Dear Editor, I have read your article (May 11 issue) and although I agree with most of it, I think more research needs to be done and information passed on to “future residents”.
I’m Portuguese, born in Madeira, but I emigrated to London 20 years ago. I have always wanted to return to Portugal (Algarve) but the time never seemed right. I now have two children eight and 10 years old, who love the idea of living in Portugal – but it’s easier said than done.
Jobs are needed to secure a future whilst living the dream! And that is what Portugal does not have to offer.
For the last six years in a row, we have gone to the Algarve for our summer holidays, three weeks at a time, and whilst there I kept my eyes open for jobs, talked to people, and last year made an appointment to visit a head teacher in an international school to discuss vacancies as I had been in touch beforehand and emailed my cv, but … to no avail.
There are no jobs! Now, we have enough money to buy a property but would need a very small mortgage (depending on what we buy) but unless we have a job, a permanent job, we simply cannot make the move.
So, as inspiring as your article is, and as much as I love to holiday in Portugal, the bit that is missing is … how do you sustain your new life?
I for one would be extremely grateful to find out how one finds a job. The internet is of very little use and if this was/is possible then I would move to the Algarve tomorrow!
Susana Wakenell, By email
