Job Discussion Forums

[snapdragon]

Yes, more questions from me! I have, at this point, looked through every single page of posts on the Mexico forum (though I haven't clicked through to every thread, since some are obviously not relevant to what I want to do), and while the volume of information is very helpful, I would still like some opinions on my particular situation, money-wise

I haven't yet decided for sure what I'm going to do about TEFL qualifications, but, excluding the time it takes for that, wherever I do it and whatever I do, I'd like to try and figure out how much money I need upon arriving in Mexico City and searching for a job--with a new update since I posted a few weeks ago, I can have an income while I'm there, as long as I have internet access! It's task-based work, and the pay is terrible for US standards, but not so bad for Mexican standards I probably make about $4 an hour (but people doing the same work make about $7 if they've been doing it longer, I'm just new and slow!), can work as many hours as I need to, for the most part.

But, the work is kind of monotonous, and I'd like to be able to support myself with mostly teaching as soon as possible upon arrival in Mexico City. And I'd like to be able to take a little time off from doing the online work to search for the teaching jobs, a place to live, etc.! So--any estimates of how long it will take me to find a job when I arrive? And how much will it cost me to support myself, say, per week, while job hunting and living in a hostel or cheap hotel?

And then, another question. I see that cost of living definitely varies depending on how you want to live, and the estimates I see here range from $600USD to over $1000USD per month. I'd like to live in a small (studio, even, but I'd like my own place), preferably furnished apartment in a nice-ish (safe) neighborhood, with metro access close by. Food, I can eat cheap local stuff, no need for fancy restaurants and expensive food, plus I'm vegetarian, so not even paying for meat. Living pretty cheaply, I guess, but the main expense being the location of where I'd like to live, and the fact that I'd prefer it be furnished. So--any estimates for a monthly cost of living in USD? Am I right in thinking this would be more towards the $600 range?

And I'm sorry this is long and rambling! I tried to cut it down, but I'm kind of terrible at that. Thanks for your help!

[snapdragon]

Ooops! Can a mod please move this to the "Mexico" forum? I meant to post it there, but had two tabs open & clicked to post the thread in the wrong one. Sorry!