I am a US citizen looking to change my life. I have been a Financial Broker in Chicago for the last 10 years and feel completely burnt out. The stress level has taken its toll on me. I worked through college as a golf pro and would like to find some type of work there. If anyone there could let me know what kind of opportunities and what life there is like, I would be very thankful.

send cash ..loattsa it
and
i'll tell yah

I know exactly how you feel... was living in Detroit (an armpit compared to Chicago) before moving to Belize. Use the search feature on this message board for hundreds of hours of reading. Describing how life is here, is too long of a task for one message.
About golf, there is only one golf course in Belize, that I know of, and its on Caye Chapel http://www.cayechapel.com/
Here are some good mesage boards on other website, but the friendliest is right here on http://www.ambergriscaye.com
Check out http://www.belizenorth.com
http://www.belize.net
http://www.belizeans.com
http://www.cayecaulker.org

--Silk
http://www.caribbean-colors.com
http://www.cybercayecaulker.com

I say: go for it, but plan well, the worst part of my life here is the part left in the states, i.e. the mortgage on a house I still have there, and getting it rented, getting money back to US accts etc. On the other hand, as the saying too often is heard here, if you want to make a Million in Belize, bring two... Don't come because you're burned out, come because its a new challenge, a new leaf. It is so incredible to live here: everyday life has turned out to be the best part of living here, not just the beach or the sun or the season, but the people, community, a shared wave as you pass nieghbors, I never regret our decision.
Chris (16 months in San Pedro, restaurant owner)

:rolleyes:

Cris, I'm sorry, I guess I'm crazy!! Anyway !! about living here, it is GREAT!! Nothing like the States!!

Silk,

There's also a golf course, sort of, near Altun Ha on the Old Northern Highway. It's where Pretty See Ranch/hotel was. Kind of a ridiculous place for a golf course in my opinion, and it's for sale for an astounding price.

--Lan Sluder

... and

To Michael14,

Lots of words of wisdom have been passed here on the subject. The almost universal advice you'll hear is to come to Belize and spend some time in the country, preferably not as a tourist but as close to a resident status as possible, before you make any decisions at all about Belize.

Over the years, I've gotten hundreds, maybe thousands, of messages, letters and phone calls from people who imagined Belize to be the solution to all their problems, even though they had never been to Belize. No place can possibly live up to those kinds of expectations, and certainly not Belize.

--Lan Sluder
Belize books and publications by Lan Sluder:
Belize First Magazine (http://www.belizefirst.com)
Fodor's Belize & Guatemala Guide (new 4th edition coming this fall)
Adapter Kit: Belize (the first and only comprehensive guide to living, retiring, working and investing in Belize -- a best-seller on Amazon.com)
San Pedro Cool (the first and only visitor guide to Ambergris Caye)
Belize First Guide to Mainland Belize -- sold out, new edition coming early 2003
UpClose Central America
Belize Book of Lists -- sold out, new edition coming early 2003
Best Hotels of Belize -- coming late 2002

Good advice Lan

I think no matter where you go on Earth, every place has it's own set of "stresses".
The key is deciding whether you can live with those particular stresses.

Before you leave the states....think long and hard on what it is that is truly important to you in life. Things you can and can't live without.
Every place also has it's own culture and you need to be able to deal with it...good and bad.

I found out after moving here, the things that were really important to me. They aren't here...
Paradise is not paradise if you have nobody to share it with.

There is more to life than just a pretty view....

Tammy

I plan to move to Belize sometime after the new year - HOWEVER - I have been there 7 times and learn something new on each trip. It was about my 4th trip and the end of a long-term relationship that got me to thinking about moving down. But I just retired and have no desire to "work" in Belize. I'm a scuba diver/underwater photographer so I can tolerate a lot of inconvenience for the pleasure of being in the water. I've also slowed down to the point that I was happy to sit on the balcony and watch the thunder and lightning and rain, day after day after day on this last trip.
Could you tolerate that?
Do your self a favor and make a trip down. Airfares are very good right now and the weather should clear up the first of November.
Since you are talking about working there PLEASE read the book "Don't Stop The Carnival." It is very funny, and so true. I stayed at the Hide Away on this trip and got to meet a lot of locals. Everyone has a story to tell.
If you have money to start a business, and willing to risk going broke, go for it.
Just remember that wherever you go – there you are.

