Job Discussion Forums

[the peanut gallery]

Quite a few recent posts have looked into the specifics of employment choices in Mexico. I have noted that the replies tend to compare teaching privates vs colegios vs unis etc etc.

For those of us on this forum who are long term residents of Mexico i think the top end job market outside English language instruction could be much more accessible than those 3 plum jobs at the ITESM. I understand that this is Dave�s ESL Cafe but has anyone considered and/or attempted to make the jump to non-TEFL employment? I assume that most of us have a fairly high level of Spanish no? Our authentic two language ability puts us at a distinct advantage over most other job candidates.

For example

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

+Business background (sales, marketing)
+University degree
+Fluent English
+Available to travel

Offer $ 18000 plus benefits

Using our English to distinguish ourselves from Mexican applicants rather than teaching English to help a student distinguish himself or herself from other applicants? Would this be attractive to some folk on here? Just thinking out loud........

[Phil_K]

[the peanut gallery]

It wasn't an argument Phil.

While there may indeed be Mexicans with near perfect English in places like DF, GDL and Monterrey there are many colonial cities where authentic English language ability is harder to come by. DF isnt the center of the Universe.

[MotherF]

[the peanut gallery]

Not many people with inmigrado status then? I thought there would be quite a few.

[Enchilada Potosina]

I've done a little job-hunting since I got my inmigrado status and been to quite a few interviews (by the way, you should explain the status very clearly on your resume or cover letter as it's not that well understood). They usually wonder why I would want to change jobs if I make good money (according to them) teaching and translating. I tell them that I would trade a paycut for some stability and decent benefits, health insurance etc. any day of the week.

[EFLeducator]

[tideout]

Interesting post. I've known a few people who've been home owners, lived in Mexico for 18+ years but still have one fit in the ESL field.

Can you guys give me the basics of the inmigrado status? I understand that the requirements for residency have changed recently and it's now easier to get residency after even a few years?

[Guy Courchesne]

[the peanut gallery]

I do/have worked in private industry and part of my experience was in DF. I have never passed 40-45 hours per week. Maybe i got lucky. DF teachers dont have long commutes? I know in Queretaro, SLP, Veracruz, etc transport time is quite short.

Salary is relative. As Guy says, some are willing to take a big pay cut to have more family time. Understandable. But i wonder how many teachers are home by 4pm? Surely there are papers to grade and lessons to plan after class. Surely there are split shifts; first class of the day at 7 30 am, next at 10, then block hours from 4-8pm plus Saturday half days.

[the peanut gallery]

tideout,

Sorry i cant help out. I obtained inmigrado status in 3 months. My partner is Mexican. After a couple of frustrating immigration visits we eventually just brought the required paperwork and proof of income and that was that. In the event of a job change, all that is required of me is to write a letter confirming said change.

Hopefully you get a few responses to your query. There are very knowledgeable people on this board who know the process very well.

As EP said, make sure to confirm your legal status on your CV. Most of my fellow posters are much more informed than most HR people.

[Guy Courchesne]

Hard to generalize for everyone, every job, everywhere as we tend to do here. I was commenting more on the salaryman lifestyle of living in the burbs, working in town, and having the heavy commute. I'm sure many teachers also have that long commute.

School here ends at 2 or 230, so with a 2 hour commute, you're home by 4 or 430 if you live that far away...you had that commute here did you not?

My girlfriend would be one to tell you about grading papers...that's done at home/online. She fortunately lives 10 minutes from work, but grading does take a fair amount of time as I'm sure many here know.

Split shifts are for language schools and business English...those are tough to get used to but good if you like that large block of day in the middle free for study/other work/time for kids. Not for everyone, but it's always worked well for me.

[the peanut gallery]

Agreed, hard to generalize. And this thread was not intended to state that one option is better than another. Rather i wanted to start a discussion on the relative accessibility of non TEFL jobs.

I lived and worked in Santa Fe, or Houston as i used to call it. I was home in 15 minutes. I know that is not what most people do but it was my experience. Thats all i have to go on.

[SpaceTone]

[the peanut gallery]

Interesting insight. Sounds like this may be difficult to do in a major city. Perhaps being a pipope may have advantages after all