The number of millennials embracing expat living is increasing every year. Not surprisingly, the Latin Tropics have become a top destination for these young Americans seeking a path less traveled beyond the borders of the U.S.
Unlike retirees, or older expats, millennials often have to remain more focused on how to earn a living while exploring their new country. Whether the stay is just for a year or two, or a more permanent relocation, finding a job that can finance the tropical dream can be a challenging part of the expat experience.
Andreas Klinke Johannsen
Know the Rules
Working in a foreign country is not just a matter of getting hired. Many countries have rules and regulations governing employment for those who are not citizens or residents of the country. This may be a factor in the types of employment that millennials looking to work abroad can apply for.
While researching job opportunities, it is important to also look into any limitations that may exist for prospective foreign workers. The information for work permits, residency requirements, and other matters concerning employment are easily found on the internet.
What Jobs Are Most Available for Millennials Embracing Expat Living?
The types of jobs best suited, and most easily obtained, for millennials living abroad are different than those available to college graduates in the United States. Whether looking for something to pay the bills for a year or two, or as a transition to becoming a permanent resident, being able to look at some non-traditional roles can open up opportunities that you may not have considered before. Here are a few.
Freelance Work
As the interest in life outside of the U.S. continues to expand, freelance writers and photographers are becoming more in demand. The plus side is that you are your own boss in terms of what projects you work on and when. The obvious downside is that there is no guarantee of a regular income.
Translator
If you have language skills, finding work as a translator may be a way to fund your expat experience. This type of work can be found in both public and private settings.
Many local schools look for individuals who can teach basic English to their students. On the other side of the language coin, international schools are seeking native English speakers to teach Spanish to new arrivals to their Central and South American homes.
Tourism
For millennials who want to immerse themselves in the local culture while sharing their knowledge and experience, working in the growing tourism industry is another possibility. Whether arranging tours, making reservations, or actually working as a guide, the opportunities and potential for income is certainly growing.
Volunteer/Humanitarian Work
For some millennials, working to better the lives of those in need in a foreign setting is the ideal expat position. While the pay is often minimal, many organizations often trade room and board in exchange for the work you would do. Though not for everyone, positions of this sort can offer life changing experiences that cannot be measured in dollars and cents.
Employment with a U.S. Company
There are a limited number of openings abroad for employees of companies based in the U.S. Generally, these positions require some specific skill or training that local residents may not have. As globalization continues, however, the number of positions for those interested in living and working abroad can be expected to increase as well.
Real Estate: The Unexpected Option
One type of work that may not immediately come to mind is the field of real estate. Many older expats looking to rent or purchase property in the Latin Tropics often find that they’re more comfortable dealing with someone who comes from their same background or frame of reference.
Expats know the kinds of areas and properties that might appeal to other expats like themselves. They’re also familiar with the way real estate transactions work in both the U.S. and their new country and can better explain the ins and outs to newcomers.
As a result, many local realty companies actively seek individuals who are excited about sharing the expat experience and who can spread that excitement to others considering the same choice. These positions can involve rentals, buying and selling, or even managing properties for absentee owners.
Where Do You Look for Expat Jobs?
After identifying the kinds of jobs that may translate well to the expat lifestyle, the next step is to discover where these positions can be found. Personal connections, such as friends and family are good places to start your search.
Alumni associations, fraternities and sororities, or professional organizations (if you belong to one) may provide unexpected connections beyond the U.S. borders. Even if none of these options is available, there is still one other trusty tool you can use for job hunting: the Internet.
A simple search for terms such as “international jobs” or “telecommuting” or “teaching English abroad” can yield a great deal of information about positions that are available and how to apply for them. Even a search for U.S. companies that are located in your chosen destination could reveal a potential source of opportunity.
Social media is another great place to get ideas. There is an ever increasing number of groups on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram dedicated to living and working abroad.
What Is the First Step in Embracing Expat Living?
But before you start sending out resumes, it’s important to make sure you’ve pinned down a location where you’ll be happy and fulfilled, whether for a few years or forever. Set aside some time to visit the areas you’re considering. Get a feel for the culture and the pace of life. And don’t forget to check out the job boards and see what’s posted!
