lynnxa

we love living here & wouldn't want to bring our kids up anywhere else

but unemployment here is the worst in europe

hang on - haven't I already said that

without an income from outside spain we wouldn't be able to stay here

& I speak & teach Spanish!!!

cricketman

I am not sure its red tape, its simply language and the people you know.

Ask yourself this Q, do you think you could get a driving job in the UK if you didnt speak English and you didnt know anyone in the business? Most (if not all) bus companies are Spanish here and the same for lorries and freight. So just to go to the interview you will need to speak Spanish. I think this is a very fair request and has nothing to do with the EU.

The unemployment rate is 19% in Spain vs. about 9% in the UK, over twice as much! There are 4 million unemployed, many of which were working as drivers, construction workers etc doing the jobs irishdell wants to get into. Not only that, but the cheap immigrant jobs go to Latin Americans and Romanians who speak Spanish.

The only chance you have as an English person who doesnt speak Spanish is to have an English friend or acquantance who wants someone to do work for them in Spain. Or maybe work for the English removal companies who are driving the British people's possessions back to their homes in the UK

cricketman

Wow you've done well since you didnt speak Spanish when you arrived

My wife speaks 5 laguages fluently, well, she'd say 3 and it hasnt really helped her in the job market. You need a really niche job that your languages will make a difference - and then you still need another skill such as engineer etc. And there are so many people who speak lots of languages in Europe that there is a lot of competition.

Language skills simply put you on a level playing field with the people who can already speak that language. I would never move to a country where I didnt speak the language, now I dont like to go on holiday unless I understand

Most importantly, languages give you the freedown to enjoy the world, but they're not a passport to loads of money.

missbad

Hi
You can google as often as you like, but i like to ask questions from people who are in Spain and that can give a good honest answer. google can not do that. I do believe some people are naive me for one, however i would rather try something than regret not trying. x

me me

And no unemployment benfit, dont forget.

JLFS

SueG

I reckon we just waste our time answering some of these threads. Does no-one ever read the posts on here before posting. Ok rant over - heading for the wine and a darkened room

HBG

I can't resist making a point in favour of living in a 'British' area. When dialling the emergency number (112) you can speak to an English-speaking operator, or a German one. The giant, new and excellent Torrevieja hospital have English speaking staff in the emergency department to cater for the majority of their customers. The reception staff are similarly bilingual, and most consultants can speak some English.

Although reluctant to admit it, the more senior Guardia Civil officers have all attended classes to learn English, especially the detectives who work undercover, or in homicide.

And the bank staff, lawyers, doctors, taxi drivers etc etc all speak enough English to make you feel at home.

jay01

I must admit that this is probably not the best time to be looking to move to Spain, out of curiosity how old are you children, you have to consider wether they would be able to settle in a new school, the younger they are the better their chances. If you have teenagers I would consider hanging back till they have finished their education.

Sometimes looking at the bigger picture and taking your time will grosse dividends. fail to prepare is to prepare to fail.

Just a suggestion try contacting removal companies in the UK that do the Spanish runs and test the water as to job potential also google UK bound firms in Spain and do the same, that will give you at least a rough idea of your chances, if Brit firms are not recruiting then you will stand little chance with a Spanish Firm.

As for coach work unless you are ofay with Spanish roads, signs, geography, laws and regulations you may struggle just a tad, sorry not to be able to say it will be OK but maybe just a little common sence. In the UK as a wagon drive you are bound by the laws, time directive, six and 4 hours rule, do you know what the regs are there?, you would be a sitting duck open to all sorts of abuse and ignorance is no excuse.

whitelinen

112 is the European emergency number and is not specific to Brit enclaves in Spain.

Valuable time can be lost calling this number as they then have to call the local emergency number so it is best to know the local emergency number and have a basic knowledge of the lingo.

jdr

Illegal without a licence and special insurance.

paintermujer

maybe they dont but its always worth recapping on. very important issue

jdr

Maybe a studio flat in the middle of Benalmadena for 400€`s.

manamama

I am so surprised that so many young families want to come to Spain.

It is not the dream the media portrays.

Unless you know Spanish fluently and have a job secured, I would not recommend moving. It is a high risk to take.

We are lucky - my husband has a job (for now). We have healthcover.
I know a few Spanish people who will help in a crisis and have done so. We have been here 8 months and I have been to the hospital with my 5 year old twice already!! (allegic reaction to mozzie bites/falling off a bouncy castle) and me twice with my eye. Each time I have had to call a friend to translate.

Not easy and very stressful. Times like that you wish you were back home.

So think of the practicalities - and the what ifs.

missbad

Is there anything anyone likes about living in Spain?

whitelinen

People who are financially secure love Spain.