These days, working could be classed as a luxury, at least, in Spain. The Government says things are improving and I am not going to talk about macroeconomics but my impression is that there will be some years before the population sees that improvement. With the highest unemployment rate in the Union and many people having reached the end of the subsidy, it’s time to do something else, if you have been unsuccessful when looking for employment in Spain.
You may need to look abroad when there may be more opportunities. However, it will be essential to at least, speak English (although other languages, depending on the target country, may be required).
But I will introduce myself. I am José Ángel Esteban, working in the international field. Since and I travelling a lot, I encounter opportunities or leads that may not be available locally or, at least, not known. So, I will utilize Juan’s platform to ensure that I reach those of you who are looking for work, and maybe have done all they could, but still, were not successful in finding employment.
WHY DO I WRITE IN ENGLISH?
After talking to Juan about how I could collaborate, I thought I could do a section for him, in English, trying to focus on how to find work abroad. And this would entail that all those who are willing to go out, at least, should be able to understand these posts. He thought it could also be interesting, so… here I am. I will try to look for relevant information and contacts for all of you and even if I only help one person, I will be happy. (I do hope there are more).
WHAT’S MY OBJECTIVE?
I am not here to give you a job, unfortunately. I wish I could, but it’s not in my hands. My aim is to be a KEY to opportunities for employment outside Spain that will help those willing to start an international adventure. Even though language will not always be a problem to get ANY job, I want to focus on those who have the language skills, together with other skills to be able to apply for qualified jobs abroad, that will probably give you the relevant experience to return after a few years, when the situation is better in Spain, and get better jobs.
IS IT A DRAMA TO GO ABROAD TO FIND A JOB?
I don’t think it is. On the contrary. I have always believed that going abroad is going to allow you to expand your experience, gain new skills, even ways of working that may differ from the ones we are used to. I am not criticizing the Spanish ways, but… what’s wrong in finding out how things are done elsewhere? We can always think that being “forced” to leave home is a big drama or we can think it is just a part of our professional development.
Having been myself an expat working abroad, I strongly recommend it for everyone. It’s a really enriching experience that will allow you to develop further your skills, in an environment, depending on the countries you select, where your employers will respect you for contributing to the benefit of the company, rather than just being paid to do a static job. That’s my experience. I may not be the same to everyone… but, things out there are different… Why don’t you give it a try?
Hi José!
I am brazilian software engineer, and I’ve always dreamed of working abroad, but there’s always big obstacle in my way called ‘work visa’ or ‘work permit’.
So, to get a work visa I need a job offer but to get a job offer I’m asked if I have work visa.. It’s like a maze.
How do you manage to go to another country and get a job?
Hi José and Alice!
I’m also a software engineer in the same conundrum as Alice.
One step I’ve taken in the past is to pursue education in the country of interest, but that is expensive.
Any advice from your experience?
Hello Alice and Takshak.
It is complicated… but not impossible. I am quite practical. Why do I say this? There are always easy ways around it. Over here in Europe, the UE, after the Schengen agreement, enables European citizens to work “abroad” within the countries that signed it, as if you were in your own country, that is… without work permit. However, if you are from outside the area, you may have it more complicated. I am aware that Mercosur countries are also working on this issue, so double check at your end the possibilities to move to any of the countries in that area.
However, I believe you may be looking at travelling outside the area.
Travelling to another country is always expensive, so to start with, you need a little capital to carry out your adventure. Being practical as I am, I would suggest you started looking for work from your own country. Once you have generated interest in some companies where you believe there is chance, maybe a holiday trip may allow you to carry out interviews.
Additionally, you can look at international schemes that maybe your university or Master’s degree institutions may have.
Hope this helps.
Jose Angel