That's why the BE Wiki is, in my humble opinion, such a good idea.
All those questions you had, which are now hopefully answered, should be posted in the Wiki.

Could I have your husbands job please?

that's the point

you're English & in the minority

it is improving - but most around here think nothing of letting their dogs poo on the pavement & make no effort to pick it up

Some acquaintancies of ours left last week, told us they were coming out for a drink at the weekend but then I learnt off someone that they had flown back to the UK for good on the Friday. Been planning it for weeks apparently.
All due to money/work issues I believe.

.[/QUOTE]


It is a shame to see families having to go back in such circumstances. I do not know the situation that your acquaintances found themselves in, so I cannot comment, but I do find that many expat families hang on in Spain thinking (or hoping) that things are going to get better, when of course, usually they never are.

I spent part of my childhood living in Spain and have lived here for varying amounts of time over the last eight years and have met many many expats from different countries, all with different stories (some true, some not, I have never asked for their stories but, of course, people like to talk, just as I am doing now ). I was lucky as for seven of the last eight years I had been at Uni and then working in Education so I always had long holidays (over three months of Summer when at uni) which I saved up for so I didn't have to work and could relax and enjoy what I wanted to believewas 'Spain': sun, sea, sand and countless parties. I always knew what the reality was, but I was on a UK wage so I didn't really care. I wasn't going to live here permanently. In any case, my family have been in Spain for 10 years so I didn't have to worry about accommodation or food

I have been living in Spain permanently for exactly one year now, after coming for a two month holiday. Knowing what the work prospects for a non-Spaniard are, I wasn't going to make the permanent move but things happen and my partner doesn't speak any English, so UK was out of the question. I speak Spanish fluently and would never have moved to this small Spanish (as in hardly any Expats) town in Huelva, without speaking the language. Even with this, it's still extremely difficult and I m lucky I have experience teaching English as it would have been nearly impossible as I don't have savings to be set up my own company.

I understand it's a bit different in the Costas as there are more British Expats and there are some employment opportunities but even these are scarce and are in no way secure.

In many cases on one of the Costas, I have seen British families living below the poverty line, asking other expats for handouts, the young children not in school, the parents turning to the bottle... At what point do you say "enough is enough"? I understand that it can be very difficult to admit that our dream hasn't come true or that we have failed our business and having to return to friends and family in the UK after having a massive leaving party where we swore we would never return to the UK.

Of course, this is only in some cases. Many people do come to Spain and have a fantastic high-flying career in Madrid or Barcelona, or set up successful businesses in other parts of the country. And not forgetting those who retire and come for the better climate and better quality of life who manage to do this without having to scrimp and save...

In any case, whatever our situation, at least we can say we tried. I can say for one thing that I love this country and it surprises me every day. There are days when I wonder what I'm doing here and what I could be doing back in the UK, but while I have work and no children to worry about, I'm going to try and enjoy it as much as I can.

(Sorry for such a long reply )

I must be honest in my village I have seen 4 dogs poop in the street in 3 years and each time the owner has cleared it up, The Owners were no brits I might add , Our streets are spotless when I compare them to some in the UK, I can not speak for all but that is my experience. I know we employ a somewhat over kill on the street cleaners, I think the Mayor gives them a little incentive by paying them time and a turd at weekends.

[QUOTE=trentino;7071931]18 year old who doesnt speak the lingo didnt have a hope in hell, we possibly knew that. Old man only goes back to check all is well in the office and an excuse to see son who now works in the business. And, no, I have not tried to find meaningful work.

Dog poo is not organic, horse poo yes!![/QUOTE]

Pedantry alert: Both quasi organic, however only truly organic if their foodstuffs were raised organically

Organic... a material derived essentially from a once living matter...


Now, can we move on?

.....I know one woman (Spanish) with three young grandchildren, who takes her dogs to the children's play area for their 'comfort break'

Where we lived in England the council built a beautiful new park complete with kids play area and ,next to the road, football pitches. Dog owners from miles around turned up in their cars every morning parked by the pitches and grassy areas and sent the dogs out while they sat in their cars. I used to cycle to work through the park each morning, in hot weather the smell was bad but worst of all the kids still had nowhere grassy to play.
After living near to that park it always amuses me when people insist that there is not much dog mess in England.
Graham

No its not a UK thing only ... the point is I survive accidents in Spain where the driving is always described as bad, and survive one day in the UK before being hit


Why is it a generalisation? I am describing my experiences here of Spanish versus UK workmen.
The builder who charged 800 euros to build a wall when we came here (my lack of experience) and a similar wall 12 months later by a Spaniard for less than half, and better built. A Satnav guy who it turns out was a real cowboy ... As I said, I avoid Brits now and stick to Spaniards because they get the job done quickly and in my experience better


I'm here in the UK .... now .... I assure you for retirees, its cheaper to live in Spain even with the r/ex

Here .... you know I love the UK. I'm actually not one of those who left because I thought it would solve problems, it was because I wanted to experiencea different way of life.

All I am saying is that knocking Spain is fine if that's your bag, but dont think everything is fine and rosy in the UK because it just aint!

It isnt rosy here at all but it is possible to get work, with relative ease, and pay your way.

It is also a rat race, and I always get the urge to go to Spain when I want to get out of it. However, my life in Spain is not the real world and so there is no comparison.

Yes I know that, but you're missing the point and I will have to beat you up when I see you next.

Is it really easy to get work there still with the unemployment rising daily .... according to what you see on the news it shouldn't be that easy, but maybe more scare mongering?

There are jobs about - not always quality jobs but the work is there.

The college (where I work) has a quota of 90 support assistants and recruits virtually non stop to maintain a full team. My son has walked into two jobs by just going into pubs and asking for work, in a space of six months.

Competition is strong for decent contracts but the work opportunities here far outweigh those in Spain.

Throwing your weight around!!!!!!!! I am shocked (well only a little bit).

Rosemary

As you can see, I completely ignore bad behaviour. TOOTS for those not aware is Time Out On The Spot, ie you ignore the behaviour but NOT the person.

So Mitz, you've been TOOTSed!