Advice on working/not working in Torrevieja

[GroundZero]

Hi,

(long first post warning)

I've took a quick look through various posts in the forum which seemed related to my problem, and most seem to be pointing towards the negative, with a few in dispute, but I'm hoping someone can help

The problem I have is this, My parents are moving to Torrevieja in january, and have asked me to move in with them, (They've even went so far as to build an extension on top of their home which would basicly give me the run of the top floor)

They bought a house there years ago, and have been back and forth from the uk for 8 years or so, both are pensioners, and are moving for good in january from the UK

I'm currently single, 39 years old, have lived on my own in rented accomodation for the last 23 years, and lost my job a few years ago when the place went out of business, so am currently unemployed

Basicly I have no ties here, have had no luck finding work in the last couple of years, and could if I wish move with them

I've heard though that there are no benefit payments for unemployed like there are here in the uk, I'm a computer technician by trade, and am wondering where I stand if I either can't find work there, or if I did find work, then lost it for whatever reason x amount of years down the line

I'd rather not be reliant on them for money, but what is the alternative?

Is everyone in Torrevieja under the pension age really employed? what happens to those who aren't, is it really a case of literally being forced into begging due to bad luck of losing a job?

Also where do I stand regarding my own pension if I where to move, having obviously 20+ more years to go before I'm even entitled to it

Medical care is again another problem I'm worried about having heard that you're only entitled to it while working and paying contributions

Obviously I'd like to get a job there and remain with it until I myself retire, but I'd like advice on the 'What If', side of things please, for us non retired people who have an opportunity to move

[Chrisdee]

Do you speak Spanish?

[GroundZero]

unfortunately no, although I am trying to learn it, (self learning, just started a month or so ago), I'm still at the words and phrases stage rather than actually being able to hold a conversation with someone.

I've been told by my parents their area, (near carrefours, if thats how its spelt), is largely ex pat, and that almost everyone there can understand english.

I understand that obviously until I can speak spanish I'd be limited to either attempting to be self employed, or working for those who could understand me, but I'm hopeful to be able to at least be able to learn enough to get by on until it improves

Very worst case would be even just getting a job repairing pc's, where someone else did the talking and just handed me the system to fix, which I could diagnose and fix the problem without being required to speak, or using babelfish etc to translate written fault reports

My main concern isn't so much getting employment at the moment though, its more the 'What If', sort of advice I need regarding rights and benefits/pensions etc incase things go pear shaped, for example if I did get a job, then lost it again in say 2/5/10 years time and couldn't find another immediately

[clydegrove]

The simple answer is that you would not be entitled to anything if you are not working.
If you were legally employed and paying social it does count towards a Spanish pension.
Coming to Spain is an opportunity but there are no real jobs unless you speak spanish and anything else you would be offered would be commission only or cash in hand, wages are very low compared to the UK.
Unless you have the finance to start your own business the chances of getting a good and longterm job is very slim.
Taking into account that many more people are leaving than arriving and those who are still here don´t want to spend any spare cash, even picking up odd jobs could be hard.

Sorry if I´m sounding doom and gloom, living in Spain is fantastic but at this time it is not an escape from the doom and gloom in the UK, those are the hard facts.

[Drewth]

Spain and this part of it in particular, is being hit very hard by the economic crisis. Ex pat unemployment is very high and growing higher as the Costas have been built of disposable incomes which have diminished since the fall of the pound against the Euro. Your parents will surely notice their spending power has been diminished and will find it even more so when they become resident here permanently. Remember, in your position, there will be no social benefits and no legal entitlement to healthcare if you stay and do not pay towards it. I have just opened the free paper I picked up yesterday down on Orihuela Costa and there are quite a few adverts where computer people offer this and that so the market looks well served. Without fluent Spanish, I would not like to try it myself. I was very shocked yesterday when driving down to the coast on Orihuela Costa near Torrevieja at how very quiet things were. The lady in the little shop I popped into to buy a few cakes said I was her first customer all day and this was gone mid day ! Please be aware of all these things. Perhaps come on a 'holiday' first to see what you think but don't burn your bridges.

