u/BuilderWorldDev

Hey, I have got a B1 but I I'd like to do my C1 English certification exam in April 2027 .

I've been working in an international company, chatting and meeting in English every week. I feel I am a bit stuck because all the meetings and conversations are very technical.

What kind of strategy should I take?

Practice with AI?

Podcast BBC learning

Private tutor?

I could take courses in my city (at the B2 level, since I don't have that certification yet, though I think it would be easy for me) that offer affordable rates two days a week for university students and non-students alike. The problem is, I feel too old to go to class with twenty-somethings...

What do you suggest to me?

Estoy desarrollando www.jubilamos.com, una web gratuita que permite calcular cuánto necesitas para tu jubilación y hacer diferentes simulaciones (calcular tú salario neto a partir del bruto)

Ahora mismo recibe unas 15 visitas al día, me está costando bastante conseguir que crezca.

Me gustaría preguntaros, sobre todo a gente con experiencia en SEO:

¿Qué haríais para aumentar el tráfico en un proyecto así?

Es posible?

Cualquier crítica es bienvenida.

Hi everyone,

​I’m an IT professional based in Spain with over 12 years of experience, currently in my 40s with a young family. I’m exploring opportunities within EU institutions (EPSO competitions, CAST, or agency contracts) primarily for higher compensation and long-term financial stability, as EU salaries generally offer a significant step up compared to the local market here.

​However, the major sticking point for me is the idea of uprooting my family and relocating. Before committing serious time to prep, I’m trying to get a realistic picture of how feasible this move actually is.

​A few questions for anyone with experience in the EU system:

​Remote Work Options: Are there legitimate possibilities to work remotely from Spain (or other EU member states), or is physical relocation to Brussels/Luxembourg strictly mandatory for permanent/contract roles?

​Timeline Realism: If I commit to studying seriously over the next 2 years while working my current job, is that a realistic window to pass an EPSO IT selection process?

​Family Relocation Reality: For those who did move with a partner and children, how manageable was the transition (schools, integration, local cost of living)? Did the increase in net pay justify the move? Iam not sure about this...

​Alternative Pathways: Is it wiser to target EPSO directly, or should I look into local EU agencies based in Spain or third-party contracting first?

​Any honest feedback, blunt reality checks, or advice on how to approach this would be hugely appreciated.

​Thanks in advance!

EDIT / Clarification based on initial comments:

​Thanks for the responses! To clarify my situation: I already hold a very stable senior IT position in a major company in Spain. Because I already have high job security, I am strictly NOT interested in temporary contracts, freelancing, or external consultancy roles (like DIGIT TM, CAST, or agency contracts).

​Leaving my current secure corporate setup only makes sense for a permanent EU Official position (AD 6 / AD 7).

​So focusing exclusively on permanent EPSO competitions (AD 6 / AD 7):

​Is a 2-year study timeline realistic alongside a full-time job?

​How frequent/predictable are these specific AD-level IT competitions?

Buenas.

Llevo dos meses con un mini servico sencillo: que no guarda ningún dato del usuario. Es simple, facilita información al público en general, y no he hecho nada de marketing todavía. Ahora mismo tengo una media de 12 visitas al día.

Mi objetivo sería simplemente conseguir una financiación mínima que cubra el hosting, el dominio y quizas si viene algún ingreso más, bienvenido sea, pero no es el objetivo. La idea es que siga siendo un servicio gratuito de información, no una app escalable con objetivo de generar ingresos.

Con tan poco tráfico, la mayoría de vías de monetización (anuncios, enlaces de afiliados) creo que no dan prácticamente nada, así que estoy aprendiendo a descubrir lo que de verdad importa en esta fase, que es simplemente que el proyecto sea útil para quien lo encuentre.

Algun consejo para llegar a esos ingresos minimos?

¿Alguien más está en una fase parecida, manteniendo un proyecto pequeño solo para cubrir gastos?

Hi all. I have a stable full-time job unrelated to coffee, but for years family and friends have told me I have an unusually good palate and sense of smell (picking up specific notes in food and drinks that others miss). I've never had this properly tested or trained, and I'm curious whether that translates to coffee specifically.

I'm not looking to quit my job, I like what I do. But I'd love to know:

Is there a real, structured way to test whether my palate/nose is actually above average for cupping, versus just family being nice?

What's the right starting point for training this seriously as a hobby? Is home cupping with different origins/roasts enough to start, or is some kind of course worth it early on?

Has anyone here built solid cupping skills alongside a full-time unrelated career, and did it ever turn into side income (consulting, reviews, teaching) without going full-time in the industry?

Hi all. I have a stable full-time job unrelated to wine or other foods, but for years family and friends have told me I have an unusually good palate and sense of smell (picking up specific notes in wine, food, etc. that others miss). I've never had this properly tested or trained.

I'm not looking to quit my job, I like what I do. But I'd love to know:

Is there a real, structured way to test whether my palate/nose is actually above average, versus just family being nice?

What's the right starting point for training this seriously as a hobby ?

Worth starting with blind tasting groups first?

Has anyone here built sommelier-level skills alongside a full-time unrelated career, and did it ever turn into side income (consulting, private tastings, writing) without going full-time in the industry?

Any advice on where to start, or people/resources worth reaching out to, would be hugely appreciated.