Harriette

Hariette makes some good points.
Although coming for frequent visits gives you an idea of what to expect and what you might be up against, there is nothing that will prepare you better than being here for a long stretch. I would recommend no less than 3 months. Things happen pretty slow here, but that should give you enough time for most things that would irritate you to come to pass.

When you are here for visits...2 or 3 weeks at a time...you never get to comprehend the difficulties you will encounter by being here for extended periods. Those little enlightning tidbits come out of the blue one day when you want some insignificant thing...and you spend half the day looking for it all over town...and still go home empty handed. Sometimes it won't bug you...other days it will drive you nuts.

A good 6 months gives you an excellent grasp on what the rest of your life will be like in Paradise. Then you can adequately judge whether you can live here in complete peace...or whether it isn't your cup of tea.

Owning a business here brings a whole new set of obstacles to climb. Nothing is the same here in business except how to use your calculator....LOL
If you are looking to be a golf pro...well, I can't offer much in the way of advice. That is certainly not something we have a lot of.

Banking can be complicated and not always completely reliable. You will need to check and make sure your money is being handled and reported correctly. Don't pile your bank statements up on the corner of your desk...open them and reconcile them...immediately! LOL

Staff/Employees = Migrane headache
I'll say no more on this subject...LOL

There is a lot to be learned before considering a move here and especially before opening a business. I've learned the only way to really enjoy it here is to either be retired so you have a consistent income every month and can be comfortable...or to own a business so you are making the profits. Even then, being happy and comfortable owning a business is dependent on the type of business, being wise in your overhead expenses, location(location...location) and supply and demand(BELIZE supply and demand).

Hariette is also right about the "Belize Manual" LOL
Two pre-requisites for living here...you must read: "Don't Stop the Carnival" by Herman Wouk and
"Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" by Richard Carlson, PhD.

It helps if you hang out at BC's on Sundays and talk at length with the locals....they have all been there...and done that. LOL

With all that said...you should be in pretty good shape!

Cheers...and good luck!
Tammy

All posts hold truths, come and stay for as long as you can. Sometimes, things you never imagine drive you over the edge. I especially agree that a sunset is just the end of the day without a companio to share it with. I had a lot of experienc with island life before moving (I grew up in St. Croix...a much more Amerigoesque locale... and knew about mosquitos and sudden lapses in availabilty of__insert noun here__ but my wife wasn't as prepared. It can be hard to convince someone who has decided to make a move, objects in motion, etc. Do your homework, here's (this board) a good place to start!

Chris

Agree with all of this.....
rick

Lan is correct. We have lived (and worked) here 10 years. The first year was tough in every way - business, financial, social, insects......... you name it, it was tough. The second year was a wee bit better. We were determined, are content with a quiet social life and love nature - so we persisted. Now we would not live anywhere else.
Truth is that most folks who move here full-time don't make it. So - if you have time and money for an adventure and are not attached to the outcome - give it a try - at the least you will have an expriece that will teach you a lot about yourself and will enhance the rest of your life, wherever it may be.
Just remember ........ "Wherever you go, there you are."

All well said! We've been here since June, and the above mentioned annoyances, along with having had the luxury of lots of time to consider what the heck we want to do with the next bit of our lives, has led us to the decision to head out. We may return, who knows. We've met a number of people down here who've done this a few times. Life's a journey, after all.

Mary and Rick

""" HAUL """

I would like to thank everone who replied, you were all very helpful. I am interested as to what employment there is like. I have worked as a bartender and waiter while is college, and have a degree in economics. I would like to know if there are positions open and how difficult they are to come by. Thanks

To "get a job" in Belize you need a work permit. To get a work permit, your prospective employer must prove that s/he could not find a qualified Belizean for the job s/he wants you to fill. There are lots of good Belizean bartenders, so unless you plan to own the bar, you will not be getting a work permit to pour drinks in Belize.
Belize has lots of unemployed people who have decent educations and do not have the luxury of heading off to other countries for work. The reality is we just cannot afford to have folks come into the country who take jobs away from local people. If you can MAKE jobs, that is another story altogether. Get some money, get an idea, start a business that employs somebody local - then you are onto something that is good for everybody. If you can make jobs - you will get a "self-employment permit" and you will find Government helpful and welcoming. You should also know that any employer who hires (knowingly or unknowingly) an alien who does not have proper work papers, is liable for a serious fine, and the undocumented worker may be deported. If you are deported you do not get to come back.

