Those French who left because of the world of work in Spain

The world of work in Spain can sometimes be unforgiving for French tourists. Between everyday life marked by sexism, wage inequality and sometimes precarious working conditions, moving abroad professionally is not always rosy…

The world of work in Spain is sometimes a long road full of difficulties… (Cover photo: Vicente Zambrano Gonzalez)

The professional experience of Pauline, who has been away from France in Spain for ten years, is a poignant testimony to the difficulties faced by those trying to adapt new work culture. With a career of almost 15 years in logistics and trade, Pauline has always worked in environments where women are underrepresented. But it was in Spain, where she also worked in the car industry as a salesperson, that she faced unprecedented sexism. “A customer once told me, ‘A woman is not going to teach me a car maintenance plan'”she remembers with bitterness.

The situation became even more complicated when he tried to establish himself in the Catalonia region, a market that greatly values ​​local belonging. “The fact that I was neither Catalan nor Spanish was a real problem. We finally found a Catalan male seller, and the business exploded. Then, I said to myself ‘wow, here we are again'”she says, obviously displeased.

There is an emphasis on machismo at work in Spain

Pauline also emphasizes the hidden machismo that runs through it work culture in Spainespecially among men aged 35 to 50. She says: “When I go to trade shows with my purchasing director, suppliers shake his hand, but often ignore my presence, taking me as an assistant. And if I argue with them about something, they call my boss to complain about my behavior. It’s crazy stuff. »

This machismo is also expressed in commercial negotiations, where Pauline often finds herself in a vulnerable position, especially when she has to travel to remote areas to meet suppliers. “You are going to spend the day around a table negotiating without them giving anything. And then, at 11:30 p.m., they call you to the hotel to continue discussions over drinks. He’s tired”she mourns.

The dilemma of returning to France

After ten years in Spain, Pauline is seriously considering returning to France, a choice that is also motivated by salaries that are not considered sufficient in relation to the duties expected. “I was offered 1900 euros per month for a demanding position, it is not acceptable. In Barcelona, ​​​​Life is not much cheaper than in France, and still salaries are much lower. »

Already “independent” in Barcelona, ​​​​Pauline is considering setting up her own business in France, a decision she would make more easily in her native country, where she feels more compatible with the administrative and tax system. “In Spain, even if you do nothing, you pay high social security contributions. I’m really thinking about coming back, because here, I don’t see a professional future for me anymore.”she trusts. “I really like my life here, but if I want to succeed professionally and earn money, I have to return to France.”she concludes.

There is not enough social cover and leave in Spain

Pauline’s testimony shows the frustration that some French people have against a professional culture that is struggling to come. Despite the sun and the quality of life that Spain offers, we come up against cultural and professional obstacles that hinder our development. This was also true for Camille, who worked in Madrid and Barcelona before returning to France.

“I wanted to find professional stability and get closer to my family,” she explains to the main reasons why she returned to France. “In Spain, salaries are lower than in France and often fewer employee benefits, such as social security coverage and leave.”. A point that particularly put her off. “I noticed that Spanish workers did not have as good social security coverage as French workers. They have to pay for their health insurance. The minimum wage is lower than in France and employment contracts are for at least 40 hours. »

Camille was also chilled by a pace of work that was very different from what we know in France. “The Spanish take a later break for lunch and often have changed schedules in the summer because of the heat. “she notes.

In the end, she does not regret her choice to return home. “Today I have found a position that suits me, in a company whose values ​​I share”she is happy.

Pauline and Camille’s experiences are far from isolated. They reflect a complex reality, where professional opportunities coexist with cultural and structural challenges. While Spain remains an attractive destination for expats, it is essential to remember that professional success does not depend only on the sun and the sea…