Spain’s freelancers lack fun in the sun, finds report. Could joining a community group help?

Spain is one of the most popular places for freelancers to live as digital nomads. The lower cost of living compared to other places in Europe and elsewhere, plus the sunshine and social atmosphere are all attractions. Thing is, despite these factors, a report reveals local freelancers often struggle to take time off for illness or holidays.

According to a survey by Spanish insurer Previsión Mallorquina, 85% of self-employed individuals haven’t taken sick leave in the past year. Moreover, many respondents confessed they couldn’t even fully enjoy their annual leave due to concerns about income.

This echoes a common sentiment among independent workers globally, but Spain’s situation appears particularly challenging. A striking 70% of self-employed professionals in Spain wouldn’t recommend their career path to others, casting a shadow over the nation’s economy.

These findings are especially concerning given the significant role family-run businesses play in Spain. They account for a substantial portion of the GDP and employment, with many relying on self-employed individuals. According to the Ministry of Industry, there are more than two million family businesses in Spain and they account for 65 to 70% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and some 75% of private employment: close to nine million people work for them, including more than 1.5 million self-employed workers.

Spanish freelancers work long hours

Like many freelancers, 60% of Spanish self-employed workers exceed the typical 8-hour workday, with 20% working more than 10 hours daily. Despite 54% needing time off, financial constraints often prevent it, particularly for those aged 35-55 with dependents.

Do Spanish freelancers have fewer holidays?

TSpain does have a good amount of public holidays or “puentes” where you will have a Friday or Monday off giving you a nice long weekend. The 2024 work calendar includes a total of 12 holidays, of which nine will be common throughout Spain.

However, the average self-employed worker in Spain took only 15 days of holiday in 2023, significantly less than the British average of 24 days, according to IPSE. A concerning 20% didn’t take any time off at all.

Only 10% believe Spain’s sick pay system adequately covers expenses during illness. 80% lack a “plan B” for sick leave, relying on insurance or savings if they have them.

A staggering 84% of freelancers report their work impacting their stress or anxiety levels, with 15% seeking professional mental health support.

These findings highlight the need for improved support systems and greater awareness of the challenges faced by Spain’s freelancers, who contribute significantly to the nation’s economy but often struggle to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Where can freelancers in Spain get support?

For international freelancers, professional mental health support may not be as accessible, which is why joining freelancer and community groups can help you meet others who may be able to relate to similar problems. It could be a place to meet new people, get something off your chest and have a laugh. Meetup is a good place to start looking for meet-ups and discussion groups based on your interests and area, such as Digital Nomads in Valencia or Make Real Friends Valencia, the latter of which has a group that uses a board game to ignite great conversations and deep connections with people. Check out the video below.

Are you a freelancer in Spain who can relate to the findings or have you managed to find balance? Do you have a group you would like to share and have freelancers join? Get a conversation going by sharing your experiences via our comments section and our social media channels.