Earning a Living
EARNING a living. Why do we have to earn our living? I've never had a grip on that concept and have had many occupations in my life. I guess I have ADD because I would lose interest doing 'that job' and move onto another skilled 'living'. I've been to college, I've taken numerous classes and received licenses to practice for various things. All of which are useless in Costa Rica. I cannot legally 'earn a living' here. I can make a business, hire locals and earn a living from the profit but that's it. I have always been independent and depended on my efforts for my income. Not the efforts of others.
In Jaco, you see all sorts of people walking the streets selling whatever. They don't have vendors license but no one bothers them. Not so easy for a Gringo. We raise all sorts of red flags here by just our appearance. Ask anyone just driving, minding their own business and passing through a traffic stop of Transito. They stop the Gringos first and foremost to check their papers. They all know me by now but there was a time that I was stopped EVERYTIME. One, I'm female, two, I have a big ass car, and three, I'm blonde. They even ask personal questions like if I am married, where do I live... that sort of thing. The last time they stopped me I told them to take a good look, I live here and don't stop me again and they haven't. I guess I got fed up with their tactics. I said it friendly so we wave now as I pass.
Wondering what my point is? My point is many people think they can come to Costa Rica and it's the land of opportunity. So many needs but trust me, your hands are tied and you are limited as to what you can do here to 'earn a living'. It's surely my biggest problem and many others face the same situation that come here with no income. It is not as easy as it seems when you are doing the research on Costa Rica and think it's cheap to live here. Earning a living is by far my biggest challenge.
12 comments:
Don't come back to the states just yet. I filling my shopping cart with oranges and heading to the freeway entrance. It's slooooow!
Like you I find my hands tied and mannn is it frustrating. Every job seems to be some sort of scam...call centers, sports booking etc...I had a job in Guanacaste as a golf instructor when I arrived here and because of "budget cuts" with a new Comptroller in the organization and a lack of business my job was cut. Oh well it was good while it lasted, though I sure miss giving golf lessons and playing golf.
I was fortunate to have learned something from an "old timer" about ten years ago that most people on Wall st. or Main st. consider to simplified, but not only has it worked for me I've come to realize that it is really the only way to play the game and be successful. I trade the Futures Markets and do quite well.
As you may have noticed, the Commodities Markets are kicking ass these days and I can assure you they will continue doing so for another 10 years. The U.S. Stock Market is just about played out and for those that have their money in 401k's and the like, where they have to wait years to cash out, well ther're in a world of hurt.
If you would like some info on how to trade these Markets I would love to help you through the process as it only takes about 10 minutes to set youself up an account, then fund it and away you can go. My E mail is
llmangrum2@gmail.com
I love your blog...keep it up! I really enjoy your photography.
Thanks,
Chris
My 'bright idea' was to trade the stock market for a living but that's not working out AT ALL.
I know nothing about the Futures Market so of course, I have fear.
I have fear of living in a box on the beach, too when I become dead broke so I'll write you and check into it.
Thanks for your kind words about my blog. Teri
When you become dead broke, we'll sell the coat...
Sorry bloggers. Inside joke:), and a bad one at that.
Beth.
Great post! Im hoping by the time im 'ready' to move to Costa Rica i wont have to worry about the job aspect and will be able to live off savings (hopefully)
I just found your blog after visiting Costa Rica HQ and added it to my favorites!
Keep up the good work
Rob
Hello Teri and other nice people!
Reading you it's like reading myself...I am another September born 52 year old girl:-)) The one from Slovenia, remember?
I was educated in Great Britain (Interior Design) and when Yugoslavia split up my friends in Slovenia persuaded me that 'my expertise and international experience' would be needed in a new democratic country! So, I decided to leave it all (the first thing was my husband) and return to Slovenia. It' s been a 10 year struggle to have my UK degree recognised but no go! Where interior design failed, I earned by translation work. To get a job means bribing somebody. I finally decided I was too honest to spend my life and energies here. And I did my research and decided Costa Rica was for me. The nature, the people and the climate.
Last year I spent 4 months and finally took the bull by the horns: paid a deposit on a property because the family selling it, HAD TO SELL and it was cheap! Besides I met ladies who wanted me to teach them to make soap, candles, curtains. I have also opened Slovenian market to Costa Rican natural products. Long story short, I tried to sell my apartment in Great Britain but it has not sold and I still need to pay for the land. I find it impossible to get a loan. I am just incredibly fortunate that the sellers appreciate me helping them pay off their hipoteca, they continue to wait for me. I have designed my small timeshare/b&b project and have a lot of interest from the Europeans.
The point is, perhaps I thought it was easy....but I keep pushing on and still believe somehow - like many - I shall make it in the end.
Silvana .... svb@siol.net
www.sanctumverde.com
Help us plant 1 million trees in Costa Rica in 2008
Beth, we may have to put that baby to work at Del Rey before it's all over. A box on the beach was not what I had in mind for a retirement home!
Rob, not to burst your bubble but I have seen many people come with their savings and blow through it in about two years. There are many tricks here and the learning curve is EXPENSIVE!
You know what they say, If you want to be a millionaire in CR, You'd better bring TWO million!
Silvana - Sounds like you are cut out for CR living. It's the kinda place that when the the going gets tough, the tough get going - not back home but back to finding their own way here.
Best of luck and continued endurance!
Thanks for your comments guys. It's what feeds this blog and keeps me going. Teri
Hey Tica...
Just remember when we die and go to heaven we can't take anything with us, I think if you are having food, a meal, shelter, and good friends down in Costa... and of course are happy, then you are all set.
Enjoy your day :)
Bree, That's what is called "Getting back to the basics of Life" (Waylon Jennings)
I know what you mean Teri.
I moved to where I'm living now only to find that I can't practice law here. So I've had to reinvent myself again for the millionth time. It can be really frustrating and challenging.
Ditto on the advice to Rob. Unless you have enough socked away to live off the interest, the savings won't last for very long.
Teri, I've said it before and I really mean it. You have my utmost respect. You are a courageous and amazing lady.
...from your biggest fan,
Blog Bloke
One more thing. Be careful with strangers offering you their email.
But then again you already know that ;-)
... your Bloke
You know, we do the best with what we've got. I do get by better it seems on my own. First time in my life I've been without a boyfriend or husband and it ain't all that bad! I sure have learned a few things and how to do it on my own. If it doesn't work out, then I only have myself to answer to. Teri
Post a Comment