6 replies to this topic

[Black.Ghost]

Well I am seriously considering moving to Colombia in 2-3 years time. My partner is from there and we are now engaged. The country is always warm, the crime situation has improved drastically (although there are still places you don't want to be at night). Property is so much cheaper there, and if you invest in a housing project you can get some really rather beautiful apartments with awesome views for around £60-65k. In Bedfordshire, that might buy me 6 garages. 

 

The main problem is income. If we go ahead with this, I'll make a real effort to learn Spanish (I have a teacher so not a problem) so language won't be a problem, however earning a decent income would be. The best way that I can see to do it is  to earn an English salary and receive it out there. My current role is 'security consultant' so there may be some options in security consultancy out there for Western businesses and the like that wish to do business. 

 

I am looking for some other ideas. Something that I could do over the internet for a company in the UK, thereby getting paid in pounds (or dollars, I wouldn't mind working for an American company). Computer programming, freelance web design and things like that spring to mind - possibly app design and the like. 

 

Any ideas? I have little in the way of marketable skills, other than a strong security background including in the military. Ideally I'd like a new start on something else. Once settled, if I can get enough money together, I may well consider acting as an agent for finding and importing classic cars to Latin America however I feel given the money involved that may be a pipe dream. 

 

I do have some training funds available from my military days that I can use (around £6k over 3 years) so wouldn't be against learning a new skill for the right opportunity. I don't want to look back when I'm 65 and think we should have done it and regret it. 

[Bubblebobble]

Im sure you have plenty of marketable skills , i had the same problem myself until i went through some professional redundancy outsourcing work . It sounds like you could turn your hand to most things , and the military back ground will be a good plus . Seen as you do not speak Spanish maybe its best to identify American companies working down there and investigate different industries .

 

 Importing classics would be a great job but thats all about the contacts and having trust in people - its certainly worth investigating the market in it . I would have some fun investigating different avenues , im betting its easier to make a niche for yourself than over here .

 

 If you can get hold of some good   C.V  coaching material its really good , it makes you step back and look at yourself and skill set in a different manner , it will probably surprise you what you are actually capable of .

[Black.Ghost]

I have a faith that I could do many different things, with the necessary training. The problem is convincing employers of that! The programming side of things I mentioned is something I would have to learn - I am fairly competent IT wise so I do believe I could learn enough in 3 years if I really worked at it. 

 

One of my aims this year is to learn how to weld. Hopefully later in the year I'd like to give engine building a go. Unfortunately, they are skills that are considered to be fairly low level out there and as such do not pay very well at all. I'd be better off restoring a classic and selling it locally in my spare time I think. The importing cars is a pipe dream really. Like you say, the contacts would be an issue as well as the money behind me to do it properly.

[Bubblebobble]

Yes , you could easily be left high and dry with importing cars - cars turns out to be a lemon , buyer pulls out etc , and thats your x amount gone . Why not see if there is a Uk or US expat community , maybe they can give you a idea of what sort of skills shortages out there ?

 

First google result http://www.expatexch...incolombia.html

[Tamworthbay]

This is a bit of a left field idea, but what about teaching English? Possibly to undergrads or techie employees. Always loads of people wanting to learn English.

[AlexMozza]

Whats the living wage out there?
As said above, a good idea would be to teach English.

Would be an aswesome place to live!

[Black.Ghost]

We spent a month there in January last year and I absolutely loved it. I know a holiday is different to living somewhere, but it really is a beautiful country. And I get bored of being in England! I enjoyed living in Germany so fairly certain I would get on ok. If I really hated it, I could always come back. 

 

I have thought about teaching English, but it doesn't pay hugely well. My partner has told me would need around 5 million pesos a month to live comfortably - which is around £1600. That doesn't sound like a great deal, but the minimum wage is closer to £2-300! This is why I am thinking it would be great if I had a job being paid in pounds or dollars. 

 

Bubblebobble - thanks for the link. I will be doing a lot of googling on living there and the like before I make the leap.