I wonder if anyone out there is looking for jobs in the Algarve...coz I am...I've been to a couple of interviews and the wages everybody is offering are 400-500 euros. (office work)

I just want to scream and get on the next plane to the UK. I'll have a single ticket please.

I know someone who, when told of the salary for a job they went for (again office work) asked if it was per week or per month! Sadly it was per month - could have been worse could have been per year....

Oh dear! That doesn't bode well.
I'm moving over in February and currently looking for something.

What industry in Portugal would pay more than that?

To be honest I don't know of one, sorry. 4-5 euros per hour is normal.

yes low wages are normal here....but then so is the cost of living ...i am afraid if you want to earn large wages then the Algarve is not the place for you..(and many times people do not pay at alll....as many of the poor ukrainians and russian workers know all too well)

When I first arrived in the Algarve (I am Portuguese by the way) after returning from the UK I earned €1000 euros at a very good resort over here. I was paid in accordance to my skills and academic qualifications.

Then I had to relocate -- was bored, wanted new challenge and buy a home somewhere else. (stupid decision)

I had no illusions that finding another wage like my first one was hard, so I was quite happy to accept 750€. But having to go lower than that is horrible!

I'm not sure what people mean regarding the cost of living in Portugal being low.

I had a mortgage in the UK, and did factory jobs at one point, and that was enough to cover mortgage and still had enough for other bills (another half actually). Whereas over here, I have a 325€ mortgage and they are offering me 400€ wage...how much does that leave me to pay for other bills?

There is a difference between high wages and wages below average, which is the case. Everyone is being offered close to the minimum wage regardless of position they are being offered. I just think that anything below 650€ is unacceptable - for anyone.

Yes, I am really sorry for what's being done to Eastern Europeans. It's a shame for us portuguese. After all, so many of us go out to find better working conditions and would hate being treated like this.

ola! Ms Parker
I've just had a look at your 'profile'.....and a little over a week ago Falcon was advertising for a web designer........
viewtopic.php?p=21480&highlight=#21480

digger wrote:ola! Ms Parker
I've just had a look at your 'profile'.....and a little over a week ago Falcon was advertising for a web designer........
viewtopic.php?p=21480&highlight=#21480

Mmmmm something for me as well............. designing and earning in the sun...wooohooo.....stil need that help nick?!

Hi Digger

Living in beautiful Cascais I see... Are there work opportunities for British who can't speak portuguese? (thinking of my other half). We both love that area.

Thanks for your suggestion. I have contacted them but they need someone with good flash skills.

But thanks again.

but hey, those wages are low indeed.........wow! I think I would have a shot at running my own business. It does pay at the top of teh foodchain. That is where to look for jobs.............

nosey_parker wrote:
Living in beautiful Cascais I see... Are there work opportunities for British who can't speak portuguese? (thinking of my other half). We both love that area.

…I don’t know much about “work opportunities” as I don’t have a ‘proper’ job here…..
….but I do know there’s a lot of money around….and there are a lot of people here from the UK and other - mainly European - countries who communicate in English not Portuguese…..working for the many multinationals that are based in the capital and out towards Cascais….but they generally get the job in their home country then get themselves relocated.
But nosey….you’re Portuguese… you know the score…Algarve is a playground….a holiday camp….a retirement home….not the place for intelligent young people to be seeking a career….

Ill swap with you N P !
Fancy a gardening job in lovely Lincolnshire?
Dont want to drag you away from your lovely country but I know you like England..have you thought of getting work in NHS ..office side of things ..wages are getting lot better here now?
Just a thought

…interesting facts:

>> there are more families who own two homes in Portugal than in any other European country

>> the gap between the 25 pc richest and the 25 pc poorest is wider in Portugal than in any other European country

interesting facts:

>> there are more families who own two homes in Portugal than in any other European country

>> the gap between the 25 pc richest and the 25 pc poorest is wider in Portugal than in any other European country

Very interesting indeed. I worked for a Estate Agent as a secretary and I was gobsmacked to how many people (most) went to great lengths to get a mortgage for a second home...(I am referring to Portuguese buyers)

It was very rare having someone cash buying. People would get 90% to 100% financing from banks for a second home... of course, many requests were turned down.

NHS Ellie? I'd do a factory job for a decent wage Especially if it is in Lincolnshire.

yes I might be looking for HTML/Flash designers on a project by project basis - contact me on info@orangeocean.net