Commuting from the UK.....anyone doing it?

Hi

Has anyone had any experience in commuting from the UK to Spain that they can share, advantages, disadvantages... the real stress of catching so many flights etc. Its all very well talking about it but has anyone actually walked the walk?

We realise a job in Spain will be less money but commuting sounds like a whole load of stress.

Thanks

Have look further down the Workin in Spain thread.

One called Average wages in Spain/Commuting to Uk... Some question answered there for you.

Regards

oh yes... i was looking for that and couldnt see it first time around. thanks! still more experiences needed!!

thanks

Hi Tina

Commuting may seem an obvious solution but my advice is to give it some serious thought before embarking on this course of action unless it's just for the short term. Apart from the heartache of missing your spouse, and the tiring time spent travelling, my friends who commute have found it very unsettling for their children. During the week Mum struggles to maintain a routine, coping as a single parent with the day-to-day running of the household, and with the discipline, schooling and transport issues that kids bring. At the weekend the dynamics change completely when Dad returns to the fold in holiday mode, wanting to wind down and treat the children after his time away. They vie for his attention and behave appalingly! It can be extremely disruptive to family life; indeed, friends of mine have been taken to the brink of a nervous breakdown by this experience.

Having said that, it's a wonderful life here and if you're young, energetic and not too highly strung you might find a way of making it work! I'm sure you'll make a great success of your move and wish you the best of luck.

Rose

Hi Rose

many thanks for that. Thats the reason I asked because i dont think it will be as easy as it all sounds. I was thinking last night it takes a good year to settle, how will the kids and I achieve that if hubby is commuting we will miss him so much. It needs more thought. Thanks for shraing that with me... I was hoping for a bit of reality on this...... much appreciated!

Thanks Tina

Hi Tina

I didn't want to put a dampener on things but the reason for moving to Spain is to improve your quality of life and I've seen women with young children struggling to make a life here whilst their husbands are commuting. Some friends are seriously considering moving back to the UK because they find the strain too much. Apart from the mental and physical stress it's costing about €20,000 per year in air fares and taxis/car hire to and from the airport, plus the cost of maintaining two homes.

I hope you can find a way of getting your family over here but you're doing the right thing by exploring all avenues beforehand. You can never have too much information!

Rose

HI Rosi

No you havnt put a dampner on things. I asked becuase I wanted to hear what people have been through trying to commute as deep myself i know that it would be stressful. We know spanish wages are much lower but happy family life and being together is by far the most important thing..... not money. I couldnt stop thinking about it last night. Thanks for posting I needed to hear what you had to say. Thanks