Originally Posted by megmet

Yes I agree with that statement...

Spain is a great place to live....if you have a job or don't need to work for a living!
Without speaking Spanish to a quite high degree finding work at all will be an uphill struggle. Even speaking the language it would be difficult, as unemployment is higher here than in the UK, in fact in some inland places it's as high as thirty percent.
Don't forget that there will also be the cost of private health cover too on top of the cost of school fees.

While I'm not trying to put you off the move I urge you to think it all through and plan carefully. If things go wrong here (as they have for many in the last couple of years) there is no safety net like in the UK.
With careful planning and not setting your sights too high it's possible to have a wonderful and fulfilling life here, but you do have to put realism into the equation.
If you are lucky enough to find work on a permanent contract don't fall into the trap of thinking it's going to be a walk in the park, like being on holiday....it's not!
The Spanish do play hard but they work very hard and long hours too!

I wish you luck, I hope you find what you are looking for.

Originally Posted by nicola27

Well we have been looking into oz but cant raise the funds from the sale of the house now to cover the costs. Spain is much closer, cheaper to move to, the weather , lifestyle.

Originally Posted by fionamw

1 30% unemployment in places? In places think 70%
2 Not everyone on the costas (at least not the CdS) speaks English and why should they given they're in Spain!

Good luck with your decision making; for what it's worth it does kind of seem from your posts as though it was 'where could we go if we can't go to Oz' but it's oh so easy to give & get the wrong impression from forums

Originally Posted by JLFS

Are you sure you really want to live inSpain or just want to get out of the UK or just live in the sun somewhere.

It seems as though you have decided on Spain because OZ wasnt possible for financial reasons, otherwise you would not even have Spain or your shopping list.

Not a good enough reason do make a life changing decision in my opinion.

Originally Posted by nicola27

So far the move to Oz hasnt worked out so I thought I would use this site to look into the possibilities of moving to spain as an alternative. What is wrong with, if plans dont work out for somewhere, looking at an alternative option?!?!?! You dont know our situation and reasons for needing to move abroad so its a bit harsh for you to comment on what you think my priorities are.
If at first you dont succeed try try again. Dont just give up, at least explore other options.

Originally Posted by nicola27

So far the move to Oz hasnt worked out so I thought I would use this site to look into the possibilities of moving to spain as an alternative. What is wrong with, if plans dont work out for somewhere, looking at an alternative option?!?!?! You dont know our situation and reasons for needing to move abroad so its a bit harsh for you to comment on what you think my priorities are. If at first you dont succeed try try again. Dont just give up, at least explore other options.

Originally Posted by JLFS

You are right I dont know what your situation is and I cant imagine why anyone would NEED to live abroad coming from the UK.

I can understand someone needing to live in OZ USA Spain, or anyother country where they have commintments and obligations, ie job demands it or family.

So it is not your love of Spain that pulls you, but your desire to get out of the UK at any cost, if I read your post correctly.

But I know this will be taken the wrong way, you seem to want to be anywhere but where you are now, why not try somewhere different in the UK.

Originally Posted by JLFS

So it is not your love of Spain that pulls you, but your desire to get out of the UK at any cost, if I read your post correctly.

But I know this will be taken the wrong way, you seem to want to be anywhere but where you are now, why not try somewhere different in the UK.

Originally Posted by agoreira

I agree, the poster seems desperate to move somewhere, anywhere, even Spain will do! Because "Spain is much closer, cheaper to move to, the weather , lifestyle", that doesn't really sound like good reasons to move. France, Germany, Italy, Portugal could all fit that criteria.

Originally Posted by nicola27

I have a health condition where the cold weather affects my quality of life to the point I am no longer able to work. At 32 I have been told by medical professionals that I can expect no quality of life whilst living in the uk. I have actually been advised to move abroad. This condition also effects my partner and 2 children and I am not prepared to live like this for the next 60 yrs (maybe a lot less). I'm not looking to be rich, just trying to make a better future for myself and family. I think my priorities are right as my health and families happiness are THE most important thing!

Originally Posted by cricketman

Spanish winters can be pretty cold, especially at home as the houses arent made for the cold. So maybe you should consider the Canary islands then as you get milder winters.

I guess you will have a disability income from the UK government to help you live in Spain as I doubt you will qualify for anything in Spain.

Originally Posted by nicola27

I think we should agree to disagree. Everyone's reasons for moving are different and the reasons I want to move country are good enough for me!

many thousands of people move countrys all the time, wheather its to or from this country and I'm sure all these people have different reasons for doing it, work, family or whatever. I really dont think I would judge peoples motives.