Going back to Colombia.

Robert Jorge says on Aug 21, 2008, 08:45:

It is not a long answer to your questions, but remember the old saying: "the grass is always greener on the other side."

Why are you on asylum / refugee status?

Where would you be moving to if you decided to go back to Colombia?

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Philly says on Aug 21, 2008, 08:50:

You need to just hang in there until you find your hustle. The United States is great if you learn the ropes.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

turnmeon (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 21, 2008, 08:51:

turnmeon (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 21, 2008, 08:52:

Medellin Traveler says on Aug 21, 2008, 08:53:

turnmeon,

Why not look on the bright side, you're only 22.

I suggest taking some classes at a community college, look through the neighborhood newspaper and find yourself someone looking for a new roomate sooner or later you'll find a new home, at the same time why not look for a new job.

You're young, the future is what you make of it....

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

richardshari says on Aug 21, 2008, 08:53:

Don't go back! Look if you don't like where you're living at, look under craigslist.com and find another place to live, another room for rent. But don't give up, you're still extremely young and have the world at your feet. You are already here, wait for your papers to come through and then you can come and go as much as you want. But if you leave, you might regret that decision you have haven't given yourself a chance yet.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

romy says on Aug 21, 2008, 08:55:

I would suggest you battle it out in the US. But get some education, it doesn't have to be college but at least some technical training that will get you a descent job. After, you may want to think of upgrading your skills.
No matter what you want to think of Colombia, for the working class conditions have deteriorated as there are less opportunities. I see a lot of professionals coming to Canada from Colombia because they are unable to find employment there, some of these people would not mind working for low-salaries in Colombia but even that is not available.
Whatever you do, keep that mentality of not settling for the rut. Good luck.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

august says on Aug 21, 2008, 08:55:

Right now, I´ve been trying to live in Medellín, but I´m ready to get the hell out of here and get back to the US. Ironically, I don´t feel like there´s nearly enough opportunity here. At least in the US there´s a certain ladder that one can climb up supposedly if they work hard enough. Here in Colombia, you could work harder than you ever thought you could and still be shit out of luck, or at least not get nearly as far as I feel like you can in the US, if you don´t have the connections. The way that everything is based on connections, instead of principles or more fixed procedures has just gotten old. Respect for and enforcement of the law never seemed like such an important value to me, until I came to Colombia, where thse sort of concepts just don´t exist for the most part and it really brings down the quality of life. I want to leave here and go somewhere where it is.

I hear you man, I´ve worked with and for immigrants from Latin America when I was living in the States, and life can suck when in that position, especially at first. Honestly though, plenty of native born people (myself included) live in situations similar to yours - I was cleaning out the cabins of semi-trucks at 15 and I´m from a decently well off white family! Maybe there´s something to be said for going back to Colombia for a university education if you can get it for free there and then go back to the States, but I say you should stay in the US, keep working - and work hard, doing any kind of work available, while keeping your eye out for the next better work opportunity, look for educational supports for refugees (I know those must exist) and improving your English. I think things will get better, just gotta stick it out until then. Also, maybe it depends where you are. I´m going to guess you´re in New York or Jersey or somewhere on the East Coast. Those places are unfriendly and frankly miserable sometimes. Try the West Coast, it´ll be much different. Good luck man. Snakes are no good, but you got this.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Medellin Traveler says on Aug 21, 2008, 09:00:

august says, "Right now, I´ve been trying to live in Medellín, but I´m ready to get the hell out of here and get back to the US. Ironically, I don´t feel like there´s nearly enough opportunity here. At least in the US there´s a certain ladder that one can climb up supposedly if they work hard enough. Here in Colombia, you could work harder than you ever thought you could and still be shit out of luck, or at least not get nearly as far as I feel like you can in the US, if you don´t have the connections. The way that everything is based on connections, instead of principles or more fixed procedures has just gotten old. Respect for and enforcement of the law never seemed like such an important value to me, until I came to Colombia, where that sort of concepts just doesn´t exist for the most part and it really brings down the quality of life. I want to leave here and go somewhere where it is"

INTERESTING, this topic should be a whole new thread.

