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WestCoastbeauty

Jan 30, 2004, 7:39 AM

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Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

Hi,

**Question about working stiffs who want to live and work in Mexico: Everything I read is for retirees. I have to work for a living; I am ten years too young to receive any retirement benefits (early 50's). Still I am serious about the possibility of my relocation down south.

**Question about location in Mexico for relocation: I can't afford to go for a visit to Mexico and wander around. I have only recently begun a part time job in college teaching and I only have $10,000 left in my retirement fund because I have been living on it during unemployment. I’m willing to take a risk here: do plenty of research, make the move, and if it doesn’t work out that I like it where I’ve moved to I can always move to another part of MX or consider the whole thing a paid vacation and return to the states.

I would love to work for an artist, with the goal of opening up my own shop. Therefore, San Miguel de Allende calls to me. But I love the beach and have always lived close to it, so the Pacific Coast. . .Mazatlan? does so just as strongly. I know if I ask those in the various places what they think of their areas of Mexico they will espouse its virtues and decry the lack of virtues of any other alternatives. How do I

**Question about language: I need a place where many speak English. I'm afraid I am terminally monolingual. I do speak very poor Spanish if pressed to do so—though I have had long years of studying Spanish and have had plenty of Mexico American friends who have been very patient with me *).

**Question about my employability, will there be a job for me to go to soon after I arrive? My skills: I am a college teacher with advice graduate degrees in Psychology and Speech Communication--and I'm a damn good teacher with over twenty years of experience. I am highly literate and know acting, drama, and singing. I know a lot about computers and have telecommuted via Internet while teaching college. In addition, I am a photographer, watercolorist (fledgling with a good eye), freelance writer and writing teacher.

**Question about the feasibility of my ideas: I find that in this time in my life I am entirely portable and available for change. I am divorced, my two grown children have their own homes, I have only a Part Time position presently--I have not been able to find full-time work for over a year in WA state where I live, I don’t own a home nor am I under the legal ramifications of a lease, and I am one to take risks for the betterment of my future and for personal fulfillment.

Advice? People to turn to? Things I should think about?

Many thanks and blessings to you,

Margie katesacutup@msn.com

Esteban

Jan 30, 2004, 9:39 AM

Post #2 of 30 (1344 views)

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Re: [WestCoastbeauty] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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If you can't find a job in the US then I doubt you'd make it in Mexico. All your criteria add up to popular misconceptions about Mexico. My suggestions are: Move to another state in the US, get your act together, learn Spanish, save money to test the waters in Mexico and see if that's really what you want.

alex .

Jan 30, 2004, 9:54 AM

Post #3 of 30 (1344 views)

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Re: [WestCoastbeauty] to get a Mexican residency visa

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you must meet minimum, external income requirements. You're kinda sunk for right now.
Alex

WestCoastbeauty

Jan 30, 2004, 12:43 PM

Post #4 of 30 (1305 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

Dear Esteban,

I have not found FT work in WA state because the college budgets are frozen. I cannot take a low-paying job because the cost of living is high.

I fully expect to work as a clerk or waitress to start when I arrive in MX, and there is no false pride here in doing that. I also fully expect to stretch that income and be able to make it financially while I hone my contacts there.

Thank you,

Margie

D.G.

Jan 30, 2004, 12:52 PM

Post #5 of 30 (1298 views)

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Re: [WestCoastbeauty] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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I think you ought to review the requirements for an FM-3, which is what you will need to work. I don't think you understand you can't just go to Mexico and work without the proper visa. Try the search engine.

WestCoastbeauty

Jan 30, 2004, 1:04 PM

Post #6 of 30 (1295 views)

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Re: [D.G.] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

Yes,

I have all of that documentation saved in a set of Word.docs.

My questions here were for human responses as part of my investigation stage.

