In recent years, Spain has seen a significant increase in the number of professionals choosing to work independently. This trend is especially evident in technical professions such as electricians, plumbers, and repair specialists. The reasons are clear: demand for qualified services remains consistently high, while self-employment offers greater flexibility and the opportunity to control one’s own income.
Against this backdrop, the experience of Carolina—a Venezuelan electrician who moved to Spain and progressed from being an employee to an independent specialist—is particularly telling. Her story, as noted by Talent24h, has sparked discussion on how justified the shift to self-employment is under current conditions.
Change in income
While working as an employee at an electrical engineering company, Carolina earned about €1,400 a month. After registering as an autónomo, her earnings rose to €2,500 per project—after deducting main expenses. The difference proved substantial, and this example caught the attention of many professionals considering a change in their employment format.
The increase in income is explained by several factors. First, an independent specialist sets their own service rates, chooses projects, and can flexibly schedule their work. Second, there are no intermediaries: payments come directly from clients, enabling more favorable terms.
Advantages of self-employment
For technical professions, switching to freelancer status often becomes a way to increase income and gain more control over the work process. The ability to set rates independently, choose jobs, and negotiate work details provides a sense of independence. Moreover, in a market with a shortage of qualified professionals, such specialists can count on a steady flow of orders.
In recent years, the demand for electricians, plumbers, and repair specialists in Spain has only been growing. This is due both to the renovation of housing stock and the development of new sectors—for example, the installation of solar panels or charging stations for electric vehicles. As a result, independent specialists are in demand and can expect higher rates.
Expenses and risks
However, self-employment is not only associated with advantages, but also with additional expenses and risks. An autónomo in Spain is required to pay monthly contributions, keep their own accounts, pay taxes, and purchase the necessary materials and tools. On top of that come expenses for transportation, insurance, and other mandatory payments.
Unlike salaried employees, autónomos do not have paid vacations, sick leave, or guaranteed stable income. All risks associated with a lack of clients or changes in the market situation fall on the specialist themselves. Therefore, despite attractive figures, self-employment requires careful planning and readiness for change.
Market and Prospects
The labor market situation in Spain is contributing to the growth in the number of autónomos. According to Talent24h, at the beginning of the year, there were more than 3.4 million self-employed specialists registered in the country, and a significant number of them are foreigners. A shortage of qualified personnel in technical fields is opening up new opportunities for those willing to work for themselves.
At the same time, experts advise approaching the transition to self-employment with caution. It is important to calculate all expenses in advance, determine optimal rates, and create a financial cushion in case of unforeseen circumstances. Only then can one minimize risks and gain real benefits from changing the employment format.
Conclusion without Morals
Carolina’s story illustrates how self-employment can change a specialist’s financial situation in Spain. However, along with the increase in income comes greater responsibility. For many, the transition to autonomous status is a step toward greater independence, but it requires serious preparation and understanding of all the details.