[sunshinegal]

Hi, being in the unemployed situation here in Spain I feel qualified to answer a few of your questions, if you move over here then you need to speak to the benefits office in your local town to see whether you'll be eligible for any benefits whilst here, although I doubt it.

When you get here, you'll most likely only be able to either work with the ex-pat population on a self employed basis in your professional trade, or work in a bar/restaurant until you speak spanish. Whatever you do, make sure you are paying your social security stamps - HERE IN SPAIN - not to England, this will entitle you to free medical assistance, help finding a job in the unemployment office, and after a certain amount of time you'll even be eligible for El Paro (the Spanish version of the dole). The only people that are forced to beg if they find themselves out of work are those that do not bother to pay into the system in the country that they're living in, preferring to pay into the British system.

If you go self employed, then you will need to pay your stamps which are 240€ (approx) fixed per month, and you will be required to fill in a tax return form. If you are lucky enough to get a contracted job, then your stamps will be paid by the employer, but you will still need to fill in a tax return. If you come here, don't find work and have to move back, you will still be eligible for benefits for a certain amount of time - this you will have to discuss with your local job centre.

It's not all doom and gloom over here, but the employment situation is also not very good. Spanish is almost a must at the moment. Please, before you take the leap of moving over here, investigate into your options first.

Regards,
Jenny

[simmy]

Having taken on board what the replys you have had, it all boils down to what have you got to lose by staying in the UK? It dosn't sound you will be risking giving up a good job and home or way of life. At least moving here with your parents gives you a base and time to find out for yourself what it's like to live here, but move here on the basis you will get sod all from the Spanish gov. and take it from there.
Go for it you only live once as far as we know.

[Duderoo]

I thought being part of the EU you are entitled to claim what benefits you claim in your home country at your new country? Having said that the mess around with the Spanish trying to sort it may take a lifetime.

I worked and not in Spain, was a nightmare tbh, the Brits are the worst to work for, they treat you like crap and drop you like a stone when they want to. You would be best learning some Spanish though many have Spanish degrees but they wont be employed because they are from the UK. If you have a trade like being a chef, you will be fine, if you have no trade skills then you are best staying in the UK.

Spain is great if you can afford to retire here or have a final salary pension, but if not its hard and trust me the Spanish though most are great wont help you a bit.

[Steve B]

As well as the 240euros mentioned an accountant will then charge you a further 40-50euros to look after your affairs. Its all plain sailing after that once you have paid your income tax and given the IVA (VAT) back.

Whatever you decide good luck.

[Brindleboy123]

Moving to Spain

Not wishing to add more gloom, but you should also consider whether you can live happily with your parents 24/7. I have met more than one couple who have moved over here and have been happily married for years prior to moving to Spain when they retired. When they get here and realise that they are with the same person day and night it doesn´t always work out. I´m not saying you don´t get along, but moving back into the family home when you have had your own place is something quite different. Good luck in whatever decision you make.

[gallows]

If you come over here you either work and support yourself or your parents support you or you stay in the UK and live in a life of luxury doing nothing.

Sorry for this but I am so P_ _ _ ed off with everybody thinking that they are owed a living mainly UK.

[boybodyi]

its all up hill then.

[sunshinegal]

If you come over here you either work and support yourself or your parents support you or you stay in the UK and live in a life of luxury doing nothing.

Sorry for this but I am so P_ _ _ ed off with everybody thinking that they are owed a living mainly UK.

I haven't seen anyone saying that they're owed a free life out here. All I've seen are people honestly looking for advice during difficult times in the employment sector, and also one person who was quite rightly looking into all his options rather than the true "idiots" that just move out here, burn their bridges, and then start asking questions and start complaining when they find it's not what they thought.