Submitted by albion (not verified) on Sat, 05/04/2008 - 8:04am.
Andy,
I find what you say very interesting. I have been working as autonoma for only one year. It was very difficult for me to set the rates at the beginning. I don't think that I'm far wrong however an increase due to inflation is necessary. When I speak to companies I usually say that these rates are 25 euros minimum 3 hours a week, no cancellations, if they can't accept this then I would try to increase the hourly rate. What's happened since then is I have accepted work through an agency in Madrid. (It seems all agencies work in madrid because the human resources are centered there, much to the chagrin of executives in BCN who feel powerless and cannot make decisions). So what's happened: I have taken work with this agency at 25 euros per hour, however, I have not guaranteed the minimum hours. Furthermore, I'm not able to look for my own clients because I'm working at the times they want with the agency. It has all been a learning experience that I will address at the end of June/July. I have made many mistakes this year, but I've learnt a lot.
I have looked at what you and others are doing in Madrid, you all seem much more advanced and professional than people here. The market here is still too cheap, unorganized, shoddy and through the black market; the clients are tired and beginning to complain, but they do not yet accept that they have to pay for something better. But I think things are changing. High rents and the bad economy (it's no longer cheap for the Americans or British) will cut of supplies of cheap labour: this can only to be to my and everyones benefit, and to the benefit of teaching.
TEACHING RATES IN BCN
Andy,
I find what you say very interesting. I have been working as autonoma for only one year. It was very difficult for me to set the rates at the beginning. I don't think that I'm far wrong however an increase due to inflation is necessary. When I speak to companies I usually say that these rates are 25 euros minimum 3 hours a week, no cancellations, if they can't accept this then I would try to increase the hourly rate. What's happened since then is I have accepted work through an agency in Madrid. (It seems all agencies work in madrid because the human resources are centered there, much to the chagrin of executives in BCN who feel powerless and cannot make decisions). So what's happened: I have taken work with this agency at 25 euros per hour, however, I have not guaranteed the minimum hours. Furthermore, I'm not able to look for my own clients because I'm working at the times they want with the agency. It has all been a learning experience that I will address at the end of June/July. I have made many mistakes this year, but I've learnt a lot.
I have looked at what you and others are doing in Madrid, you all seem much more advanced and professional than people here. The market here is still too cheap, unorganized, shoddy and through the black market; the clients are tired and beginning to complain, but they do not yet accept that they have to pay for something better. But I think things are changing. High rents and the bad economy (it's no longer cheap for the Americans or British) will cut of supplies of cheap labour: this can only to be to my and everyones benefit, and to the benefit of teaching.
CMS is the next of the list.
Saludos
www.albionenglish.com
Nick