As the cost of living in Europe continues to rise and income stability becomes increasingly fragile, many families are forced to seek new ways to survive. For Spaniards observing such stories, it becomes clear: even with two jobs and constant employment, achieving the desired level of comfort is not always possible. Questions about social support, housing affordability, and opportunities for single parents are becoming especially pressing.
Double burden
In the center of Rotterdam, a mother of two who recently turned 46 faces the daily challenge of juggling two jobs. Her weekdays are scheduled down to the minute: part of the week she works at a kindergarten, while the rest is spent cleaning offices. This routine brings her a monthly income of €3,200, but nearly a third of it goes to rent. The remaining expenses are divided among groceries, utilities, transport, and small family pleasures.
Despite her constant employment, she has to carefully plan every expense. She admits that without social benefits, she wouldn’t be able to afford even her current apartment. With rental prices in Rotterdam exceeding the national average, buying her own home or moving to a more spacious apartment remains out of reach.
Survival strategies
To avoid falling into debt, the single mother uses various ways to save money. She prefers to buy clothes on online platforms where items are sold at discounted prices, and avoids making impulsive purchases. Instead of making frequent small buys, she sets money aside for rare family activities—like watching movies together or cooking dinner. These moments become a source of strength and motivation for her.
The amount she manages to save each month is modest—just 185 euros. Nevertheless, even this small cushion gives her a sense of security. The woman notes that having a second source of income has become not only a necessity, but also an opportunity to achieve at least some financial stability. She emphasizes that the main goal is for her children not to feel deprived or abandoned.
Realities of the housing market
The housing market situation in major Dutch cities, as in Spain, remains tense. Rising prices for renting and buying property are forcing many families to make do with small apartments and seek extra sources of income. For single parents, especially those with children, financial stability is an even more pressing concern.
In recent years, European cities have seen a steady trend: more and more people are forced to juggle multiple jobs just to meet their basic needs. At the same time, social benefits and welfare payments often become the only way to keep a roof over their heads. In these circumstances, even small savings gain particular value.
The Psychological Aspect
Constant employment and the need to save money affect not only the family budget but also emotional wellbeing. The mother admits she tries to find joy in simple things to maintain a positive outlook. Doing activities together with her children helps her stay motivated and preserve her inner balance.
As many families in Spain face similar difficulties, the experience of this woman from Rotterdam stands as an example of resilience and the ability to adapt to change. Her story highlights the importance of support and solidarity in a society where economic challenges are becoming ever more tangible.
In recent years, Spain and other European countries have seen a rise in single parents having to juggle multiple jobs to provide for their families. This issue is particularly acute in major cities, where rent and basic utility costs keep climbing. In Madrid and Barcelona, many households find themselves forced to economize on everything to avoid falling into a debt trap. Social services report an increase in requests for assistance, while charities note a growing number of families in need of support. Experts attribute these trends to the general rise in the cost of living and insufficient labor market flexibility, making such stories increasingly common.
