Crazy to move abroad?

[Emmap9]

I’m a single mum and am thinking of taking a job in Spain. Am I crazy?!!!

The job would be teaching at a British international school in Alicante and my daughter (she’s nearly 7) would get free schooling there at the same school.

I know my mum will think I’m mad for even considering it as I wouldn’t know anyone. But having worked abroad before teaching I know that it is a very close family network with all the other teachers there as you’re all in the same position. I just feel like all I’m doing currently is getting up going to work and coming home again rather than actually living my life.

I should put into context - I’ve just recently moved back to my hometown area after having been away from it for about 20 years, I have changed jobs and it isn’t working out, to make the transition a little smoother as I moved just before Christmas I moved back into my parents with my daughter (again that is not working out well!) my mum is very controlling and is trying to become mum to my daughter rather than being the grandmother.

Just after people’s thoughts on whether I am totally crazy for even thinking of moving abroad to try and have a different experience for my daughter and I.

Thanks
Emma

No, not crazy. Give it a go, if it doesn't work out fine, but it's the unknown, it could turn your life around completely and be the best thing you have done! International living experience amongst children is invaluable for when they become adults.

Go for it, your daughter will grow up bilingual and the weather's better. Flights can be had in advance for 30 quid so it's not far. Renting is cheaper as is food. We spend 8 months a year near Gibraltar and love it. Lifestyle is so much better.

Thanks, just needed some reassurance that I wasn’t totally crazy for thinking about it! I know it would be such a great experience for my daughter to have and the chance to grow up surrounded by international children would open many doors for her and the ability to learn a new language.

I would def take the chance, I wanted to do it when my ds was small and regret not taking the risk.

Why are you hesitating? Go for it!

I've taught in an international school and found it a brilliant experience. Plus you get to do a job you presumably love and get to spend lots of time with your daughter as in my experience there's not the same silly working hours expectation.

Go for it!

As someone who grew up in different countries with my family, all I can say it gives you a much broader outlook on life.
And we - my siblings and I - as adults have all benefitted from pursuing careers and family life in different countries while strengething our family bonds too.

Thanks everyone for your messages. Just had my confidence knocked a bit recently and my mum gets in my head about not having anyone there, even though I’ve been a single mum since my daughter was 3 weeks old and managed just fine!! And all without living near my parents! although they have been fantastic and supportive when needed and wouldn’t want to upset them by moving away but I need to live my life and forge ahead with a life that’s good for my daughter and me rather than living the one my mum wants me to live.

A single mum friend of mine moved to an international school in Singapore with her son, she hasn’t come back & judging by fB, she’s having an awesome time. Go for it.

Jersey or Spain to go work in
Hi all

I’m a single parent and have been offered two amazing job offers one in Jersey and one in Spain. My dilemma is I don’t know which one to go for. My head says Jersey because the school I’d be teaching in is lovely and the staff are lovely but I’m just not convinced about Jersey itself and whether it would be too small a place after a while.

Or to go with my heart which says Spain, amazing experience for both my daughter and I but I don’t really know what the school is like other than what I’ve read on the website. But the thought or the lifestyle in the sun and close proximity to the beach and possibility of a pool to use every day draws me to that.

They have both offered me extra responsibility that comes with extra money to try and get me to choose them. And the wage in Jersey is twice that of Spain but then the living costs for Jersey are huge compared to Spain so they kind of balance each other out.

In Spain I would have a free place at the school I’ll be working at for my daughter and therefore no childcare issues to worry about. Whereas in Jersey I would have to find her a school to go to and then find childcare before and after school and for parents evenings.

What are people’s thoughts?! Which would you choose?

Thanks
Emma

Viva Espana 👍 I’d already be on the plane. Adios amigas 👋🏼

I would also go for it.

Defo Spain!