Great replies from all.....

At 22 you could definitely afford to screw up a few times without having to worry like it's the end of the world for you, keep your chin up.

"Huevos Rancheros en Medellin, No Quiero Taco Bell." - www.medellintraveler.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

turnmeon (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 21, 2008, 09:00:

august says on Aug 21, 2008, 09:04:

That´s a good suggestion about Craigslist.com by the way. Beyond apartments, look for gigs or jobs on the site. I survived my last semester in New Jersey just by doing various gigs I got through the site - friggin landscaping, whatever, anything - and don´t settle for less, demand good payment for your work!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

dwmte7 says on Aug 21, 2008, 10:33:

if you're down in miami, get the hell out....come north. orlando, melborne, daytona, so many places where you can start anew. don't be caught in the latino doldrums of miami. it's a no win situation.

dwmte

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mononoke28 says on Aug 21, 2008, 10:48:

I don't mean to sound mean or bitchy, but I always do anyway. Stop your whining. Life is not easy anywhere and at 22 you're old enough to move ahead and make a life for yourself. You want to go back to Colombia because your family will take care of you and you won't have the responsibility to support yourself. If you got "asylum" it's because your life is in danger in Colombia, otherwise you lied, so man up.

Ok, with that said this is what I think. Your English is pretty good, so why are you working at Walgreens again???? College is not as expensive as you say it is, if you choose to go to Harvard, it will be though. I paid for my own college education by going to UNLV, not an uppety school but pretty damn good. You can also go to a tech school like someone else suggested, ITT tech? Devry? Maybe? There are many, many, many more opportunities here in the US. But if you don't want to work and have your parents support you, just pack up and go back.

Diana

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Philly says on Aug 21, 2008, 11:00:

I do not get it. You can work at McDonald´s, become a manager in a year or so. In the US, you need to have the drive and the will power to succeed. That is what I love about my country. I learned that drive years ago, I carried it here to Colombia and I am also success here. Oh, I was a manager at McDonalds´s and I made over $ 75,000 dollars a year and it only took me 3 years. I was able to save money and eventually went back to College, got my degree. Man, it is people in the US who do not even speak english making a good salary. Step up to the plate and stop crying.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mononoke28 says on Aug 21, 2008, 11:02:

Philly says on Aug 21 (today)
In the US, you need to have the drive and the will power to succeed. That is what I love about my country.
---------------------------------
Absolutely!

Diana

0 funny, 0 helpful.

romy says on Aug 21, 2008, 11:04:

How much does a McDonald's manager make an hour in the US?

0 funny, 0 helpful.

papiChulo says on Aug 21, 2008, 11:06:

turnmeon.... I'm Canadian and I'm selling up everything here in canada and moving to colombia lock stock and barrel. If it matters I'm twice your age.

You are getting good advice here from good ppl but I know what its like for you to be without your family. I was at a young age too and its bloody hard. Sometimes I think that it has damaged the family relationship a lot.

How many more years till to get your visa/ passport?

Man I would rather sell cigarillos and perico on the streets of colombia before I move back to canada and canada is no better or worse that the USA.

How's life for your father in colombia now? Can he support you while you go to university?