Thank you,

Margie

Esteban

Jan 30, 2004, 1:10 PM

Post #7 of 30 (1289 views)

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Re: [WestCoastbeauty] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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There are no jobs for clerks or waitresses in Mexico. At least I can say that to be true of 99 percent of Mexico. If someone can refute that, I'd like to hear the story. Besides that, you can't survive on those wages unless you are willing to live in poverty like you rarely see in the US. You won't be able to afford medical care, a phone, meat (except chicken feet....yes they sell chicken feet in the market), a car and you'd be lucky to have potable water and a safe place to live. Plus, you'd be working illegally and risking your entire immigration idea. My response was not meant to be demeaning (as I answered in your private message) but realistic.

(This post was edited by Esteban on Jan 30, 2004, 1:12 PM)

Rolly

Jan 30, 2004, 1:34 PM

Post #8 of 30 (1284 views)

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Re: [WestCoastbeauty] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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Hi Margie,

Your best bet for finding work in Mexico is probably teaching English. There is a fairly steady demand for native English speakers.

Come down here on a regular tourist visa (FMT). When you find a job, you can apply for an FM3 with working permit. You prospective employer will help you with the application; he will have to file some paperwork also. You won't get rich, but you should be able to find a job that allows you to be happy.

You can find more information on teaching English using the search function both here on the forums section and on the main home page; they are separate search functions.

Here are two links to check out:

http://www.eslcafe.com/

http://www.mexconnect.com/...nglishinmexico1.html

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

(This post was edited by Rolly on Jan 30, 2004, 1:36 PM)

Marlene

Jan 30, 2004, 3:01 PM

Post #9 of 30 (1266 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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Hi Margie,

Rolly has directed you to a very good resource in the link to Don Adams articles on teaching English in Mexico. You can also go directly to www.teach-english-mexico.com (where you will end up by following Rolly's link) and where you will see the link to the guarantee program. There are schools available on 5 month contracts that will give you free housing (sharing with other foreign teachers), free spanish classes, a 5 day work week, and enough income to travel around Mexico on weekends. This would be a great way for you to decide if you could make it in Mexico on your own, or if you even liked it. Some of the teachers renew their contracts time and again, some move on to other locations in Mexico on their own, some do inter-school transfers, and some go back to college in the US, Canada or wherever they are from.

Teaching in Mexico is a whole new learning curve, and this would be a good way to find out if you were up to teaching in foreign country or not. It isn't the same and it isn't easy. (Low wages, split shifts, different priorities than you are used to, and students with the best absentee excuses you have EVER heard, albeit with the biggest smiles!)

You cannot expect to work as a waitress or other job that a Mexican citizen can perform. (Unless it involves being a time share salesperson undercover! :)) You can't make a living dabbling in art from what I have seen. You are however, qualified to be an English teacher, a career that is held in high regard in Mexico and if you do it the correct way, you CAN make ends meet. This is one of the few jobs here where it is a plus to NOT be fluent in Spanish. I hope this helps.

Whatever you decide, enjoy your dream.

Carol Schmidt

Jan 30, 2004, 3:54 PM

Post #10 of 30 (1262 views)

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Re: [WestCoastbeauty] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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Also invest in Don Adams' book, described and reviewed several places in MexConnect, which will give you a LOT of info in a highly enjoyable easy read. Read his columns here (link on home page of MexConnect) for a taste.

Carol Schmidt

Esteban

Jan 30, 2004, 4:44 PM

Post #11 of 30 (1251 views)

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Re: [WestCoastbeauty] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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To all of you who have posted about this lady working in Mexico: Think about her situation. She is over 50 years old with 10,000 in retirement money. You are saying she could work in Mexico. What kind of future are you leading her into? She needs to stay in the US, save her money, move somewhere that will give her the opportunity to save money and invest in her retirement. Moving to Mexico which, I am sure, would include spending her life savings, is not good advice.

WestCoastbeauty

Jan 30, 2004, 5:51 PM

Post #12 of 30 (1236 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

Thank you, Rolly. Good input. I'm still stirring the pot and expect to do so for quite a bit.

