Wanting to spend two+ years living simply (long)

JDG · #1 (**permalink**) 12th March 2008, 03:35 PM

First I would like to apologize if my questions are in the wrong place or seem ignorant to some you more experienced people.

I'm 28 and been living the life of a corporate tool for way too long for my liking. I divorced about a year ago and I feel it is time for me to do the things I've always wanted. I don't want to turn 40 in a cubicle wondering what happened to my life.

My goal is to spend two+ years in Mexico/Caribbean on the beach somewhere bar tending or doing something similar. Basically I want a very simple life away from Computers/Blackberry's/Traffic Congestion and all that mess. I don't mind living in a tiny place with very little amenities other than a roof/shower/decent water and very close proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Does anybody have any advice or can you point me to some resources that help me attain this goal. My current time line is about six months before I hope to begin the journey.

MichelleAlison · #2 (**permalink**) 12th March 2008, 07:25 PM

Hi and welcome to the forum. Your plans sound like paradise until you start to think about visas and where you can and can't live and work.

Good luck and I am sure there is plenty of advice coming your way.

Michelle

sparks · #3 (**permalink**) 12th March 2008, 08:52 PM

Well, for Mexico how's your Spanish. While you may get an English only job during the tourist season, that's only about 4 months of the year. Maybe supplement by teaching English.

Then there's the 6 month tourist visa if you don't get a working visa.

Maybe reading too many Jimmy Buffet novels ?? I suggest having/bringing enough money for 6 months and see what happens

uligargon · #4 (**permalink**) 16th March 2008, 03:04 PM

Hi JDG,

Maybe you are not doing what you really like. Spend time and money here in Mexico could be a cheaper way to have a new experience. In Cancun there are many options you can consider, don't know if you have any bar tending skills but if so i think you won't have problems. It is a fact you have to go to a tourist point, your english is a very good bonus, but you need to speak a little bit spanish. Don't know where you live now, but only i can tell you that if you don't have enough money to come here it will be hard, not impossible but hard to live. Good luck¡¡¡¡¡

RVGRINGO · #5 (**permalink**) 16th March 2008, 03:09 PM

You don't speak of your resources to support your travels and living in another country. In Mexico, you are welcome on a tourist permit but not to work. To stay longer than six months, you would need to prove foreign income in the amount of about $1300 USD per month in order to reside in the country. Getting a permit to work can be very difficult, even impossible, and the permit is specific to one job in one location. You have a lot of homework to do.

JDG · #6 (**permalink**) 17th March 2008, 06:16 PM

Thanks for the information. I was hoping to be able to find some sort of crappy job to support myself but it looks that may be impossible due to the work visa problem. I'm in the IT field and Costa Rica seems to have the most jobs in that area so I may try there. Thanks again for the information.

RVGRINGO · #7 (**permalink**) 17th March 2008, 07:13 PM

Guadalajara is known as the 'Silicon Valley of Mexico' and is a wonderful city within half a day's drive of the Pacific Ocean beaches at Manzanillo or Barra de Navidad. You might search for IT industries in Guadalajara and see if they are in need of your talents. If they are, and if they can't find them locally, they can help you get the working permission you would need. It might still be the corporate environment, but life in Mexico is so much more pleasant. Good luck.

Roanin · #8 (**permalink**) 14th April 2008, 01:26 AM

Hello everyone, glad to join you. Although I am new on here, I am familiar with the usual protocols, as I am a member of the "British" ex-pats website too.
That said, it is my intention to visit the Lake Chappalla region in Jan/Feb of next year for a recce. I am hoping to establish a small semi-retirement type of operation, in the construction/renovations field, catering initially to North American ex-pats. I am aware that to set up even a small business, one must prove funds of something like 40,000 times the average daily wage there. Am I correct?, and does anyone know what this average wage might be?. I would welcome any comments or advice from some of you established folks, as I want to do everything "right" the first time around. Looking forward to your barrage of responses!! Meanwhile, I am off to start my basic Spanish course.

RVGRINGO · #9 (**permalink**) 14th April 2008, 02:34 PM

There are many, many construction firms and independent contractors in the Lake Chapala area. Competing with them might be difficult for any number of reasons, including the very powerful 'sindicatos.' I would not plan on being able to get the necessary permissions to start a business easily or in a short period of time. Perhaps you should be sure that you can qualify for an FM3 visa and spend a year or two becoming familiar with the area and local customs before risking an investment. In general terms, working permissions are not granted if the same can be filled by a Mexican citizen. Many have attempted your idea only to find that their Mexican partner and/or attorneys ended up with the assets and the expat had to make a hasty exit. On the other hand, some who came many years ago have been successful. Conditions change with time. Proceed with caution.

Roanin · #10 (**permalink**) 14th April 2008, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVGRINGO

There are many, many construction firms and independent contractors in the Lake Chapala area. Competing with them might be difficult for any number of reasons, including the very powerful 'sindicatos.' I would not plan on being able to get the necessary permissions to start a business easily or in a short period of time. Perhaps you should be sure that you can qualify for an FM3 visa and spend a year or two becoming familiar with the area and local customs before risking an investment. In general terms, working permissions are not granted if the same can be filled by a Mexican citizen. Many have attempted your idea only to find that their Mexican partner and/or attorneys ended up with the assets and the expat had to make a hasty exit. On the other hand, some who came many years ago have been successful. Conditions change with time. Proceed with caution.

Thanks Ringo, sage advice and I will move forward with the caution you suggest. Anyhow, I have many strings to my bow, and if construction looks too iffy, I will take a look at doing something else.
Thanks again for the tips.