Look its a good idea to stay in the US till you get your papers... work 2 jobs don't go out for anything and save money like a mofo and then go back to colombia. Study there or better yet start your own business... maybe importing/exporting to and from the US.

buena surete amigo... don't give up for anything!

avoid the unhappy and the unlucky

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Philly says on Aug 21, 2008, 11:51:

Romy, I was a salaried manager, later moving on to be a supervisor. You do the math, I am sure you are an educated man. The average Mcdonald´s does over 2 million dollars a year. Don´t you think the person who is respondsible for everything would make a decent salary? The manager´s trainer program is considered one of the best in the world. Several companies use it as a model. You have to go through classes to learn every aspect of the resturant to people management. Then, once you are finished with that, they send you off to Hamburger University, where people from all over the world attends. It is a 10 day course of learning how to develop management teams. That 10 day course is equivalent to a semester at a University. Now, I have 2 master´s degrees, and the 10 week course was more intense then anything I experienced in College. After all that is said, McDonald´s pays their mamagers well.
ps. Sorry to get off thread, but I have to defend one of the best jobs I have ever had.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

paisa710 says on Aug 21, 2008, 12:34:

i was deported back to colombia(medellin)a month ago....im 22 and i was in the same situacion as you are...and i lived in miami...kendall to be exact for close to 12 years i got here the same way as you did asylum long story short it got denyed .....and i know exactly what you feel bro..trust me the feeling that everybody around you is moving foward, and u can't cuz of ur legal status, is not easy to pay for college when u get charge out of state tuition right?.....well i was unhappy to say the least...i was super scare to come back to colombia shit i mean i build a life in the states but now that iam here its so much different man....i love it...i probably wont be eble to affort the car that i was driving in the states or the bike but the hell with it...im happy and i don't have any of that shit over here....i got my family and that's what really matters to me plus i got into la academia de cadetes general jose maria cordova to study military science, after pulling some strings.......but if u feel the way i think u do......u are better off aqui en esta belleza de pais ...colombia es una rechimba and i dont care if nobody else thinks so........if u ever decide to come back and u think u may be interested in persuing a military career send me an e-mail the academy is 15-20 millones al ano but i may be able to help you there...........,...take care and COLOMBIA IS WHERE U BELONG MY FRIEND!!!!!!!CUIDATE PARCERO......

tengo un filo que si me agacho me corto!!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

romy says on Aug 21, 2008, 12:48:

philly- I didn't mean to be offensive... just find it hard to believe. Don't think a 17 year old managing a McDonald's makes that much, but I guess to each his/her own...

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mononoke28 says on Aug 21, 2008, 13:09:

Not to contradict you romy because I like but I haven't seen any 17 year-olds managing a McDonald's yet.

Diana

0 funny, 0 helpful.

romy says on Aug 21, 2008, 13:18:

I knew one that I went to High School with, she then quit and went to university... I don't know how her economic decision making worked if she turned down 75k ...

so you like me? ;)

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Mononoke28 says on Aug 21, 2008, 15:34:

I meant that I think you're nice. =)

Diana

0 funny, 0 helpful.

papiChulo says on Aug 21, 2008, 15:41:

Paisa710... It's kinda liberating living without all those stuipd things that we think are so important to our lives that end up owing us isn't it?
Even tho I'm not colombian I really understand your feelings in your post. Good on ya mate for making it work in Colombia. The way I look at it ppl there live just fine whith what they have or how little they have... been doing so for over 500yrs right. Going to Colombia these past 5yrs has been an eye opener to what little we have in Canada/USA.

paz

avoid the unhappy and the unlucky

0 funny, 0 helpful.

paisa710 says on Aug 21, 2008, 17:02:

chulo....is true......car payments....and trying to keep up with the society in the states can drive a person insane and the population in miami is so materialistic that is sick man.....in the states u need a car for everything and with out it lets face it u are screwed!!!!!in colombia u realize that here you can have a good enough life with out all this materialistic crap that chains us to work and work just to keep up with payments.....i choose a simpler and happy life maybe with not all the comforts but at least not as stressful..........im glad u are looking outside the box my friend!!!!!!take care

tengo un filo que si me agacho me corto!!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

richardshari says on Aug 21, 2008, 17:14:

Paisa and Papichulo, you're saying that people are materialistic in the U.S and NOT in Colombia?? Oh lord, you both are mistaken!! Some of THE most materialistic, self involved and absorbed, selfish and conceited people are in Barranquilla!! The people with money over there are soooooo into each other's lives it's not even funny! They live according to what others will say about them. I was told to my face by this one girl that has mad money that she wished she lived here in the states to live an uncomplicated life!! Over there you cannot step out in sweats and a tshirt to just drop off your kid to school or go to the supermarket! Because they are immediately critizing how you look, the car you drive, where you get your hair done, etc. And no people aren't happy just living with what they have, they have no choice!! You think they don't wish to have what the better part of society has? My family in Colombia is poor and THE BEST time of my life is when I'm with them but they tell me how they wish they had certain luxuries we have over here!

