Should I move to Monterrey?

Question

I'm thinking of moving to Monterrey in July or August of this year. I am 25, I live in the states now, and I grew up in the states. I have a High School Diploma and I have a Community College Diploma (not an Associates, kinda like a certificate), I am completely bilingual. I have worked the following positions: Secretary for Insurance Company, Worked in many hotels, front desk etc.

I would like to know what I can expect, will I be able to find a job, what kind of job do you think I can find?How much do you think I can make? and do you think I will be able to support myself on whatever I make?

Also...can anybody tell me about the areas and neighborhoods? I'm not sure which ones are safe, which ones are scary etc...

Any answers will be appreciated!

Answer 1

well, only sweet marge knows what is writing... you can try first entering www.elnorte.com, to the classifieds (avisos de ocasión) to see what you can expect...

you will find a lot of jobs opps, maybe you will find a great job as an english teacher... they are really appreciated here...

however, your income wont be the same as in the states.... Monterrey is the more expensive mexican city... the best to live talking about growing, education, jobs...

it is wrong and even stupid to say that women in México are misstreated... that is not true...

they are respected, and in fact... as in many countries, the men do what they say...  just ask me, I have a wife and three girls... (I am their slave... lol..., well, but a very happy slave)...

if you speak spanish and english, you will be fine here... wellcome...

And yes, Colinas, Contry, San Jemo, Cumbres, Anahuac, Valle (more expensive) are great places to live...

Answer 2

Well lets not get carried away by those other people.......they do say the truth about the poverty and so, but dont be scared Monterrey its a big, industrial city, with those other jobs and your perfect bilingual skills I really think you could have a nice life here. We have plenty of hotels and thousands of companies that need a good bilingual assistant.

About the security I need to warn you a little, you have to be careful when walking alone at night (or avoid it), and what kind of taxi you are getting in to. Also never count money on public (I think that´s universal). Just have your eyes open at all times.

about the neighborhoods i recommend Colinas, Cumbres and Country.

Answer 3

We see this question quite a bit here in the Mexico section.

I'm sorry to bear bad news but the simpl fact is , 1 , there is no work here. I belive they ( Mexico ) has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world. There simply is no work.

2 is the immigration issue. In order for you to be able to work here legally you need and FM3 card - nearly impossible to get unless your a rocket scientist or some VERY specialized field. Seriously. the other requirement  for FM3 is the employer must submit a letter stating he cannot find a Mexican to do the job. No employer really wants to get involved in all that and again he would have multiple peolple to choose from due to unemployment being so rampant

Ok - just FYI - Average pay for a days work is less than $10 US dollars. I know the cost of living and you would struggle at best with that being your only source of income. Why do you think they live 5 to a house ?

Mexico is a harsh place - its  a dog eat dog mentality. Poverty is everywhere , electricity and water are sometimes intermitant , just day to day living is not what your used to AT ALL. Most do thier laundry by hand , most dont have cars they simply cant afford those " luxuries ". I know you see them as common but thats what Im trying to convey here - its very different and hard - not for everybody.

Sorry about the news but Mikey speak the truth.

I'm retired here and my monthly income is tax free and I live like a king. I could not afford to retire in the states on what I make but here - Im rich and happy. I can afford a motorscooter and laundry machine , air conditioning and whatnot, but working here on thier wages as a single person - not a chance.............

You left out your Mexican citizenship thing. Come down and do a investigative tour and make contacts and hunt for a job. You will see if this is an adventure you want to pursue real quick upon landing - I simply tell people about the enviroment and its not for everyone. Some of my friends would run from this place. I enjoy the adventure - really do -love it but my friends want the BMW and a maid and central air. I live a little simpler life.

Come check out the city of your choice and see if you can make it work. Citizenship makes it easier but your pay by yourself will make it a struggle.

Answer 4

Look for IMPRESARIOS (Global Companies) that venture outside of Mexico into countries such as the United States and The United Kingdom. These specific type of companies are always looking for reverse bilingual people who can speak Spanish and English and now some of the skills you mentioned above. These companies always need people who are hospitable, speak good English, and now how to use computer programs both in Spanish and English; thus, making their corporate partners feel comfortable and not lost in translation. I hope this helps.

Answer 5

Guau.... that is a really good quesiton and it really depends on your expectations. Monterrey is the fastest growing area in Mexico, even faster than Cancun. It is highly industrialized and there is a huge valley just northeast of Monterrey that is now almost full of people. So if you like big clogged cities, yes. If that is important, no. Also, women are treated completely differently in Mexico, and not in a good way. Men run Mexcio and women have not made huge strides in equality, especially if you are used to the US. When a man tells you to shut up in Mexico, you shut up. When a man tells you to shut up in the US you just raised the fight to a new level. Smile... but it's true. I adore Mexico and find that the majority of Mexicans are a very noble and hard working people who love family and to laugh. I would move almost anywhere in Mexico, except 1. DF; 2. Monterrey; and 3. Guadalajara. I wish you good luck!!! And if you are seriously thinking about moving to Mexico take a couple of weeks.... find out why you really wish to move and see the places...