Hello, all.

I'm a "future expat" currently researching where I'm going to live. I find myself drawn to Central America (esp. Honduras) or South America.

With no spouse, no children and no pets or plants, I can go just about anywhere and at anytime. Would love to go to another country/continent and write (fiction or non-fiction), or become a "mixologist" and enjoy a pace of life much different from the one here in the Midwest states of the U.S.

I'm presently the principal/owner of an HR consulting practice -- been in this field for 13 years -- and, if I just have to work in business, I suppose it would be HR as I have some knowledge of employment law in jurisdictions outside the U.S.

Anyone who's similarly-situated (i.e., age 45+, unencumbered, female, etc.) please contact me! I'm glad to be a part of ExpatForum and look forward to learning more about life abroad!

Debbie

Hi Debbie, and welcome to the forum.

I was in a very similar situation to yours when I made the big leap - single, in my 40's, anyway. First big question is whether or not you have any languages - obviously Spanish would be helpful given your interest in Central and Southern America.

Your HR background should be useful, if only to help launch a job search for yourself. I had a very good international head hunter when I was looking to move over to Europe, and her campaign on my behalf really made things go more smoothly.
Cheers,
Bev

Thanks for your response, Bev.

Yes, I have languages ... well, I am brushing up on my Spanish after many years of study, as well as French and Italian (just in case). I studied Latin extensively so the Romance languages are quite easy for me.

Are you in a position to give me the name of your headhunter/recruiter? I've talked to a couple of recruiters; however, nothing they've said excites me.

I haven't quite figured out how to send a private message on this forum. I'd love to hear more about your experiences with leaving your home country and going to a foreign country.

Thanks for the welcome!

Debbie

I last heard from that headhunter about 15 years ago - and at the time was surprised to find that she was in her mid-60's. She, her ex-husband and her son were all international headhunters specializing in finance and accounting jobs. Unfortunately, I've lost contact with her - but if any of the family is still working in the same field, I know they all post small ads in the Wall Street Journal and London Times. I expect the head hunting business isn't anything like what it was 15 years ago.

Another post or two and you'll have private messaging privileges - but why "hide" things in the private section? I'm sure we can find a few other folks to chime in if we get a good discussion going.
Cheers,
Bev

I understand re the headhunters. As an HR person, I have a different approach anyway, and I'm not quite sure if HR is what I really want to continue in another country. My rationale is that if I'm seeking change, then why keep working in a field where I think I've reached the wall.

Thanks for explaining the process for private messaging. My only concern was for privacy of the headhunters, if necessary.

Debbie

Debbie,
The one issue you may run into is that it could be easier (relatively speaking, of course) to find a job in a new country based on job skills and experience you already have. Changing careers while making a big move like that could interfere with your chances at getting a visa - and of course it's much easier to get that visa with the resources of an employer to back you up.

Just a couple aspects of expat'ing to consider.
Cheers,
Bev

Thanks, Bev.

Well, I wouldn't exactly be changing careers from one that requires years of experience to another that has strict requirements for qualifications, credentials. I can always continue consulting via online for the few US clients I still have. (I'm slowing down my practice).

What I'd really like to do is retire ... or, write a book. Retiring would be an option if the locale is offering retirees certain privileges and perks, and if I convert my home into investment property. I just don't know yet.

It's my understanding that you must be able to prove certain income levels to be able to retire in the Central/South American countries. I can do that, but I also need to find out residency requirements, etc.

Debbie