Chile Forum

I lived in Chile for a couple of years when I was younger and single and have dreamed about going back ever since. My dilemma now is that I am married with a couple of children and can't just up and move there easily. Part of that dream has always been to find a way to move my family back there to experience it as I did. I am curious to know what it is that enables people (preferably with children) to be able to make the major life change and move there. I am more interested in the people who do this successfully, not the ones who head home after four weeks because they weren't prepared.

Basically I am wondering if there is some trick to the puzzle that is completely obvious to others that I am missing. Do most people have a job that allows them to work remotely? Do they save up a significant amount of money and then quit their career, place it on hold or retire? Do they happen to sell their house for huge profits and then move? Rent the house out and live off the proceeds? Win the lottery? Or are most people just more risk tolerant than I am and save up just enough money for a plane ticket, take the plunge and assume everything will work out?

Like I said, I have dreamed about moving my family down to Chile, but having a relatively young family (kids 5 and 2) I don't see it as a wise decision to fly by the seat of my pants. Does anybody have any advice on ways that I can prepare for a major move like that with my family, or should I just resort to traveling down there every couple of years for vacation?

Thanks
Brent

Vacation first for several months, with family and see if there is a fit. Having a portable career is helpful. You will most likely need to work, also do you want to live in the country or city, north or south. I had a career and started several companies, now I live summers in Vancouver and Chile.

bhuntzin wrote:just resort to traveling down there every couple of years for vacation?
Thanks
Brent

You just answered your own question.

bhuntzin wrote:. Win the lottery? .

Does anybody have any advice on ways that I can prepare for a major move like that with my family, .

We're going to try the "holding off until the fear of remaining becomes intolerable" approach. Then hit the lottery. Then hope the doors haven't closed completely with the total westernization of the banking system. That's the plan anyway. Step 2 may prove a bit problematic but I calculated our odds if I play at least $1000 per day it should work out.

I agree with others, that first a vacation and if the wife likes it ( even though a vacation is totally different from actually living here) then you make the move, but only if you speak Spanish and have a profession that is in demand. Apart from that, it´s just a matter of taking the risk, jump into it and see what happens. I´ve done it on various occasions to different parts of the world with young children and in fact that´s the best time, as once they get near to teens, it can give problems.

I think the wife part is extremely important as if she´s not happy here then there´s no way it would work. Also remember that Chile is not like it was say 25 years ago. Like everything, there are changes for the better and changes for the worse.

dfjordan wrote:I agree with others, that first a vacation and if the wife likes it ( even though a vacation is totally different from actually living here) then you make the move, but only if you speak Spanish and have a profession that is in demand. Apart from that, it´s just a matter of taking the risk, jump into it and see what happens. I´ve done it on various occasions to different parts of the world with young children and in fact that´s the best time, as once they get near to teens, it can give problems.

I think the wife part is extremely important as if she´s not happy here then there´s no way it would work. Also remember that Chile is not like it was say 25 years ago. Like everything, there are changes for the better and changes for the worse.

yes things 25 years ago were different. The good ol 80´s in Chile. I think the majority would say there has been a change for the better.

As others have said, make sure that moving to Chile becomes your family"s (ie. your wife's) dream as well as yours. As a united front, you can take on a lot more of what the world may have in store for you. And if it remains only your dream then you are asking for trouble. Once you have established that you both want to move there, you can begin to plan in earnest.

Don't take this the wrong way but until you visit CHile with your wife, talk of moving to CHile is silly.

And some may call me a jerk but look at every aspect. Are you prepared to take your kids away from grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins? For what reason exactly? And no I do not need an answer. These are just questions that you should ask yourself.

PenquistaDeCorazon wrote:A
And some may call me a jerk but look at every aspect.

Why do you always have to be concerned about what people "call you" or "think of you"? ( that's soooo chilean .....in a good way.....maybe)

Gloria wrote:

PenquistaDeCorazon wrote:A
And some may call me a jerk but look at every aspect.

Why do you always have to be concerned about what people "call you" or "think of you"? ( that's soooo chilean .....in a good way.....maybe)

Not really concerned as I can speak my mind. It is just that on a forum there is not a lot of nuance so I want to make it clear that I am just trying to get him to look at every aspect rather than just going out of my way to be a jerk.

And why would that be Chilean? I think it would be more Canadian. If a canuck is out for a walk and someone bumps them, they apologize for being in the way.

PenquistaDeCorazon wrote:
And why would that be Chilean?

I found out how deeply ingrained it is amongst chileans particularly coming from the south and I get to hear " I don't want people to talk bad about me etc" therefore they do things that it is contrary of what they really are, think or their " common sense" will dictate. My own theory is....when anyone starts paying my bills and only then I would care, otherwise I would give a rat's ass what they think of me Just an observation.

PenquistaDeCorazon wrote: I think it would be more Canadian. If a canuck is out for a walk and someone bumps them, they apologize for being in the way.

That is to be polite and I know how much well mannered are Canadians versus "Americans".

The obvious things that allow a family with children to move to chile?

1) A good relationship between parents and kids that allows them to work together as a team.

2) Having no debt. Can't leave if you have to service an upsidedown mortgage.

3) Having practical skills relevant to the situation in Chile. For example, if all you know how to do is operate a nuclear power plant, your skills will not be needed in Chile.

4) Having no fear. If you are scared of change, you'll never make the first step.

5) Having no shame. You have to be willing to look a bit silly for awhile to move to another culture.

6) Loving adventure and realizing that adventure is hardship viewed from a distance...