Sara's story is part of the growing trend of Spaniards seeking better job opportunities abroad, as salaries in Spain, despite having grown by 4.4% in 2025, remain insufficient for the cost of living.
Sara began her stay two years ago as an 'au pair', working long hours (7 am to 6 pm) for only 600 francs (about 638 euros). Currently, she combines a job in a supermarket and another in a bar, reaching a total remuneration of nearly 5,000 francs, equivalent to over 5,300 euros.
“"I am not going back to work for 1,000 euros a month. In Spain, you work to survive. If you have 10 or 20 euros left over at the end of the month, that is very important."
Despite the economic advantages, the young woman acknowledges the social cost of living in Switzerland, where people are highly focused on work and money, which can lead to feelings of loneliness. According to Sara, typical salaries in the country range between 6,000 and 8,000 francs per month.
