Job Discussion Forums

[dixie]

As Mexico closes in on 200 years of independence, I just want to remind those who are thinking of moving here that there are good things about this country and culture.

This is my opinion.

So if you want to come, remember this:

If you cannot work successfully in your home country, don't assume you can here.

If you are not qualified to teach back home, don't assume you can here.

If you are not open-minded or looking for adventure, don't assume you can adapt to a new country and culture (trust me, all of Mexico will not change just because you find it rude to disrespect formed lines).

The pay is not great but I can support my family of three (and four pets), pay my mortgage on time and never want for anything (hmmm...not true, I miss pickles and snow).

Health care varies but between the social system and reasonably priced private care there are many options.

Public transportation (in D.F.) is cheap and extensive and usually safe.

Good jobs do pay pensions and provide a matched savings plan and pay holiday bonuses. These can augment one's salary nicely.

Good schools have good students. Perfect? Never, but I certainly don't have the problems I know others constantly complain about.

And now for the BIG topic: safety.

I (knock on wood) have never had problems. This is partly luck, partly intelligence and partly a good personality.

I do know people who have been taxi-napped, mugged and dumped; people who have been pick-pocketed; and people who have been robbed (in taxi) at gun point. Most are idiots. Some acted like an idiot. And some just had bad luck. The more people you know, the more likely you are to know someone who has had such an experience.

I do not know anyone who has experienced safety issues due to narcos or drug wars because I do not (to the best of my knowledge) know of anyone who associates with such people or activities.

Those I know who have had bad experiences have suffered because there are large social gaps here and desperate times can lead to desperate behaviours. Sadly, this is human (animal) nature.

In the end, only you know what is best for you. And only you know if you are truly competent to relish such an experience as moving to Mexico and successfully teaching.

Suerte and Viva Mexico!

[Professor]

[Professor]

[Professor]

[Isla Guapa]

[Samantha]

Isla wrote:

[Prof.Gringo]

[bexarwithme]

Dixie, you say that most of the people you know that have been crime victims were idiots, acted like an idiot or had bad luck. I am presuming you mean that their behavior placed them in danger? I will be making my first trip to DF soon to see if it might be a place I would like to live in. My biggest concern is public transportation (taxis, metro, and bus). Is there a central theme to the behaviors that put the people you know in harm's way? Could you (or anyone else) give a short list of things to be aware of while moving about the city? Some DOs and DON'Ts? Thanks.

[TeresaLopez]

[Samantha]

Teresa wrote:

[TeresaLopez]

[mejms]

A client of mine used to tell me that the way to be successful in this country is by working on your own. He would tell me that the benefits a company to offer (infonavit, vacation time, graduated salaries) don't compare with the job security that your independence can offer and the dependency that working for any company involves. Of course, that's true in any country. Relatively, though, salaries are much lower in Mexico in all types of companies.

He told me this when he was my only private client and I worked for a language school, first as a sales teacher and then "something" of a sales rep. Before heeding his advice, I wanted to give it a go with this school to see what could happen. Suffice it to say that I work completely on my own now.

If you're a talented, resourceful teacher, you can attract and retain committed students. You form friendships with your clients, they're happy to invest some of their money in you for years to continue to spend time with you speaking English on a regular basis. As well as needed practice and development, the classes help take the edge off and get their mind off of things. Like going to gym. Your classes will be good because you are directly involved in the curriculum. You decide what to teach. It can be quite fun, actually. You can make a living by planning English speaking activities, developing students' language skills, and getting to know in general some pretty friendly, easygoing people.

By the way, the question of the possibility of retirement in Mexico really makes no sense when there's no context. If you want to talk about real possibilities, talk real salaries and how much can be earned. Then talk about your living expenses, then good ways to invest. Do the math.

[MotherF]

I was thinking about starting a thread called, Mexico's been good to me. But this thread will do.

First, I recognize that I got very lucky when I came to Mexico at 25. I landed a good job mainly because I was available. I was only minimully qualified for that job at the time. If the 25 year old me applied today, I probably wouldn't make the cut.

As a 25 year old single person, I was paid way more than I could spend in a month. The first four years I was here I went home twice a year and had plenty of money for trips around the country as well. I lived in a nice apartment and ate out most of the time. Professionally, my job gave me a chance to work with more experienced teachers and learn a lot teaching EFL, the English language, and education in general. I also had time to study a distance diploma (and rack up a very large number of posts on an internet forum for ESL teachers).

I like others on the forum, met someone special in this country and decided to make it my home. Infonavit gave me a nice mortgage that I've got 75% paid off now after 7 years.

My husband has been a student throughout are entire marriage and not only has he never paid tuition, Mexico pays him to continue his studies.

While I think mejms is true that on my own I would make more in cash terms, but I think my employers benefits--which are only slightly more than the government required ones are pretty great, especially now that I have a family of five. My job also allows me to be a part of something. In my case, I'm better at being part of something than being on my own.

[mejms]