Ok, some stuff I don't like about Mexico
1. The classism. So I guess we have been having "class wars" in the U.S. right now, but it isn't as petty as it is in Mexico. You must look nice at all times in public in Mexico or else you'll be looked down upon-- and that isn't as important as being treated sub-class, which really is worse. And it also seems to affect a little bit the ease of making friends, and the quality of friendships. In the U.S. you really come together as equals- even if economically, educationally etc. you are not. There does seem to be some kind of awkward struggle I haven't completely understood and sometimes involuntarily get sucked into myself when interacting with people that could potentially become friends. But some of the few bonds I have made, are really tight knit and I feel very at ease with them.
2. Everyone is soooo polite. This is suppose to be a good thing, but sometimes it makes me feel like I stick out like a sore thumb, because I have had a tendency to "express myself" which is looked down upon.. and then I just feel like I am enforcing stereotypes of Americans. At the same time, I have been forced to learn a little humility so it isn't all bad... just makes me feel like a big bumbling bafoon with foot in mouth syndrome.
3. The Bureaucracy. A lot of hoops and paperwork and red tape isn't so bad as long as you know from the beginning how much there is and what is expected of you and what you can expect from them. When I did the paperwork for Iajia's green card, it was time consuming (& expensive!), but it was straight forward. In Mexico, you really honestly get a million different answers from people for the same question and you can't be sure of anything. I have shed many a tear over this kind of thing in Mexico.
4. Ok, and probably the biggest sacrifice of all will be my career change. There is some potential in going to school in Mexico, but please refer to #3. I think it is a sacrifice I am willing to make- but in exchange, I can raise a family which is worth it. Maybe I can have "it all figured out" by the time the LOs are in grade school. And, I am definately willing to try to make the English teaching thing work out while I am there.
I am going to have to say that the pros outweigh the cons on this one.
2. Everyone is soooo polite. This is suppose to be a good thing, but sometimes it makes me feel like I stick out like a sore thumb, because I have had a tendency to "express myself" which is looked down upon.. and then I just feel like I am enforcing stereotypes of Americans. At the same time, I have been forced to learn a little humility so it isn't all bad... just makes me feel like a big bumbling bafoon with foot in mouth syndrome.
3. The Bureaucracy. A lot of hoops and paperwork and red tape isn't so bad as long as you know from the beginning how much there is and what is expected of you and what you can expect from them. When I did the paperwork for Iajia's green card, it was time consuming (& expensive!), but it was straight forward. In Mexico, you really honestly get a million different answers from people for the same question and you can't be sure of anything. I have shed many a tear over this kind of thing in Mexico.
4. Ok, and probably the biggest sacrifice of all will be my career change. There is some potential in going to school in Mexico, but please refer to #3. I think it is a sacrifice I am willing to make- but in exchange, I can raise a family which is worth it. Maybe I can have "it all figured out" by the time the LOs are in grade school. And, I am definately willing to try to make the English teaching thing work out while I am there.
I am going to have to say that the pros outweigh the cons on this one.