Losing a Job in Spain
The everyday expressions Spaniards use when they get let go, claim unemployment and start looking again.
In Spain getting fired means a carta de despido, a finiquito (final settlement) and, if you've contributed long enough, el paro, the unemployment benefit you request from the SEPE with cita previa. Companies cutting many jobs at once do an ERE. The cards follow someone laid off in Madrid as they tell a friend, sort out the paro and get back on their feet.
- 1
Me echaron la semana pasada.
They let me go last week.
- 2
No tuvo nada que ver con mi trabajo.
It had nothing to do with my work.
- 3
Están haciendo un ERE.
They're laying off loads of people at once.
- 4
Me quedé hecho polvo.
I was completely gutted.
- 5
Ahora estoy en el paro.
I'm unemployed now.
- 6
¿Ya has pedido el paro?
Have you applied for unemployment benefit yet?
- 7
Asegúrate de que te paguen el finiquito.
Make sure they pay you your final settlement.
- 8
Me tocará apretarme el cinturón.
I'll have to tighten my belt.
- 9
No hay mal que por bien no venga.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
- 10
Seguro que caes de pie.
I'm sure you'll land on your feet.
- 11
Tengo que ponerme las pilas con la búsqueda.
I need to get my act together with the job search.
- 12
Estoy echando currículums por todas partes.
I'm sending out CVs all over the place.
- 13
Sin enchufe está complicado.
Without connections it's tough.
- 14
Yo muevo tu currículum por la empresa.
I'll pass your CV around the company.
- 15
No le des más vueltas.
Stop overthinking it.
- 16
Me he quitado un peso de encima.
It's a weight off my shoulders.
- 17
Toca pasar página.
Time to turn the page.
- 18
Estoy tirando de ahorros.
I'm living off my savings.
- 19
El lunes tengo una entrevista, a ver si hay suerte.
I've got an interview on Monday, fingers crossed.
- 20
No me voy a venir abajo.
I'm not going to let it get me down.