Alba Segarra: “Without my parents I can’t buy an apartment in Barcelona”

Comedian Alba Segarra (1992) grew up in Fuliola in a farming family: "In the summer, at fourteen, I was already picking fruit in the fields." "If I wanted to go out partying, they told me it was equivalent to an afternoon of spraying chemicals. I quickly realized that the idea was terrifying," she explains in an interview withCompanies.

So, at 16, she started working in the hospitality industry and combined it with other temporary jobs while studying for a degree in political science in Barcelona: "I'm obsessed with having my own money and independence." Although she's never suffered financially at home: "We haven't lacked anything in terms of health, education, and life experiences. But they haven't bought us anything extravagant." On the other hand, she's always had financial security: "I'm eternally grateful to my parents because I know I won't be left high and dry. If I need something, I can just ask them." "My dream would be to be able to raise children with the financial security I've had. I know that home is a pillow, an emotional refuge, but above all, a financial one," says the comedian, who works in the RAC1 version doing the program The opening acts.

In this sense, Segarra loves the economic philosophy she was raised with: "My father talks about 'household money.' The money isn't his, or my mother's, it's the household money. It's a pool of money that we all have to live off of. 'Household' is the piece of land, the family, it's everything." Furthermore, she grew up in an economy based on saving: "The land and farms don't understand schedules, vacations, or weekends." "My parents have been able to save by working hard and living a very humble and simple life, without great luxuries and very devoted to their family. I think the point of frustration comes around age 32, when you realize you're incapable of doing the same because of the system you live in," the comedian explains.

For nine years, Segarra worked on educational projects in the third sector: "It's one of the most precarious and poorly paid sectors in history for the work you do." She liked it, but a few years ago she decided to pursue a career in communications, a world that had always intrigued her. First in the format stand-up And then, adding about radio: "I've chosen another sector that's very precarious. This affects your self-esteem at work. Money is ultimately the currency for your time, your talent, your value, and what you can contribute to society." The comedian has questioned herself about the issue of salary, pointing out that it's a very unfair system.

"Right now, I have to work two jobs to save anything. With just one full-time salary, I couldn't," she emphasizes. She continues, "Right now, I live off radio and save from live performances." In fact, she says she currently earns more by telling jokes on stage. But being self-employed is a real headache: "How can they be so strict, without any guidance, with a poor soul who goes around with a microphone in her hand?" "You have to be on top of things all the time," Segarra points out, who, after working from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., has to dedicate time to her personal project. Luckily, she likes her job.

Regarding housing, the comedian has always shared apartments in Barcelona until a couple of years ago when she moved first to her own place and then with a partner: "I believe more in networking than in real estate agencies these days. My Idealista is my address book." She's currently considering buying a property: "I'll need my parents to be able to buy a place. I can't wait to cut the umbilical cord. Without my parents, I can't buy an apartment in Barcelona. I've worked all my life, I have a degree and three master's degrees, and I can't afford to own a place." "And if I'm considering it, it's because we're doing it together," she emphasizes.

"In my circle of friends, what sets us apart is family inheritance, our parents' ability to save. And neither our parents nor we ourselves are responsible for that. Family is what defines social differences," he asserts.