International Living Postcards– your daily escape
Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006
On the outskirts of Panama City, Panama
Yesterday, you’ll recall, we learned how, where, and when to live like royalty in the farthest-flung reaches of the realm for mere "pennies on the dollar."
Today, we’ll learn where to get those pennies. And the dollars.
The fact is, it’s easier than you might think. Anyone–at virtually any age–can do it. And at today’s Reinvent Yourself Abroad general sessions and workshops, two dozen top experts from around the world provided chapter and verse (replete with riveting examples) on how you can make enough money in your spare time offshore to live better than the kith and kin you left behind still trapped in the trudge-to-the-mill and fudge-on-the-bills work-a-day Rat Race.
I know that’s a mouth full, but I think you get the point: You can live better for less abroad–and easily earn more than enough money to cover your bills, enjoy the thrills, and maybe even find your fortune while you’re at it.
Let me give you just one quick example. And let me preface that example by stating the obvious about one of today’s speakers who is beloved and embraced by all who have read her IL missives or had the joy of watching her at work.
No one enjoys an IL conference as much as the inimitable and inestimable Steenie Harvey, IL’s Roving Europe Editor.
It’s not just that the British-born Steenie is witty, urbane, and entertaining. Margaret Rutherford was all of that. But, I don’t think Margaret Rutherford could have ever helped anyone learn how to become financially independent by importing Baltic Amber tabletop icons from the back street workshops of a minuscule oblast called Kaliningrad.
But, Steenie can. I know. Because like scores of other eager conference attendees, I saw her do it. And now, I’m trying to figure out what manner or mode of transportation I need to get me on the road to Kaliningrad–or the countless other obscure outpost sources for low-priced products Steenie recommended for those wishing to start their own lucrative import businesses.
But first, let me finish briefing you on today’s exciting and instructive events at Day 3 of International Living’s "Ultimate Event." In addition to Steenie’s tips on becoming an international trader for fun and profit, we learned how to start your own business abroad…how to find your offshore dream job…where to locate the most easily accessible job opportunities…the logistics of making your move…and what to do once you arrive and are ready to take your new world by storm!
I know that’s a lot to cover. But, it can all mean money in the bank as you Reinvent Yourself Abroad. So, let’s get started…
Now That I’m Here, What Do I Do With Myself?
Suzan Haskins, International Living’s Latin America Insider, set the stage for all that followed with some seemingly paradoxical advice that can make reinventing yourself as enjoyable as it is profitable:
"If you want to find ‘work’ that makes you happy in your new home, don’t go looking for ‘work’ at all. Instead, go looking for your passion. Think about what excites you and makes you happy and try to make a business out of it."
That actually echoes IL Publisher Kathie Peddicord’s advice from Day I doesn’t it? You’ve spent years and even decades doing what you needed to do. Now do what you want to do!"
The fact is, more often than not, starting your own business may be your only viable option in your new home. Most countries have fairly strict laws about foreigners going to work there. And not infrequently, many of the jobs that might be available may be too menial to attract your interest–or pay your room and board.
So, that takes you back to what you’ve already started to do anyway: abandon the beaten path and set out on your own. Suzan suggests finding a niche you really enjoy and having the time of your reinvented life.
"If you like history, maybe you’ll start a local walking tour of historical sites. I know one man who loves to cook. He now gives authentic Yucatecan cooking classes from his home in Merida in Mexico. He has also started exporting gourmet peanut butter and chocolate that he makes from locally sourced ingredients."
Remember, you’re starting anew out on your own; so don’t be afraid to be creative. Have you ever thought about becoming a teacher, but just didn’t think you had the training, experience, or knowledge? Well, in countries all over Latin America, if you can speak in your own native language, you just qualified as an English teacher. Don’t worry about dangling modifiers or split infinitives–if you can simply say, "How now brown cow," you’ve likely got yourself a job.
Have you ever dabbled in making jewelry and wondered if anyone else would wear your wares? Well, now’s the time to find out. Do you like gardening? Then get down and dirty and start your own landscaping firm. Do you pride yourself on being a world-class shopaholic? Well, there are plenty of foreign businesses dying to learn how to market to US and Canadian citizens. And who better than you to tell them what will sell than someone who buys…and buys…and buys?
And finally, look for unique opportunities …for unmet needs…and unfulfilled wants. In short, think about what might be missing and make your fortune filling that vacuum. Are there enough self-storage facilities? Do they need writers, editors, or proofreaders? How about a sporting goods store…a second hand shop…a real estate firm…or maybe even a Starbucks, KFC, or Ben & Jerry’s?
You’re reinventing yourself–and that means you’re finally the master of your own fate. So, blaze your own trail and cut your own swath. Then, perhaps, like Robert Frost’s dauntless trendsetter …
Ages and ages hence,
You’ll tell it with a sigh:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all of the difference.
In short, as Suzan said at the outset of her talk, "Go looking for your own passion." After all, isn’t that what being an IL member is really all about?
You Can Find Your Passion
One of the more exciting aspects of Day 3 was getting the chance to hear from actual expats who decided to use the IL formula to follow their own dreams wherever those dreams may lead them. And found that they led to astounding success.
Mike Cobb was a highly successful computer whiz when one day he awakened to the realization that there was more to life than byte-size living. So, he left his cushy office suite and set out for the raw-edged real estate markets of Central America. He carried with him little more than a driving dream, a willingness to learn–and a satchel full of International Living books and booklets.