Blessings,

Margie

WestCoastbeauty

Jan 30, 2004, 5:52 PM

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Re: [Esteban] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

Over 50 years old! My God, it's a wonder I can navigate on my own.

jennifer rose

Jan 30, 2004, 9:26 PM

Post #14 of 30 (1211 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

In Reply To

Rolly has directed you to a very good resource in the link to Don Adams articles on teaching English in Mexico. You can also go directly to www.teach-english-mexico.com (where you will end up by following Rolly's link) and where you will see the link to the guarantee program.

The program fee is $925 (U.S. Dollars). And that doesn't include your plane ticket, monthly rent or the cost of your work permit.

The site also says:

You can expect to be paid $3 to $12 (U.S. dollars) an hour.
You will work an average of 15 to 30 hours per week working for a school or language center.

Marlene

Jan 31, 2004, 1:36 AM

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Re: [jennifer rose] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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The particular situation I referred to only excludes the cost of the airline ticket. The rest is covered.

jennifer rose

Jan 31, 2004, 7:57 AM

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Re: [Marlene] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

Are you one of the program's representatives?

Jan 31, 2004, 9:47 AM

Post #17 of 30 (1141 views)

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Re: [WestCoastbeauty] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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Quote

WestCoastbeauty writes:
Over 50 years old! My God, it's a wonder I can navigate on my own.

This reply leads me to believe that you're discarding Estaban's comments outright. Although you may take offense to the point regarding your age, you really do need to consider the long-term financial implications of your prospective move. You invest what little you have in retirement savings in a move to a country where the odds are stacked against you (self-admitted language difficulties and a skill set that isn't readily transplantable), plan to take entry level jobs which really aren't yours legally for the taking and which offer no long-term benefits, and hope for the best. 3, 5, or 7 years for now you realize that you're not cut out for life in Mexico and you move back to the US, where you're that much closer to retirement age, but without any investments into any retirement system, even social security (start whining about pathetic social security benefits again, you-know-who and I'll pop you on the upside of your head) and another major gap in your employment and skills package. It strikes me as an unrealistic dream, rather than much of a plan.

jreboll

Jan 31, 2004, 9:58 AM

Post #18 of 30 (1130 views)

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Re: [ET] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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Funny how wome people think that Mexico is an extension of the United States. They really believe that this is an alternative for all the hopes and ambitions that they have not been able to acomplish in the U.S.

wendy devlin

Jan 31, 2004, 10:24 AM

Post #19 of 30 (1123 views)

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Re: [ET] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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Hola Beauty,

As you are reading, there is not a lot of support on this forum for your idea.

I think however that the majority of posters here, know that it is one thing to 'retire' to Mexico with income secured from another country and quite another matter to work and make a living here. Perhaps a little like night and day;^)

However some people do what you are contemplating at a similar age and are successful. But what they are planning to do for their retirement...that part has either not been planned for or they choose not to share the information on a public forum.

Sometimes foreign teachers marry nationals and in a way, this is helps somewhat to handle the question of retirement.

So I'll stay out of that discussion...being that it is a subjective wide-open topic.

You are after all, a grown woman...used to taking responsibility.

I will however recommend that you read carefully the forums and comments on the excellent resource site for teaching International ESL at Dave's ESL cafe.

http://www.eslcafe.com/...b/viewforum.php?f=26

If you go to the Job Discussion Forum-Mexico branch, you can ask read postings, ask questions and discuss matters with veteran ESL teachers who are actually living and working in Mexico at this time.

You will find out current information.

The forum will inform you about the actual day to day working experience in a wide range of schools in many different cities in Mexico.

There is another forum on the same site under Information Journal for Mexico.

Here the format is not interactive.

People just post their bit...some positive, some acutely negative. Many of these posters have only taught in Mexico for the short term. However their experience is also relevant as you are likely to meet many of these situations as a newbie teacher. It will give you an additional heads-up.

Many of them are 'horror' stories.

