Hello All,

I recently accepted a position with a Spanish company for 24000 EUR (2000 EUR monthly), this is half (or less than half) what I can make in the US. It is actually even less than what I got paid in my first job right after college. I accepted the offer being that it was always my dream to live and work in Europe.

Anyway, I know that 24000 is supposedly an average salary in Madrid (only from research in the internet), but I'm wondering if it's actually too low.

I'm an electrical engineer (magna cum laude from an ABET-accredited university), I'm 27, and have 4 years solid experience directly related to the position I was hired for, the position would be sort of 'intellectual property consultant'. I'm useful to the company in many levels, including being an English/Spanish native speaker. Right now I supplement my income with a work-from-home job which would also be described as a consulting type of job.

Anyway, I guess I'm fine with the salary being that I have another job and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to work and live in such a beautiful city, but the other job takes time as well, and in the Spanish company I'm expected to be at the office from 9 am - 6pm. Would it be sensible to talk to my employer and ask that I be given a flexible schedule (eg. 10-4, later is something urgent needs to be done). They also gave me a mobile phone, so I am reachable if something needs to be done.

I would appreciate any advice regarding this matter, as I don't want to do (or say anything to my boss) that may transgress culturally-biased expectations.

Thanks.

hey pconsmadrid.

there has been much discussion on the tpic of wages and cost of living here and we have all pretty much come to the conclusion that you cannot compare life here to that in the u.s.a.

people generally do not make the move to spain for financial reasons. it is more a lifestyle change.

i (i am sure as well as many other americans living in spain) had a good salary in the u.s. right out of college too. it was also my dream to live in spain and make a life here. i arrived with some savings and began, as many, teaching english, making about 1/3 of what i was making in the u.s.a. then i began doing translations as well, then moved to pc work and web design (all freelance). 5 years after moving here, i started my own company and began making what i would in the u.s.a. now i have been here 11 years and i never looked back nor regretted my decisions.

it takes time to adjust and no, you will most likely never parallel what your earning in the u.s.a. would be.

on 2,000 you will not be able to nuy an apt. here but if you met a s.o. and got married and he/she also made 2,000/month then 4,000 combined is good money.

i don't think you can negotiate the 9-6 working hours (you do get an hour for lunch by the way?) but you can try. if your company REALLY needs you and see you are unhappy, they may go above and beyond to please you.

my advice to you is that it is tough to really get ahead working for someone else. start your own business if you can.

i suppose if spain is not for you you can always go back.

btw, your sources are off, 2 grand is above average.

saludos,
jer...

I think 24K for an electrical engineering job in Madrid is low. Are you legal to work in Spain? Do you have to stick with your current company or can you look for another job?

Thank you for the responses!

jer - I guess I'll try translating for now, although it seems saturated. But yeah, my main objective is to enjoy the city and lifestyle, so will try and find a balance.


OLA - I'm not legal. I was told by the company they would start the work permit procedure once I got there. A month later nothing had been done yet, it's a small company and I'm guessing I'm the first foreigner they've hired. I'm back in the states (returned with the objective of applying for the work visa)..still working with said company, from home, anyway, I read getting the permit could take 4 months or more (specially for Americans) and the boss wants me back ASAP so I'll be returning in two weeks or so, to continue working illegally.

I will be looking for other jobs in Europe, but I think I'll stay with them as long as possible as I would like to build a trusting, working relationship with them first.