take the strain of all the inspections and licencing.

Enjoy your retirement, it will be short enough after 50 years of working.

kind regards