Barcelona - The Big Move

[fitforaking]

Recently I've split up with my BF of 9 years. I live in a city where i've got a good bunch of friends but feel a bit stale and stagnant here. I'm seeing a CPN for some problems i've had and I'm signed off work on the sick getting DLA. Anyway, thats the background. What is happening is that I've recently been to Barcelona for a holiday, spent 8 days there and fell in love with the city. There seems to be so much to do and its just a different, more laid back, hotter, relaxed way of life over there and i'm seriously considering moving over there. I've met some people who say they can sort me out with a job over there, and a flat share. The problem is that i'm on the council list to get a council house in the city i live in currently, and im quite high on the list. But my current living situation is the pits, waiting to get evicted from a flat that im practically squatting in (i am squatting in a house that I've been asked to leave, but if i leave i'll be made homeless so hence the fact in still here) (ITS COMPLICATED) I'm tempted to get out of this situation by taking myself somewhere better, in the hope that a huge change of scene will benefit me... I loved it over there...I'm fully aware places are differnt from just being on holiday but i get so bored here, cant work, want to work, being told its best i stay on the sick, the money is good but i just get so bored... I'm willing to make this change, have you heard the saying "Be the change you want to see!" well thats what i want to do. What do you think about this?? I'm a vibrant young female, 28. Surely life is too short to be stuck in this crappy situation, but if i move i'm giving up the chance to have a steady home in the city im in, but it could take months to get this house, which means months longer in this situation... What do you think. I hope you understand my predicament. Big Smiles :)

[fitforaking]

The other option is that I stay here, save money, get a new house in the long run, even though it will take aaaages! Save money, fly to New York for a 2 week holiday next year, then travel from New York by plane down to California and do some traveling, but this takes money and a lot of saving... I've got options and I just want a change of scene and out of this RUT that i seem to be stuck in, with no way out apart from waiting... Waiting isnt my strong point hahaha

[jno]

nobody can read the future for you - but yes, people do change countries, change their lives, while others stay at home for ever and feel dissatisfied. If I were you I'd go for it. It doesn't actually have to lat forever.

It'w worth pointing out that Spain is in a bit of bother economically (though Barcelona is probably better off than most areas), so it might be best to have some sort of plan, and a Plan B as well, to support yourself.

[piggynose]

hi, i´d have a long think b4 you move to spain, as the good times are over, i know i live here. its going thru a serious crisis, be warned, for a start theres very little work, the wages are going down every day it seems. i´m earning 40% of what i was earning 4 years ago. plus every job has a zillion and one candidates.
in fact its so bad, many spanish are trying to get out, by trying to get an english qualification now

[andy-hughes]

Obviously sound advice based on experience from Piggy, but I'd be inclined to give it a shot.

My view is, if you arfe breathing in and out, and can walk - everything else can be sorted, and nothing is beyond change.

On that basis, if your move doesn' work out, you can always come back and avail yourself of our wondeful benefits system - heaven knows as a British citizen you have an entitlement over and above a large number of other arrivals who do the same!

You seem to have the necessary personal qualities needed - a willingness to adapt and aspire, and a need to change your situation and have some control over your life again.

I think you know you are going to go, and just want a bit of reassurance that you are doing the right thing.

Consider yourself reassured.

[fitforaking]

Thanks for your answers. And yes i think i am seriously considering this move. Today i have a meeting with my CPN, i'm going to discuss it with her and see what she thinks, it would mean me stopping all contact with her... I'm trying to do this properly without running away from my problems but tackling them face on and getting the best out of my situation that i can. I'm trying to be a smart cookie about it all... I know i can keep my benefit on for 3 months as i dont have to sign on weekly, im wondering if i can still claim it in Spain for a while... I'm also on tablets, I'm wondering if i can still get these tablets in Spain? Hmm things to look into?? Does anyone have any ideas/answers on that?

[fitforaking]

Id like to post this link here for you all to listen to :) http://www.youtube.co...iB65scQU&feature=av2e check it out and enjoy!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU&feature=av2e

[andy-hughes]

I would be very careful to ensure that you can continue to obtain your medicvation whiule in Spain - it's vital that all potential threats to your health and wellbeing are elminated where possible.

Have a chat with your GP who will be able to advise you appropriately.

[brenda]

To want a change is a good thing , but, please be careful that you can get your meds if you still need them , and be doubly careful of people you may not know well with offers of housing and jobs.
Am not trying to insult your intelligence in anyway by my comments -- just be careful that's all. Good luck .Brenda.

[fitforaking]

I'm being very careful. Since writing this thread i've spoken with my CPN and she see's no problem to me moving away, I can keep getting my meds over there and everything seems to be working out well. I start a spanish course on the 7th September and once thats finished, a 10 wk course, I'll move away. Yipeeeeeeeeee :) I'm out of here and its for the best!!

[brenda]

all the very best .Brenda

[oldexpat]

So let me get this right. You have friends around and you are about to get somewhere decent to live. Yet you want to move somewhere where you dont have friends, have to pay a lot of rent, have to scrimp and save so cant get up to much and not to mention how unbearable the heat is. The reason you enjoy holidays is because they are a limited time period.

[karenmac60]

Just make sure you get accommodation sorted out in advance. I have a friend who has been trying to settle in Spain for quite a while now - he can get work but he cannot get any accommodation.