Three Things You Should Consider Before Accepting a Job in Mexico

If you suffer from an incurable case of wanderlust or are just looking for the next adventure, a job offer from a foreign country can seem like the ultimate invitation to start your life’s next chapter. If that offer means packing up and moving to Mexico, you may already be digging deep in your brain to recall that Spanish you learned in high school. (If you’re looking for a fun way to test your skills, try our free online test!) Or perhaps you’ve started daydreaming about exotic outings to the pyramids and other destinations. But hold your horses, it’s not quite that simple to make the decision to move abroad. Make sure you’ve considered the following three topics to ensure you’re truly ready to make the move.

1. How’s your Spanish?

Plenty of Mexicans living in urban centers or near major tourist destinations speak some English. Assuming you’re based in one of these cities, which may or may not be the case, you’ll probably be able to get by with some basic Spanish skills. But what if you want to get away from the tourists? After a month or two, you’ll probably be interested in more authentic, local experiences. It feels good to chat with a neighbor or be able to ask about the produce at the local market, and if you only speak English, chances are you’ll be missing out on all of those opportunities to connect with others around you and experience true Mexican culture.

2. Are you a creature of habit?

Everyone enjoys the comforts of a routine from time to time, but if you depend on that routine to keep your sanity, it may be a red flag. Ask yourself if you’re okay with a different schedule, including less predictability from those around you. In Mexico, it might not be surprising for your boss to cancel a meeting at the last minute or maybe not show up at all. Do you get upset when friends change plans or your parents stop by unexpectedly? Make sure you feel comfortable with change and can welcome a certain level of flexibility if you’re planning on living in Mexico.

3. Do you need clear boundaries and defined personal space?

If you’re uncomfortable with hugging strangers, having friendships with coworkers, or casually chatting it up with your boss, life in Mexico may come as a shock. Few topics are off limits in Mexican society and information travels quickly, so be prepared for the woman in the office down to hall to know about that argument you had with your mother-in-law last week or how you had a few drinks too many last Saturday when out with your friends. All too often, personal information somehow doesn’t stay personal for long!

For the adventurous and open-minded, accepting a job in Mexico can be an enormously exciting decision. If you’re moving with your partner or family, they’ll be able to join you in experiencing a culture very different from their own, making the journey even more impactful. It is most certainly an incredible opportunity that few people are ever able to accept, and you should be proud that you’re among the limited bunch! There’s no better time to contact us to learn more about language learning opportunities near you so you can hit the ground running. If you have extra tips to impart upon our readers, please be sure to share them below.