Been a long time since I've posted. This is the second year of my teaching in Spain. Let me fill you in a bit. With the "great collapse" of the economy last September, many people have noticed that people moved into a sort of semi panicked state. Spain was no different. As soon as people started to feel their money and banking assets were threated they quickly cut back. I noticed this immediately in a particular bank that I taught in. This bank was a merger of two banks, one Dutch and one British. As the months working in this company went on, I began noticing the staff get smaller and smaller, until entire offices were completely devoid of people. There are still classes there with whats left of that company but I'm no longer teaching there.
In addition, dozens of other companies have cut any and all extras for their employees in preparation for this economic pitfall. This includes bonuses, overtime, limited vacation and yes, English class. For the first time ever, there are more English teachers in Spain than there are classes offered.
The construction companies in Spain have also taken a huge turn for the worse, with companies closing left and right, having lost all their contracts. Madrid is a consistently expanding city with the constant immigration and swelling population. Suburbs have been expanding at an exponential rate up until this past year.
Its difficult for so many of the Spaniards I've met who are losing their jobs and have to work 2 or 3 jobs to survive. Likewise its difficult for us teachers who have to survive now on minimal hours when we come here. Some teachers can barely fill 15 hours a week.
And yet...it doesn't stop anyone from shopping...shopping and shopping some more. Prices have never been higer. Taxis are more, food is more and yet...no one is arguing about it. I can't say its any different than the states.
But its not all bad news. I did find a great new company to work for that is growing quickly.
They have a number of new techniques they offer in teaching and seem to be one of the few companies growing right now.