Got a question on this topic of work...what if the person just pays all your bills and gives you no "real" salary? Does this fall under "spltting hairs?"

DAHHHhhhhhh

ok Moose...it was a silly question..

Working and not getting paid does not fall into an area of "splitting hairs" - it is veruy directly addressed in the labour and immigration laws - these laws state that "working for free" is still working and therefore still illegal unless you have a work permit.

I would never recommend that anyone come here to be an "employee". Belizean wages are LOW (minimum wage is $3.50 bzd). Most of the people that live in Belize and post on these message boards are owners of businesses, retired and living here, or top-level management of resorts or restaurants. They are the success stories. Michael, like you... I needed to change my life and to be free, and I came here to do that. It wasnt without problems, Belize wasnt a magic cure, it was the beginning of the next level. We struggle with things you couldnt even conceive of in the U.S.... like getting medicine. The cost of living is higher than I anticipated, but I'm dealing with it. I'm also not living in San Pedro anymore. I have lots of friends there, love visiting and seeing everybody, but SP didn't work for me.

Hi, I am a South African hoping to move to Belize in April, I am a property consultant, having been in the industry for 12 years, own my own business. We in SA have to sit the Board of Real Estate exams and register annually, otherwise we are not legally allowed to operate. We are governed by a code of conduct and ethics board.
I hope to continue my career in property in Belize. It does not sound like realtors have a good reputation over there, which is a pity as we have to work pretty darn hard to conclude transactions over here, I should imagine it would be the same in Belize.
Obviously I will have to come and source career opportunities myself in February next year. Hope I get a good response from Belizeans. Any advise ?
Chez

Well that was a blast from the past. A 5 year old post brought back from the dead.

Qualifications, Exams etc, are great, but in Belize anyone can be a realtor, no experience, no knowledge, no education. We have alot of good realtor's, but in the last few years the numbers have increased and quality gone down.

Axe = Kato Kaelin

I totally feel the same way! Just got back yesterday and I am already missing it, but I do have a question. Where do I find job listings for San Pedro? I am thinking about moving down there, but don't want to come without a job or a possibility of one. Have any suggestions. Also what about apartments on the island? How can I see what is available?

Cannot just move here and work. You either have to get a work permit or residenc. Both take time and money first.

If an employer wants you they can get you a work permit. Or you can go into your own business and get a work permit.

thanks for the info, how do I go about getting a work permit? Also, what is the average time and cost to get one?

There are set rules for getting a work permit, but they are not always followed, EVERYONE has a bit of a different experience. We just went to The Director after being in the country just a very short time and had our work permits in a few days, it took about 3 weeks for our second permit we got our residency without being in the country 12 months, I was only here 3 months of the year and I got my husbands for him while he was out of the country, again because I went and spoke to the director. So my advice would be not to take any advice, make a trip to Belmopan and speak to the Director of Immigration. I have heard so many different accounts of what people went through its staggering.

Debbie,

Good information...did you make an appointment to see him or did you just drive down there. How much money does it cost to become a resident. How long were you in country before you got your work permit?

Thank you!
MARK

Many good points have already been covered, I however am under the impression that from the replies I have read that paradise is located on the islands, I am at present living in Bonnie Scotland and my first trip to Belize was in 1975 ,where I travelled throughout the country and spent many a night under the rainforest canopy and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
I have been on many return journeys since and continue to explore and find new and exciting surprises around the each corner, I have been to many cayes to name but a few such as Lime Caye, Hunters Caye, Caye Caulker, San Pedro, Caye Chapel and St Georges Caye and others, I enjoyed each and everyone as they all have different character.
I was once mugged in broad daylight on Mahogany St, but put this down to my own stupidity for flashing the bling when it should have been out of sight, the police were quick to respond and dealt with the matter in a swift and professional manner ,I picked myself up dusted myself down responded with a few choice words and gestures and got on with life, I was satisfied with the outcome.
My next trip to Belize will be in November for a month and with the outlook of coming at some point in the near future for a year with the potential to put the feet up and semi retire, I,ll still keep my home in Scotland though just incase. So if anyone has a place for rent around this time for self ,wife and son or has a suggestion give me the heads up. I wish you all well on your adventures.

HHM