0 funny, 1 helpful.

papiChulo says on Aug 21, 2008, 17:32:

richardshari... nop I didn't say that so don't read to much into buddy. Look... you experiences of Colombia are your as mine are mine right.
Your poor family that you married into are probably doing a little better now anyway that their daughter has married the golden goose right... new TV etc... joke.
But you said it yourself man... "My family in Colombia is poor and THE BEST time of my life is when I'm with them"... thats what I'm talkin about... having a good time with less.... as for rich colombians I know plenty of them too... I mean old money rich colombianos and the men are bigger slobs than me... we all curse at eachother like sailors as well. Now if some rich b'otch can't leave the house without makeup thats a womans problem... not my problem.

avoid the unhappy and the unlucky

0 funny, 0 helpful.

dwmte7 says on Aug 21, 2008, 17:34:

well, friends...the bloody truth is...you're all right. the ability of the colombian people to put up with and tolerate their life under oft times limited economic comfort is truly worthy of note. because, the do it with class and with a smile and with a generous, sharing heart. also, the 'haves' who are spoiled, rich and rude, live near soulless lives and are trying to figure out what it is they think their neighbor thinks they think and on and on and on. it's really quite vicious. they're prisoners of their own wealth. they don't care about those who suffer for economic privation and as a result, their personal world is even more mean. and they blame their internal poverty on the so called 'have nots' that in reality, are the real colombians and the real 'haves.'

so all of your points of view are true. all that you have pointed out is true. the issue is, how can we change it. what can be done to bring the sides closer together. to open hearts and allow compassion to reign and not egotism. it's a toughie...i don't expect your answer soon.

dwmte

0 funny, 0 helpful.

richardshari says on Aug 21, 2008, 17:41:

Papichulo, you don't know what you're talking about! Who told you I married into money, fool? My parents are Colombian and I was born here and my husband was born in NY and raised in Colombia. No, it;s not your problem if a woman goes out without makeup and all that nonsense, but the truth is the truth and if the rich women over there are saying that they prefer to live HERE it's because LIFE HERE is much easier. Now imagine what the poor are saying... "Nuff said""

0 funny, 0 helpful.

papiChulo says on Aug 21, 2008, 17:54:

richardshari... no insults buddy... no personal attacks alright.

hey what are you any way... your profile says your born in the US... are you using hubbys account? because now you sound like a chic? make up your mind mi amor.. get your own account and stop trying to control your man...jajajaja

avoid the unhappy and the unlucky

0 funny, 0 helpful.

papiChulo says on Aug 21, 2008, 17:58:

BTW... I do know what the poor say... it usually goes like this... I'd like to live in the USA/Canada etc... maybe for 2 years save money and get the hell back to colombia to live and enjoy life again.
My biz partner is one of those ex army poor boys that did just that... now you wimmins on the other hand are a different kettle o fish... but who the heck can understand women anyway.... just so you know that part was a JOKE. bold letters as you didn't see joke in lower case in the post you reacted to... ;)

paz out

avoid the unhappy and the unlucky

0 funny, 0 helpful.

elmodefoque says on Aug 21, 2008, 18:46:

let me tell you a little about the barranquillero "elite"
these are the most materialistic SNOBS you will ever know.
THey still see cachacos as indios jediondo a meao.
how do i know? i was hanging with them in may.
as for the middle class cachcos i've met, tambien son unos habla mierda.
AS FOR THE MOST SIMPLE DOWN TO EARTH COOLEST MODEFOQUES I'VE EVER MET, NEW YORKERS WIN HANDS DOWN!