Are you ready to be an expat? There are a lot of factors that should go into making such a life-changing decision. Taking an objective look at several important areas is a great way to test your expat readiness.
While there are elements that are unique to each person, certain general characteristics apply to almost everyone who’s able to thrive in the Latin Tropics. Answering true or false to a number of simple questions can provide a window into whether the expat lifestyle is something that you should pursue.
I’m Ready to Be an Expat: True or False
Below is a series of statements that address some of the factors that could impact your decision to move abroad. Read each one, and be truthful about your response. If you can agree to each of these claims, there is a good chance you would thrive in the Latin Tropics.
I Have Visited My Destination City/Country Several Times.
There is no more important step in the process of moving abroad than actually experiencing the country firsthand. By getting a good grasp on what life might be like before taking the plunge, you can avoid ending up with expat regret.
I Have Made a Budget for Living Abroad.
Having a realistic understanding of your own financial situation and what your requirements are to maintain the lifestyle you desire is particularly important as an expat. This should also include a “slush fund” to cover unexpected or increased costs.
I Have a Plan to Earn/Make Money in My New Home.
Unless you’re independently wealthy, you also need a plan for how you’re going to keep income flowing in. This could be from savings, investments, social security or pensions, or some kind of work or employment. Regardless of the source, this is something that should be in place well before you start packing your bags.
I Have a Place to Live.
It may seem obvious, but making certain that you have a place to live – whether rented, owned, or built – is crucial to preparing for your move overseas. A great way to deal with this is to research properties available, visit prospective locations, and meet with local agents who can answer questions about properties, transactions, and the overall potential of areas you’re considering.
I Am Comfortable Living in a Place Where English Is Not the Primary Language.
For those whose experience in foreign living has been exclusively at resorts that cater to North American tourists, discovering that daily life is not conducted in English can be a culture shock and a difficult hurdle to overcome. For some, learning to live life in another language is a welcome challenge. For others, it could be too much to handle.
I Don’t Mind Things Moving at a More Casual Pace.
Life in the Latin Tropics moves a bit more slowly than most North Americans are used to. Mañana, “tomorrow,” may actually mean next week. Next week might mean next month. Accepting that certain things, such as appointments with repair people, deliveries, etc. may not happen in the same time frame as in the U.S., can reduce your stress level and allow you to enjoy living life less frenetically.
My Friends/Family Support My Decision.
While the decision to move abroad is ultimately a personal one, having the knowledge that friends and family support your decision makes for a much easier transition to becoming an expat. Keeping positive lines of communication open can make the entire experience a joyous journey for all involved.
I Do Have a Fall-Back Plan.
Although your intention may be to make your move permanent, life sometimes intervenes. Family emergencies, financial issues, health problems, and similar unexpected occurrences may require a return back to the States. Having a safety net in place – even if it’s never used – can bring much-needed peace of mind during an uncertain time.
The Flip Side
If you answered “true” to the above statements, then congrats! You’re well on your way to making your dream a reality. But before you do, here are a few statements where your agreement could mean that becoming an expat might not be the best choice for you at this time.
I Want to Get Away from a Bad Relationship.
There is probably no worse reason to become an expat than to escape a failed relationship. While giving yourself some space may be a great short-term fix, you will soon discover that the feelings you sought to escape have travelled with you and could make adjusting to your new home very difficult. Try taking a vacation instead.
I Hate the Government and Want to Leave.
Many people threaten to move out of the country if so-and-so gets elected or if such-and-such bill gets passed. It’s understandable. We all get frustrated. But the truth is that there’s no utopia. If government policies and politicians frustrate you in the U.S., they will in your new country as well. While it’s true that Third World governments generally do less to affect your daily life and choices, there’s an incredible amount of bureaucracy and corruption.
I Want Life to Be Just Like It Was Back Home.
Simply put, this is an impossible dream. Life in the Latin Tropics is far different than life in the U.S. From the food, to shopping, to infrastructure, to the weather, you cannot hope to replicate the life you are leaving in the U.S. It will never happen.
My Culture Is Better Than Any Other.
