I was having a tough time for a few months. One thing, however, that we've seen consistent with history (both of humans and animals), is that an inability to adapt leads to downfall. Luckily, I managed to figure this out in time and put myself on feet, even with a few huge setbacks (namely, a public university delaying its pay for more than 3 months...still waiting, by the way).
Through a few friends, who led me to a few contacts, I have managed to sell my time for an excellent (and rather tiring) work schedule. This schedule gives me the chance to have Thursdays and Fridays relatively relaxed, a few classes on Saturdays, and increase my income to a level that is about 2 times more (a little more or a little less, depending on the month) to the costs listed in my monthly budget (student loan payments, food, rent, service costs and transportation). That way, I budget about 40% to savings (30% toward a car, and 10% for an emergency), and I have the extra 10% as a cushion.
I'm also learning about reducing grocery costs and general money-saving advice from a website called www.moneyning.com, which is a good place for you to take a look if you're interested in improving your financial situation. With its help, as well as advice from Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace book, I have managed to absorb the shock of being in a slow time as far as work goes (maybe 11 hours per week) and the disappointing shock of not receiving punctual pay from the business I mentioned before. When that money finally comes, I'm buying myself that computer I've been needing for a while...
I've also been doing some shopping for a new place to live. Currently, I'm checking rooms in the nicer areas of the city (Colonia del Valle, Roma, Polanco, La Condesa), so if you're one of my worried parents or a concerned friend you can definitely check those places out online to see the type of neighborhood I'll be living in. The move will probably take place next week, saving me time and money (though costing a bit more in rent).
So, I have to say, that for me working hard (I'm out in the city maybe 50-60 hours per week, though a good deal of that is spent in the commute) and disciplining my spending habits has been a huge blessing. I'm now working toward starting a business, which will be a source of passive income and only require administration from me.
So, in short, things are on the up and up. Since I came to Mexico a year ago, I've increased my monthly salary by about 2.5-3 times of the amount I was earning in the beginning, while working fewer hours. It's about taking your resources into account and keeping an eye open for possibilities, being reliable, and also, knowing how to talk politely to people.
In my personal life, well, not a lot is going on at the moment. Until very recently I had my nose to the grindstone to pay back those big problems, and now I've got the ball back in my court, and that's where it will stay. Because of that, with the new computer and a more controlled budget, expect to see a lot more posts about different adventures around Mexico City. Plan on visiting. Thank you for keeping up with me.
Love, always,
-Buster
Welcome, Summer! Welcome, Mexico City's Rainy Season!
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