Lemonade, anyone?
If you don’t get everything you want, think of the things you don’t get that you don’t want. ~Oscar Wilde
Moving abroad is hard. As wonderful and exciting the new country is, you have a lot of adjusting to do. I think I was ready for most of these adjustments and when they frustrations reared their ugly little heads, I faced them head on. I think what I wasn’t expecting is all the misinformation that exists regarding Venezuela. I’m not talking about the political variety, I mean, before I came it was very hard to find information about every day life for an expat here. The French expats that I met have said the same things. It appears that people lump Venezuela in with other Latin American countries and assume things are done the same way. WRONG!
I recently found out that it is practically impossible to get a job here with a foreign degree. Apparently, even Venezuelans who study abroad have a hard time getting hired by local companies, organizations, etc. Well, nobody told me this before! I still don’t quite understand why this is the case (although I plan to find out), but this is a harsh reality to face when you’re used to working.
The job opportunities for foreigners are few and far between. The majority of non-diplomatic working expatriates I’ve met own their own businesses. The others worked in the oil industry. For the rest of us, we have little to no options. I know a musician who can’t perform without including Venezuelans artists due to unions. I know a veterinarian who can’t practice because there seems to be no way to have her diploma validated and obtain a license here. The list goes on and on. My background is in human services and I have yet to see a job announcement for which I could apply.
Had I known prior, I don’t think this bit of information would have been enough to deter me from coming. However, my plans and outlook would’ve been different (like, realistic). I definitely feel like I’ve been handed some lemons here. I have days where the prospect of not ever working in an establishment while we’re here makes me very sad. To get myself out of the rut, I think about the other obstacles that would’ve been much tougher to overcome (e.g. racism, cost of living too high, etc.). Obviously on those days, I drink a lot of lemonade 
Tags: Expat, Expat Families, Getting settled in foreign country, Living Abroad, Living in Caracas, Oscar Wilde Quotes, Words to Live by, Working in Venezuela
If its makes you feel any better the job outlook here isn’t so great either.
I understand what you mean about having a heightened sense of frustration and disappointment in the lack of opportunities because of limited information/misinformation. As you mentioned, it would have been easier to cope with the situation if you came in better prepared.
On a positive note, you’re sharing your experiences and putting information out there for others who may benefit in the future. Sometimes it’s hard being a trailblazer.
Also, are you open to the possibility of starting your own business?
Katie´s last [type] ..You Might Be a Yanqui
Thanks for the words of encouragement! Starting my own business is of course the next logical thought in my situation. However, I've always been adverse to becoming an entrepreneur (the idea of working for myself never really appealed to me). On the other hand, I know that there are many ways to be an entrepreneur and it doesn't have to mean living, eating and breathing the business. I am slowly but surely testing those waters to see if I can still have the work/life balance that I want.
Btw, are there a lot of opportunities for expats in Argentina?
BMP-
No, I’m not in Venezuela, but I am an American living in Switzerland. I, like the vet, had to have my diploma, transcripts, and teaching license validated. I went through an internationally recognized company based in NYC named Apostille US. The Swiss govt provided me with their services. Maybe your friend will benefit from this company. But it’s not cheap.
Also, have you thought about teaching English and/or French?
Kiki´s last [type] ..Visual Stimulation
Yes, I have thought about teaching, but it really isn't my calling. The French school recruits directly from France and the American school require some teaching experience. My field is vast enough that I thought I would be able to find SOMETHING, even if it was not exactly what I envisioned. I don't think I would need to have my diplomas validated (it's not technical enough), but I think the issue the veterinarian has is that even if she went through the process, she would not be able to easily join an existing practice. It wouldn't make sense for her to open her own shop when they will only be here for 4 years. Decisions, decisions.
I’m hoping that you may be able to do something for yourself…or find work with one of those few international companies. How about getting into some travel writing and/or photography? Based on this blog, I can see that you already have a great start.
That really is a tough situation, but keep making lemonade!
I will! The good thing is I'm still enjoying all my free time with the kids; especially during the summer. I was just hoping that when I was ready to jump back in, there would be somewhere to go. But, I'm trying to be proactive and start thinking now about what alternatives may interest me.