If you are not willing to immerse yourself in a new culture and already have a preconceived notion that your way is superior, living abroad is not for you. People in the Latin Tropics are extremely welcoming to foreigners, but they don’t have a thing for those who arrogantly think their own ways are best.
Answering the Question About Your Expat Readiness
In taking this quiz, you probably have a better idea as to whether you are ready to begin your expat journey. Even if you couldn’t quite answer affirmatively to every statement, you should have a better idea of how to prepare for a life changing adventure that can lead you to your tropical paradise.
There are surprising expat expenses whose prices are significantly higher abroad than “at home.” Identifying these items beforehand can help potential expats, particularly those who are living on a fixed income, to better prepare for these higher ticket items.
On the flip side, there are some things whose costs are much less than you might expect. Comparing these pluses and minuses can be a great way to plan a long-term budget for your life in paradise.
Surprising Expat Expenses-The Top 6 Items
The list below contains some of the most surprising expat expenses. While no means exhaustive, this group provides a good example of the kinds of things that expats should keep in mind as they make the transition to life in the tropics.
Transportation: Buying Or Shipping A Vehicle
One of the most expensive items that may surprise expats is the cost of purchasing a new vehicle in the Latin Tropics. It is not uncommon to find prices that are as much as 25% higher than you would pay for the same vehicle in the U.S.
An additional issue with vehicle purchasing is that financing probably will not be an option. This translates into having to pay cash which can certainly impact a budget if someone was expecting a monthly payment instead.
Even shipping a vehicle can be a pricey option. The cost of getting the vehicle to the port that it will ship from, the price of shipping, duty and import fees and taxes charged by your new country can easily total several thousand dollars.
Repairs To Vehicles
Getting a vehicle repaired in the tropics is another surprising expat expense. While the costs of labor are usually cheaper, getting the parts necessary to make the repairs can be significantly higher
The major reason for this is the fact that many parts have to be imported into the country since there are very few “after market” suppliers in the tropics. Ordering parts from a state-side distributor means paying to have them shipped and, depending on the price, possibly paying duty on them as well.
Transaction Fees
In the tropics, transaction fees can be a surprising expat expense when buying property. While there are few, if any, restrictions to foreigners actually owning property throughout the Latin Tropics, understanding the transaction fee structure can be confusing and, in some cases, add a cost that you may not have expected.
The fee structure varies from country to country and needs to be checked before signing any agreements. Even the tax on property can vary; in Panama, for example, the transfer tax is a flat 2%. However, the basis can be either the purchase price or the cadastral value, whichever is greater. This latter item is an administrative value used by local authorities for fiscal purposes, such as taxes.
Higher End Consumer Goods
One major expense for expats involves higher end consumer goods like appliances or electronics. Not only are “brand name” products harder to come by, the prices that one will pay for them could be several times higher than one would pay in the states.
Utilities
Paying for electricity, internet (if available), cable, cellular service, water/sewer and related items are other surprising expat expenses. Once you move beyond basic service, costs can double or even triple. Additionally, if repairs should be needed, you can be charged for those as well.
Traveling Home Or In-Country
What makes this category a surprise is the volatility of airline fares and fuel. The recent spike in oil prices has pushed gasoline (and jet fuel) higher; yet, as recent history demonstrates, these prices can also drop just as rapidly. Trying to plan and budget for any traveling could be a more expensive proposition than you had previously thought.
There Is An Upside
There are also some pleasant surprising expat expenses that are less expensive that the counterparts stateside.
Fresh Fruits And Vegetables
With a large number of farmer’s markets, roadside stands selling fruits and vegetables, and a good variety in brick-and-mortar stores, the prices for fresh produce are much less that you might imagine. In addition, the selection is always changing as various crops go in and out of season. For those looking for a healthier lifestyle, having access to fresh products at good prices is a welcome benefit.
Domestic, Landscaping, and Gardening Help
Finding a housekeeper, a gardener or someone to take care of the landscaping on the property is usually an inexpensive proposition. These workers are more affordable and more flexible than their U.S. equivalents.