Mike and his partner formed a company, Exotic Caye International, to provide loans to North Americans purchasing properties in Belize, Honduras, and throughout the region. As the need for capital outstripped the supply, the mortgage company was converted into an international bank under the jurisdiction of Belize. And today, it offers the full range of financial services.
Still not satisfied, in August of 2000, Mike headed up a team that purchased 3.5 miles of Pacific beachfront property due west of Managua, Nicaragua. That property (Gran Pacifica, a real estate development from which IL receives sales commissions) is now home to one of the Pacific Rivera’s most breathtaking new resort developments.
Among Mike’s Day 3 tips for other enterprising IL entrepreneurs:
* Estimate the time it will take to set up your company–then forget that number and count on it taking 100 days.
* Estimate the time you think it will take to totally accomplish your task–and then double it.
* Estimate what you think your burn rate will be–and then cut it in half.
Kit Marchel likely has learned those same lessons as she has turned her dreams into realities by leaving behind a comfortable home and successful careers in New York and Los Angeles to reinvent herself in Panama. And, she, too, credits International Living with providing both the impetus and the information she needed to make her move.
"It started a little over 17 years ago when I dreamed, hoped, and wished about living, investing, and working overseas. I didn’t even know where to begin. Then, I found this organization called International Living."
Today, Kit is nearing completion of her new home, while guiding friends to lucrative investment opportunities in and around Panama City and beginning work on her new extreme sports business.
"I don’t think of it as retiring," Kit says. "I think if it as re-firing."
More Dream Jobs Overseas…
By mid-afternoon of Day 3, Reinvent Yourself Abroad was charging ahead at full steam. And who better to add a few coals to the fire that the dynamic duo of the aforementioned Steenie Harvey and Roving Latin America Editor par excellence Lee Harrison?
In rapid-fire fashion the two teamed up to discuss a wide range of overseas dream jobs, beginning with the top five reasons as to why you may want to seek one:
1. You’ll enjoy a better work-life balance.
2. You’ll live in a totally different environment (often warmer, drier, and with lower living costs).
3. You’ll be able to fund further global travels with your earnings and savings.
4. You’ll improve your language skills. (And don’t worry if you stumble and stammer. As a foreign friend of mine once told a critic: "Well, there’s one thing you know for certain by the fact that I have an accent: I probably speak at least one more language than you" Touché!)
5. You could make more money than you currently earn. (That’s right, I said more.)
And what will you do when you arrive offshore? Well, here’s a list of Steenie’s and Lee’s suggestions:
* Data Research and Analysis–If you enjoy digging up things and have access to a computer and the Internet (and these days, who doesn’t–even in Third World countries?), you can become what is now known as an "information scientist." Average pay rates throughout Europe are now around $70 an hour.
* Graphic Design–Graphic designers are always in demand–everywhere in the world. And around 30% of graphic designers are freelancers. In 2005, the American Institute of Graphic Arts reported median earnings of $60,000 a year for solo graphic designers. And remember: with the Internet at your ready disposal you can ply your trade from countries where for $1,500 or so a month, you can live like a king (or queen)!
* Copy Writing–Qualified direct response writers (the folks who write the infomercials, direct mail, and such) earn an average of $3,000 to $15,000 a job, depending upon the reputation they have built up. And with today’s technology, you can be anywhere in the world to "put pen to paper."
* Travel Photography– IL reader David Morgan wasn’t any great shakes as a photographer when he traveled across Asia for six months in his student days. But, he dutifully took copious photos as he fished in a pristine mountain stream…dined with the Privy Counsel to the King of Thailand…met Mother Theresa…and shook hands with the Dalai Lama.
Imagine Dave’s pleasant surprise when a textbook publisher paid him $6,000 for his photo collection! My advice: Hocus, pocus, find your focus–and picture yourself with this kind of dream job!
As Steenie and Lee pointed out in concluding their presentation, there’s really only one steadfast rule for you to remember when pursuing your dream job overseas: It’s never too late. So put another coal on the fire. It’s full steam ahead!
One More Day for Fun & Profits!
The rest of Day 3 was filled with fascinating workshops about breathtaking resort communities in Nicaragua, Belize, and Panama. And, to be honest, even if you had the time for me to tell you about them, I couldn’t do them justice. You’d have to see the pictures. Then, I’m sure you’d agree that my 1,000 words–or even 10,000 words–wouldn’t even come close.
As the philosophers say, "All good things must come to an end." And, I’m afraid tomorrow is the final day for the "Ultimate Event." The IL staff and guest presenters will tell the attendees how to Profit from Offshore Opportunities. And I’ll once again have the pleasure of being your Roving Reporter, bringing you up to date on the lowdowns and highlights.
But now, it’s time for me to lower the lights and hightail it for the goose down…where I can dream of Black Amber icons from Kaliningrad, Russia. Thanks for letting me share the moment.
Onward and upward!
Carter L. Clews
On-the-scene Conference Reporter, International Living
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P.S. To catch up on the story so far, check out:
Editor’s note: Kick start your new life in paradise with the most groundbreaking ideas covered at the Ultimate Event, including A New Life Of Fun And Profits Overseas.
When you live overseas, either full- or part-time, you’ll have endless opportunities to enjoy yourself in your new surroundings–and even make a buck or two (or perhaps a whole lot more) in the process. We’ll give you:
* 16 ideas to get you started
* Information on overseas business structures and regulations
* The overseas entrepreneur’s checklist
* How to get started in the import/export business…and profit from your travels
* How to get started as a travel writer… and receive VIP treatment on your vacations
When you sign up for the Ultimate Retirement for Today’s American, this report comes free.
