What you Need for a Successful New Life in Mexico

Moving countries for a new job opportunity or for a radical change of life is one of the most fulfilling things you can do. But it can also be very daunting. It is by no means easy and the transition might take you many weeks or months until you feel settled depending on how well you cope with uncertainty. Nevertheless, the rewards of your efforts will pay off when you decide to create a new life in Mexico. Here are some tips you can bear in mind to ensure that your transition is more comfortable.

Have a plan (that’s open to change)

Having a plan is a great anchor when you start a new life in Mexico (or any country for that matter). A plan will help guide you and keep you on track towards your goals when times get tough or those moments when you are unsure of what to do next. However, don’t allow your initial plan to take over and limit your opportunities. Start with a plan but allow it to evolve as you get to know the country, customs and the requirements of the job at hand. Remember that making changes to your plan is not a failure; plans should always be a work in progress.

Networking

Networking will be your first task when you arrive. Making friends at work in your new job, joining a gym, meeting people at your kids’ school etc. are a great way to network. Today, you will also find Facebook groups where you can connect with other expats to share stories and advice for your new life in Mexico.

Financial back up

Having enough money to tide you over is important, even if you are moving to Mexico for a new job opportunity. Arriving to a new location is always more expensive than you first envision. It takes trial and error to find the right plumber, car workshop and rental agent etc. You will probably also spend more money on socializing to form your new base of friends. Having the financial backing will also keep you calm if and when things don’t got to plan. Having an emergency fund will help take away those fears.

Patience and an open mind

A new life in Mexico will require you to have an open mind, at least while you are getting to grips with the culture. Don’t compare with back home. You are now living in Mexico and have to accept things as they run (at least for the time being).  Patience is the first rule. Getting angry and irate will not help your cause in Mexico. You can often get better results with a soft approach, particularly when you are a foreigner.

Learn a new language

Learning Spanish will greatly increase your success in a new life in Mexico, not to mention make it far more pleasant and open up your networking group immensely. Spanish is one of the easiest languages to learn and you don’t have to become fluent for it to make a difference. Just learning the basic will help you better communicate with people around you. There are plenty of affordable classes and groups where you can take Spanish lesson as well as a whole host of online and app options.

Got any more piece of advice to share about making a successful new life in Mexico? Please share your tips.