Finding The Balance
Ultimately, each expat has to weigh the pluses and minuses of the decision to move abroad. Are the higher costs of some items offset by having the opportunity to live in a tropical paradise? For most, however, even being caught off guard by surprising expat expenses would not alter the decision to enjoy life in the Latin Tropics.
North Americans living abroad cite a number of reasons they love the expat lifestyle. There’s the ability to experience another culture, the daily exposure to incredibly beautiful natural surroundings, and the drastically lower cost of living, to name a few.
But there are also some other, more deep-seated benefits you never hear about. Because they can’t be measured or, in many cases, even articulated.
They make up the emotional well-being that’s characteristic of the most successful expats. And they’re perhaps the biggest perks of all to the expat life.
The Number One Goal of Most Expats
Though the list of expat benefits is long, most North Americans who live in foreign countries will tell you they moved to find a better quality of life. And whether you’re looking for a more ecologically diverse environment, a better place for raising children, or a richer cultural experience, there’s no more satisfying feeling than living in a place that closely aligns with your priorities.
When you’re able to choose your place of residence, not because it’s where you grew up or because it’s close to relatives, but because it supports the values you most want to uphold for your family…that’s incredibly liberating.
Is a laid-back lifestyle essential to allow you to live at your own pace? Are you looking for a place that allows you to live sustainably and minimize your ecological footprint? Or maybe all you want is a home with a view of the sea.
Freedom Fuels an Incredible High
Taking control of where you live gives you the ultimate freedom. And that freedom is empowering. It sets the stage for an entire series of self-directed choices. Decisions about your livelihood, your pastimes, and your social network.
When you’ve shaken off the restraining bonds of things like schedules and rules, a whole new world of possibility opens up for you. I’m talking about having the ability to work remotely or go into business for yourself, being able to homeschool your children, and freeing up some disposable income for things like travel and adventure.
Imagine closing up your kids’ biology book and taking them to explore a prehistoric rainforest instead. Or finding a secluded beach to enjoy an afternoon with your spouse, rather than vacationing at a crowded all-inclusive resort.
When you – not society or the government or your boss – are in control of your life, the decisions are in your hands. You decide whether you want to squeeze in a little surfing before you start your work day or whether maybe you want to load up the family for a weekend getaway in the nearby mountains.
The Sense of Satisfaction Is Unrivaled
This might be a good time to point out that not all of the emotions associated with moving abroad are positive ones. There are a lot of drawbacks and, in fact, a lot of would-be expats don’t end up making it work.
There are instances of failed businesses, failed marriages, homesickness, and even substance abuse as expats try to navigate the system and culture in their new home. Surviving as a foreigner in a strange place requires determination, flexibility, and a whole lot of other attributes I don’t have room to discuss here.
But staying positive, keeping the ball moving forward, and coming out victorious on the other side is incredibly rewarding. You just keep pushing through until one day you wake up, look at your partner, and say, “We made it.”
That’s not to say there won’t still be down times. There will. But there will be so many more highs than lows. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment over everything from opening a bank account (no small feat in many countries) to learning the language, or finding your place in the local community.
Become Who You’ve Always Wanted to Be
The experience of being displaced and having to transition into a new way of life has the double-edged effect of making you lose your identity, to a degree. While temporarily uncomfortable, this phenomenon can give you the opportunity that no other experience can.
The ability to reinvent yourself and be the you you’ve always wanted to be, with no external motivators to impact your career path, your lifestyle choices, or how you spend your time.
It’s not about losing yourself or your past. It’s about finding your true joy and purpose without anything to cloud your vision.
The Best Emotion Is the One You Won’t Feel
The things people love the most about living overseas are as varied as the expats themselves. But there’s one characteristic that all successful expats have in common.
They will never have to wonder what would have happened if they hadn’t been too afraid to take the plunge.
Never will they regret being talked out of moving by skeptical family and friends. Nor will they have to live with the realization that they let themselves be dissuaded by their own fear of failure or their lack of faith in their ability to adapt.
And there’s a lot of pride in that fact.
Rather than lying awake at night worrying about an uncertain future, only to dream about a better one they’ll never attain, expats can rest easy knowing they’ve achieved something so many others can only hope for.
A mind without regrets makes an awfully soft pillow. Find out for yourself.