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Greetings MTers ....
I thought somebody out there may be able to give me advice/opinions:
I work for a large company in Atlanta and I've recently been presented with the opportunity to go to Guadalajara MX. It would probably be from 1-3 years starting early 2012. In short, my goal will be to help with a plant relocation and to help transition R&D support there as well. I only would go if they offered me a delegation .... which would mean, I'd be guaranteed a position back in the States after my 3 years are up.
My main concern is for the safety of my wife and the family we'd like to start soon.
What do you think?
Thank you for your input.
Entirely your choice,
Entirely your choice, however I wouldnt worry about a job when I get back as long as your performance is good.
Many companies sent out people and usually they pick some of the best one's. They want to give them more responsibility and give them a chance to shine. If successful it's a extremely important experience.
Safety can be a concern, do your own work on reading up on the place to see if anything sounds disturbing.
Good luck ;)
Kind Regards
Mads Sorensen
Disc 4536
I know companies can be heartless but
Seriously, you think your company is going to relocate you to the worst gang-ridden areas of Guadalajara? Even the most affluent areas have crime (umm, rich people tend to have stuff worth stealing) so no one can give you a 100% guarantee on safety. Good gosh, don't they have murders, drugs and gang violence in Atlanta?
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Does your company already have a presence there? Any of your suppliers? Can you reach out to someone who is there to get a better idea of what things are like 'on the ground' and what precautions you need to take? There is probably a department in your government (maybe the CIA) who can also provide you with information about the location and any risks. Get any information you can from them, then you can make an informed decision.
Do you know whwre you're going to be based in Guadalajara? Any city has good and bad areas. Those which have a lot of ex-pat workers may have secured enclaves for those workers and their families.
Do you need to take your family out with you? Could you leave them where they are and come back for visits on a regular basis? Maybe do that until you have a better idea of the security situation from your own observations and experience then make an informed decision. Obviously you'd need to discuss this with your family.
Try a few Google searches, I did and found that Guadalajara is considered to be a low crime city.
Stephen
--
Skype: stephenbooth_uk | DiSC: 6137
"Start with the customer and work backwards, not with the tools and work forwards" - James Womack
Great tips!
@Singers: Great advice ... I'll do my best and I'm hoping it will open many doors for me and my family.
@asteriskrntt1: Thank you for your reply. Yes I know crime happens everywhere, but I am also aware of the times; Several parts of Mexico are in a state of unrest ... and yes I've traveled to Juarez many times over the last 3.5 years to see it first hand for myself. I guess my question is really asking any MTers if they've had any experiences traveling in the Guadiljara area, or doing a delegation. If so, what should I be sure to consider (negotiations, travel, security, dealing with Relo, etc). Do you have any experience with this?
@stephenbooth_uk : We've just started doing Google searches and found the same: Guadalajara is one of the safer MX cities. We've reached out to our network and are getting some good feedback. Eventually I'd want the family to be together in MX, but I think you bring up a good option about having them come later.
Thanks all! Any Mexican MTers want to chime in?
Mexico and Guadalajara
Hello gnewby
I Live in Mexico and althought it has problems as many other parts of the world, i have to say that Mexico is a great country and is not as unsafe as many people think. Yes, there are zones that are dangerous, but im sure all countries have those zones too is not only in Mexico
Never been in Guadalajara, but i have some friends from there and they tell me is secure, pretty and a good place to live and work.
If You and your family come to Mexico i'm sure you will have a great time.
Good Luck
Jose
Thanks!
Thank you Jose.
It's been my experience when traveling to Juarez that the Mexican people are friendly, welcoming, and inviting. I'd travel to some pool halls, bowling lanes, malls, or clubs and feel like I'm in a US establishment. Then again, I've been to some smaller, local shops and felt as though I was getting a true taste of Mexican culture.
I'll keep everyone posted as we get closer to decision time.
Thanks.
-Glynn