Also you may consider reading both the International Journals and Job Discussion forums for other countries. Although not specific to Mexico, they also contain much information of the industry as a whole and thus the information is also relevant.

My reason for posting this information lies into my research regarding the subject. At one time I considered supplementing my early retirement with teaching in Mexico. Also my daughter is fluent in Spanish and has taken the first stage of ESL teacher training with a dream of making this, her career.

However six years of research has suggested strongly to me, that our best bet at gaining ennumeration would be to run our own school in either Canada or Mexico. However the expense and organization of such a project may be more than we will be willing to invest.

With whatever you end up doing, buena suerte! Wendy

gpk

Jan 31, 2004, 10:45 AM

Post #20 of 30 (1115 views)

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Re: [WestCoastbeauty] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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DON'T pay someone to find you a teaching job--it is a waste of money and totally unnecessary. Go to the websites for Tecnologico de Monterrey (www.itesm.com.mx, I think) and Universidad Iberoamericana. Both are large, private universities with campuses all over Mexico. I'm a retired lawyer and I've taught at both. With an MA, you will be able to get work at either--and they will hire you to teach English or to teach other subjects IN ENGLISH. You will not be required to know Spanish (but it makes life easier, of course.) Anyway--they won't hire you long distance, but from the website you can find where they are and where you want to be. They will pay from 112-150 pesos per hour--and each will probably give you from 10-20 hours per week, so you will probably need to work at both places to survive. I have a friend who actually supports himself teaching in Guadalajara--and I would recommend that as a good place for you to try. NONE OF THIS APPLIES TO BEACH AREAS OR SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE WHERE ENGLISH SPEAKERS ARE READILY AVAILABLE

.

Esteban

Jan 31, 2004, 3:53 PM

Post #21 of 30 (1062 views)

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Re: [wendy devlin] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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Unbelievable Wendy! And I quote:

"However some people do what you are contemplating at a similar age and are successful. But what they are planning to do for their retirement...that part has either not been planned for or they choose not to share the information on a public forum.

Sometimes foreign teachers marry nationals and in a way, this is helps somewhat to handle the question of retirement."

First of all, the first paragraph says what? Please reveal how their plans succeed. I"d sure like to know. I mean if you know something, don't use names but at least give us a hint rather than create some fantasy for a woman who is seriously considering a serious move.

Second, I would think that the next paragraph, most women would find offensive. How archaic to beileve that you can ONLY survive by hooking up with a MAN!

You are unbelievable! Incredible! I really thought you were a different kind of person.

Please tell me I am misunderstanding what you are saying????????

esperanza

Jan 31, 2004, 4:02 PM

Post #22 of 30 (1057 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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Interesting, Esteban, that you would assume that the 'foreign teacher' would be a woman and the 'national' would be a man. It could just as easily be the other way around, and it appears to me that Wendy phrased it as non-gender-specifically as it could have been done.

Who's the sexist?

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

Esteban

Jan 31, 2004, 4:04 PM

Post #23 of 30 (1055 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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Maybe you forgot to read the ORIGINAL post. It was from a WOMAN.

esperanza

Jan 31, 2004, 4:23 PM

Post #24 of 30 (1042 views)

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Re: [Esteban] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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Yes, I've been reading and thinking about these posts since the original post. And I believe Wendy was speaking theoretically, not to this specific case only.

Wendy, where are you?

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

Esteban

Jan 31, 2004, 4:58 PM

Post #25 of 30 (1037 views)

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Re: [esperanza] Working stiffs--not retirees--relocating to MX - (long ltr.)

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When Wendy mentioned that "some people are successful" she must have encountered more than a theoretical human being.

Whether it be macho o hembra, to insinuate marrying a Mexican is a way to acheive a successful retirement, is, in my opinion, not a good way to look at life. My opinion was based on the original post and not meant to be sexist in any way. If the original poster was a man, I would have used the same words directed at los machos as opposed to las hembras.

Sorry you misunderstood my intentions.

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