Originally Posted by Pasanada

Hi Drooby,

I'm fully aware of the global economic situation, including in the UK.

I am offering my advice as someone who has been in Spain a number of years and would not wish to see anyone experience finanical difficulties. At least in the UK, you have the back up of the Social Welfare System, if you don't pay/pay enough/long enough into the Spanish Social System, you will receive nothing if times are hard/savings run out.

Work IS scarce in Spain - fact. What makes Expats think they will walk into a job when the natives are struggling themselves?? I'm sorry to say this but I strongly urge anyone coming here hoping to find work will be seriously struggling. I've seen so many businesses, expat and Spanish, collapse. There simply is not the money available for people to spend. Please bear in mind that the majority of expats are pensioners and they're struggling because of poor exchange rates so again, they have little or no money to spend.

At the end of the day, if your mind is made up, nothing anyone advises you will change your decision. But please, don't insult mine and other expats with experience of the current situation in Spain, we have your best interests at heart and simply do not want you to come back in a years time with a story of regret and hardship. You came to us for advice, we have given you an impartial view of life in Spain at present. I am sorry the response hasn't been more positive.

I wish you all the very best.

PS I have been on the southern Costa Blanca for 5 years and also know the Murcia/Costa Calida region very well.