Job Discussion Forums

[LarryG]

Hi everyone,

I recently finished my CELTA and plan to go to Madrid in the next few weeks. I saw another post on here saying that it's a good idea to take 3,000 euros with you to get established. The most I'll be able to get together is about 1,000. Am I going to struggle to stay afloat? What would I need that much money for anyway?

Cheers

[spiral78]

Landlords will want rent money up front, and may also want a deposit equivalent to one month's rent (again up front). Schools usually pay monthly, at the end of the month worked. You might not find a job and start working right away.

I think there's a chance you will end up living on the street with just 1,000 to your name

However, I'll admit I'm not currently 100% up on the job market today in Spain, so hopefully others will be along soon with perhaps a cheerier outlook???

[LarryG]

I've been checking prices for flat shares and I reckon I can get a place for 250 a month. So the initial deposit and month's rent will come to 500, leaving me 500 for the first month. Surely if I live frugally and maybe do a bit of private tuition I'll be able to get by.

[spiral78]

Yeah, if you can get a place for 250....it could work, though I still think you'll be on a VERY thin tightrope.

Also, keep in mind that it usually takes some time to collect some private students - don't totally count on finding someone who will pay you to teach them in your first month, though of course it's not entirely impossible either.

[mozzar]

This is my second year in Madrid and I'm struggling at the moment as my first proper pay cheque won't be until the end of October. �1000 is very little money to bring. I think you're being very optimistic to get a place for �250 euros, more like �300 a month. You'll be a little far from the centre then and you'll need to use the metro for work which is �50 for the month.

Unless you've got a job set up and are guaranteed to have a wage at the end of a month, I'd wait a little longer, maybe get an extra �500. If you come you won't be able to have much fun (believe me!) but if you're happy to eat rice and lentils give it a go.

[Insubordination]

I also think you're pushing it. I only had about that much and it wasn't enough. I had to use a credit card as back-up.

You'll have enough things to deal with without being broke and there are other urgent things you'll need to pay for besides the rent.

My employer offered me an advance after the first two weeks. Can the bank of Mum and Dad spot you another few hundred? Is there anything you can sell on ebay?

[LarryG]

Thanks for the advice. I probably was being a bit over-optimistic and it's better to have a reality check now than in Madrid. I've managed to rustle up a bit more cash and I've got my flight booked for next week.

[mozzar]

Good luck and remember not to take just any hours because they're offered to you. Think about how you'll feel in six months if you're working 12 hour days with five of those hours being on the metro.

I'm trying to get a four day work week organised.

[LarryG]

Does anybody have any extra advice for me? If you could put me in touch with a school with vacancies or someone with a spare room that would be great.

Maybe I'll see some of you when I'm there.

[mozzar]

Here's some help:

For rooms:

www.lingobongo.com
www.loquo.com
www.easypiso.com
www.in-madrid.com - the English newspaper of Madrid. Free to pick up in almost every Irish bar in Madrid and other places. This month's issue is pretty much dedicated to those who are arriving for the start of the school year (uni students, etc.) and it has a page about accommodation. There are also job pages in the back.

Jobs:

The ones above normally contain jobs as well, but here are some more:

www.madridteacher.com - lots of companies on here so just send out your CV when you arrive.

Companies want to be able to phone you and have you come in the next day/that day for a job interview so buy a Spanish mobile phone as soon as you get here. A cheap one can be �20 and put the phone number on the top. Also put "Passport: British" as it helps employers know you're legal.

Buy metro tickets in lots of ten and then when you have work buy the monthly abono for �46. It works out much cheaper this way in the long run.

There are plenty of intercambios going on through Madrid, one a night at least. Again, in the In Madrid newspaper it lists all of these. Turn up and start talking. You don't need to know any Spanish.

You might have to stay in a hostel for a couple of nights when you first arrive but I wouldn't worry about that. When the school year starts fullu you'll be looking at making an average of �1200 for a 20 hour week of lessons, but this will involve a lot of travelling so you might be out of the house for ten hours each day.

I've just completed my first year and this second is looking a lot more promising in terms of hours of work. So just hang in there and come June you could have some nice savings provided you don't party too hard.