I spent the past week putting my CV out there, and yesterday came down to two back to back interviews. Looking back, I am so relieved the first option fell through.
That initial interview was with a local law firm looking for a paralegal. The interview itself was conducted in three languages: Finnish, English, and Spanish. I aced it, but when the interviewer asked for my salary expectations, I mentioned the €1,700 monthly figure the second company was offering. Their response? "That’s too high." It was a frustrating moment. It made me realize quickly that some workplaces simply don't value language fluency or professional capabilities.
Luckily, my second interview that same afternoon was a completely different story. It was for a customer service representative position with a global fashion brand, and I landed the role. The salary is €1,750 per month, which leaves around €1,400 after taxes.
While I'm glad to have secured the position, the experience really highlights the harsh realities of the local job market. Between high tax rates and low baseline salaries, trying to build momentum as an employee here can feel like an uphill battle. After spending 12 years in Spain, it becomes obvious how challenging it is to build real financial security unless you arrive with significant capital.
If anything, this entire experience has only solidified my long-term goals. My plan to relocate to France is clearer than ever. Operating as a micro-entrepreneur there offers a much more manageable 13% tax bracket, giving me the freedom and autonomy to work for myself.
With a timeline set for early 2028, my main focus now is building up a solid savings cushion of €10,000 or more. Taking this job is the stepping stone I need to make that transition happen.
Onward to the next chapter!
