Interpreter needed?

[cantoalegre]

Hi all,
New to this board as a contributor, but Ive been lurking here and there for several years, watching and waiting.... to decide where I wanted to live next. I think I'd like to make PV my permanent home. Is there perhaps a need for an Interpreting business there? I have lived in Michoacan off and on for 20 years and visited PV about 12 times. When in Mich I worked part time as an Interpreter and teachers aid, cooking, babysitter, tutor... whatever. I am certified as an Interpreter in Wa state. Could I maybe build a business there?

[freeeye]

I would think that an interpreter could make a very decent living here, depending on what you would consider "decent."

[cantoalegre]

Well, decent living... as an interpreter, I suppose in Mexico if I could clear about 250.00 dollars a week, I could live... squeak by... But I know how to live cheaply and prefer a small place where where I can interact with locals and walk into town. Ive looked in several places, but haven't decided where Id like to live for sure. Im a bit of a party girl, love to play music and sing, and would like to find someplace that I could walk into town. Maybe a room mate thing would even work. Id like to makea little more, but hey I can barter too!

[freeeye]

Interpreter services are most needed by gringos dealing with bureaucracy here. Things like fm3s, driver licenses, taxes, building permits, problems with CFE or SEAPAL, etc. For these things you need to be able to relate to the gringos AND the people they need to communicate with.

[cantoalegre]

Ahh, well thats not a problem, lived in Michoacan in a tiny town called Churintzio for six years, and have lived in Baja as well. I am American but many people mistake me for a chihuahena por mi acento...and blonde hair and blue eyes. I love Mexico and the Mexican culture. I am certified for Court Interpreting in WA state, but miss Mexico so much. I think there is a nice balance of Foreign and Mexican mix in Vallarta. Just wonder if theres enough work to keep me busy. Have my FM3 and dont mind the always manana, or maybe day after... or maybe month after state of mind... Humidity might kill me in summer though.. bad enough in my mountain home in Churintzio...

[cantoalegre]

I thank you for your input, I am wondering if I would have to rent an office, or would a cell phone and business cards suffice? I would prefer to work from home. I imagine the grapevine there in Vallarta is quite active... from viewing the message boards Ive seen...Word would get around with a few satisfied customers maybe.

[freeeye]

It is definitely humid here in the summer. I love it but I'm the type of guy that loves saunas.

For finding work, boards like this one and AllVallarta and Gary's Southside Vallarta would probably all be good. There are many times I wished I had an interpreter handy. I have friends that help but they have *real* lives and can't always be there when I need someone. With the large number of other gringos here in the same situation (with a lack of language skills) I would think it would be fairly easy for you to find work. Whether or not this would be enough for you or what you wanted to do is another question. Interpreter service here is probably on demand and not with regular hours.

A cell phone "office" would be fine, in my opinion.

Word of mouth is most effective.