I'll get there, when I get there!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

manINred says on Aug 21, 2008, 18:58:

"Ironically, I don´t feel like there´s nearly enough opportunity here."

It is not ironic, most Colombians I know in Medellin tell me the exact same thing. It is no surprise that they move away and find fantastic opportunities elsewhere in the commonwealth and the US

"Here in Colombia, you could work harder than you ever thought you could and still be shit out of luck"

Unfortunately August, your observations ring true with many Colombians. I have helped some get out of the country and they are amazed at the opportunities that meet them 'on the other side'. Some are so reluctant to believe it they go aobut everyday with the mentality that they'll be fired within an instant

0 funny, 0 helpful.

turnmeon (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 21, 2008, 21:49:

turnmeon (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 21, 2008, 21:51:

La_Huella says on Aug 22, 2008, 02:00:

I say give it a try anyways. Colombia isn't anywhere near as bad as people on here make it out to be. What do people on here know anyways? Consider the source when you hear the info. It's not that devoid of opportunity in Colombia.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

papiChulo says on Aug 22, 2008, 02:14:

turnmeon says on Aug 21, 2008, 21:49:... papiChulo
yeah my father can afford my college and me living with him, he is in a good economical situation right now, i know i could be of a great help for him in Colombia too.

entonces mi amigo.... get your colombino ass back there and make a difference... don't listen to quitters.
N.A. is going down the shitter faster than wots in my avtar... ;)

avoid the unhappy and the unlucky

0 funny, 0 helpful.

turnmeon (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 22, 2008, 08:07:

david barkley says on Aug 22, 2008, 08:14:

I would give US one more year, at 22, you can stick it out one more year.

Exactly, did you state what exactly were you expecting life to be in the US.??

0 funny, 0 helpful.

david barkley says on Aug 22, 2008, 08:17:

You can pick up some nice extra cash, in propina type jobs. ie- valet parker, waiter, hotel bellman, . cash off the record , little or no taxes.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Lowell says on Aug 22, 2008, 08:22:

Change jobs, enroll in Junior College and get a studio apt. Give that a chance. If that doen't seem to be the direction that you're happy with, by all eans go home. You're lucky to have a family to go home too and one that can help you as you help them.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

0 funny, 0 helpful.

dwmte7 says on Aug 22, 2008, 09:53:

well, since you're 2 years from permanent residency....the answer should be obvious. don't lose that come and go status....i'd have to say that that would be foolish. it's hard as hell now to gain entrance and it's only gonna get harder. stiff it out. you can certainly do it and with your new found resolve, and the support of this family, miracles await. just you wait and see. the horizon's open to you. charge forward and carve out your niche. you're young, have good spirit, a bit of fear--only natural--and a whole future to create. remember, college is not always everybody's answer. some launch out in construction and become big time contractors. others? well, the sky's the limit for you. march forward and onward. you have lots of ongoing support here, just like family. use it, stand up and take hold of life by the horns. you'll never regret it and you'll thank all of us for telling you so.

happy trails.
douglas martin, the elder

dwmte

0 funny, 0 helpful.

SUERTE GRINGO says on Aug 22, 2008, 11:37:

Life is not easy in Colombia get your permanent US status get an education a new job and find yourself a new place to call home in the US move out of Florida if you need access to public transportation no one said Colombians had to live in New York or Florida lots of latinos now live in small town America these days you are young lots of time ahead of you.

“If you're gonna eat your crackers in bed, you're gonna have to sleep with crumbs."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Robert Jorge says on Aug 22, 2008, 23:42:

Paisa710 - good to hear things are going well. You ought to post about your trip back to Medellin.

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

gamm2 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 23, 2008, 16:36:

turnmeon (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 23, 2008, 17:36: