Judge,
Granted you have a nice life, but just how many people could reasonably expect the same thing? How many Ticos can afford to live like you? How many gringos could afford to live there for that matter without being rich to start with? That is the problem for me, the income levels don't match the costs. For the handful of well-paid book employees/owners life is probably good, but for the rest I don't think you would get such glowing agreement. And don't underestimate your place, you couldn't get that job you have in the particular industry and get paid that well in the US so it is hard to separate that as well. I am sure there are plenty of places you could have an equally nice setup and meet a lot of friendly people as well in many countries of the world, but few you could work in your chosen profession and industry doing something that you probably enjoy more than most other jobs.
This is the secret of life many of us overlook, happiness in career and job are almost certain to create happiness in life. I know most of us say and wish we lived for our free time, but lets face it we all basically live the life our job gives us. Those of us in good situations with work doing something we enjoy doing and get good challenges out of should all be thankful of that.
Granted you have a nice life, but just how many people could reasonably expect the same thing? How many Ticos can afford to live like you? How many gringos could afford to live there for that matter without being rich to start with? That is the problem for me, the income levels don't match the costs. For the handful of well-paid book employees/owners life is probably good, but for the rest I don't think you would get such glowing agreement. And don't underestimate your place, you couldn't get that job you have in the particular industry and get paid that well in the US so it is hard to separate that as well. I am sure there are plenty of places you could have an equally nice setup and meet a lot of friendly people as well in many countries of the world, but few you could work in your chosen profession and industry doing something that you probably enjoy more than most other jobs.
This is the secret of life many of us overlook, happiness in career and job are almost certain to create happiness in life. I know most of us say and wish we lived for our free time, but lets face it we all basically live the life our job gives us. Those of us in good situations with work doing something we enjoy doing and get good challenges out of should all be thankful of that.
Wild Bill,Good and hard question.The life of Ticos who work in the books is well above the average for the rest of the country.The actaully have a pretty good life style.For the gringos who work here it depends.If you work as a clerk you ain't gonna get rich.Actually working for a book you ain't gonna get rich.If you are a higher up you can make some good coin.And with the drastic lower costs,I came from NYC,it makes for a decent life.But only if you really love the country.If I was my age,would I move down here to be a clerk?No.If I was 20 years old would I do it?Yes.Its not like I have alot of $.I have done alright.I bought a house that I hope to live out my life in.Not a mansion,just a rustic house in the mountains.Would most Gringos fall in love with this house?Probably not.But I have always been a little off center.So Bill,I guess I am in total agreement with you,no matter where we are at any point in time,life is what we make it.
Wildbill makes a good point...the numbers down there don't make sense. Why again do you have to pay 10k for a 1993 vehicle that costs 3or 4k in the states? The real estate prices are a JOKE. Any products of quality that are taken for granted in the states are usually twice the price down there because of crippling import taxes. You have to make huge compromises and sacrifices in lifestyle to live in CR. It's a drastic step down in overall quality of life, compared to the states. The only way I'd advise someone to live in CR is if they are making BIG money there...at least twice what they'd make in the U.S.
I was a fool to take everything the U.S.A. offers for granted. After living in CR, I now appreciate everything the way I should have all along. Oh wait...I think I'll go back down there and sit around in traffic for a while and be around a bunch of people that struggle to make $15 a day. Costa Rica is perfect for those who feel a need to be a "big fish in a very small pond".
BTW, they are considering passing new requirements that would triple the financial requirements of the ex-patriots who have residency status in CR. It sounds like they are trying to make sure the cows are fat before the slaughter. They're running out of people to rob.
[This message was edited by American on January 03, 2004 at 11:20 AM.]
[This message was edited by American on January 03, 2004 at 11:21 AM.]
[This message was edited by American on January 03, 2004 at 11:27 AM.]
I was a fool to take everything the U.S.A. offers for granted. After living in CR, I now appreciate everything the way I should have all along. Oh wait...I think I'll go back down there and sit around in traffic for a while and be around a bunch of people that struggle to make $15 a day. Costa Rica is perfect for those who feel a need to be a "big fish in a very small pond".
BTW, they are considering passing new requirements that would triple the financial requirements of the ex-patriots who have residency status in CR. It sounds like they are trying to make sure the cows are fat before the slaughter. They're running out of people to rob.
[This message was edited by American on January 03, 2004 at 11:20 AM.]
[This message was edited by American on January 03, 2004 at 11:21 AM.]
[This message was edited by American on January 03, 2004 at 11:27 AM.]
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Judge Wapner:
American,I like being an anonymous fish in an anonymous pond.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Then live in the states. I know you try to keep a low profile down there, but it's a small place. Whether you want to admit it or not Judge, you're a big target down there because you're American with some money. I recommend growing eyes on the back of your head.
American,I like being an anonymous fish in an anonymous pond.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Then live in the states. I know you try to keep a low profile down there, but it's a small place. Whether you want to admit it or not Judge, you're a big target down there because you're American with some money. I recommend growing eyes on the back of your head.
Judge, I'd like to take you up on the 24 hr living with you part. Actually, i'd like to stay with you for a week at what sounds like a beautiful house.Been laid off for a year now(FORD) here in motown,and could really use achange of scenery. Can you find a job for a 25 year journeyman toolmaker(very good in math hehe) that thanks to the president of these United States, giving the manufacturing jobs to the Chinese, needs an honest break/
The Gov.If you are serious,plan on coming down for a visit in July,I'm sure I could find you something.American,I don't have a lot of money,drive a beat up jeep,and dress like a bum,think there has got to be better targets than me.But I agreee,alot of people down here looking to take you for whatever they can.But coming from NYC,I'm used to that.
Judge I have a question for you. Do most of the hires get done in July or August? Seems some of both maybe. Anyways just thinking next time I go down I would like to interview or at least chat with some of the new gringo blood and see what their motivations are for going down there to work. Do you think I would get any interesting stories? Do you think I will get to meet many people period or are most of the new hires now Ticos???
I can think of one reason why some guys move to Costa Rica and the likes is because the outrageous child support payments in the U.S. I had one friend who was paying $1,500 a month for 2 kids he never was able to see after the divorce anyway because his ex would never answer the phone when he called or was conveniently not home. He never received anything in the divorce settlement for the house that he put the down payment on and paid the mortgage from his paycheck for nearly 10 yrs. even though his wife had a good full time job. His ex and the lawyers took everything he had and then some. The court system took 50% of his paychecks AFTER taxes so by the time taxes were taken out, union dues, medical ins., etc. he was left with nothing and couldn't even pay rent for his small studio apt. or put food in his mouth. The chances that the U.S. could extradite him back to the states is slim and none. I can understand why there are so many dead beat dads in the U.S. thanks to our screwed up court system that make it so easy for women to divorce men. He was a good guy too, but his ex found another man she worked with then divorced my buddy and yet he was the one who had to pay $1,500 per month for child support not to mention losing his house and kids??? Let this be a lesson to all you guys thinking about marriage>>>>>>get a prenuptial agreement ASAP!
[This message was edited by sportsmonitor on January 17, 2004 at 06:27 AM.]
[This message was edited by sportsmonitor on January 17, 2004 at 06:27 AM.]
Judge.
How have you been?
How was your christmas and new years?
Anymore good parties?
Angelle@therx.com
How have you been?
How was your christmas and new years?
Anymore good parties?
Angelle@therx.com
just learn this...
If you can get a good deal in a palestinian market... (even position) then you can deal
with Ticos.
If you're clever enough to avoid Taxes,
you'll be rich. (petrol cannot be avoided
unless you live close to the sea ports)
Show Bussiness isn't profitable.
Any other Bussiness you migth need contacts.
Those Contacts means: "Sharing your Cake"
Government Agencies are lazy as $#ck!,
But, you can walk with a six pack of beer
and a big fat joint in front of the presidential house... (nobody gives a $#ck!,)
No army, ---> Mention Another Country...
Beaches:,,, well if you like nigthclubs,
small bikinis, 3 cubans x square feet, action, lot of fun, and E! entertaiment,,, Costa Rica isn't for you.
If you want full lonely (no soul), reefed beach
with some monkeys around ya, bring your camera, and send some copies to American...
If you can get a good deal in a palestinian market... (even position) then you can deal
with Ticos.
If you're clever enough to avoid Taxes,
you'll be rich. (petrol cannot be avoided
unless you live close to the sea ports)
Show Bussiness isn't profitable.
Any other Bussiness you migth need contacts.
Those Contacts means: "Sharing your Cake"
Government Agencies are lazy as $#ck!,
But, you can walk with a six pack of beer
and a big fat joint in front of the presidential house... (nobody gives a $#ck!,)
No army, ---> Mention Another Country...
Beaches:,,, well if you like nigthclubs,
small bikinis, 3 cubans x square feet, action, lot of fun, and E! entertaiment,,, Costa Rica isn't for you.
If you want full lonely (no soul), reefed beach
with some monkeys around ya, bring your camera, and send some copies to American...
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by newbie666:
If you want full lonely (no soul), reefed beach
with some monkeys around ya, bring your camera, and send some copies to American...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Yeh, great. That's what I need, some pictures of monkeys......NEXT.
If you want full lonely (no soul), reefed beach
with some monkeys around ya, bring your camera, and send some copies to American...<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Yeh, great. That's what I need, some pictures of monkeys......NEXT.
We have monkeys in Florida also. They used to film those old Tarzan movies in the Everglades. Some of the monkeys escaped the set (as well as a few of the actors) and have colonized and been running amok for decades. Every once in a while someone gets assalted by one of these over-zealous primates. If I happen to get jumped by one of these chimps, I'll try to get it on film and post in on the RX for all to enjoy.
