My employees are idiots.

I have been called an exploiter for years. It does not even bother me anymore.

I actually pay better than most in my area and I provide housing.

I cannot imagine doing this in the USA. As it is my costs per month are about $3,000US in Belize. Anything after that is gravy.

If you get a a degree in Botany or other area of plant studies, let me know.

 

I sometimes think of the benefits of cheaper places than Britain.
But I also wonder about the political systems and the fact dispute resolution is so much harder(minus bxxlets)
And the fact that applications for grants and stuff tend to be messed around with, without kickbacks and constant pressuring.

I'm looking to buy sthg in China but the Chinese don't seem to have much idea of "make whats required".Its all "have a go, make it cheap and have another go if it doesn't turn out right".
I think Western/1st World business is much more predictable.

 

In Central America the system revolves around bribes. If you can bribe, you can get anything. Same with South America.

China is great for product sourcing but that is about it. The banking system is not anywhere near what you might be used to.

Kong Kong and Thailand are great.

I am thinking about opening a business in Thailand. Actually I am also thinking about getting a place in Southern Thailand.

 

Bribes is ok.The problem I think is when the bribes aren't good value.Or they didn't do as promised.Or the language hassles.

What I can buy in China is really cheap.But with the EU I've got long warranties and good financing systems- so it can end up much better value - even tho its a lot more expensive- if u get my meaning.LOL

Thailand, I think at the business level its less pacifist than it appears to the outsiders.But, still a good place to be I think.
Just don't be fooled by the adam's apple test...

 

You are right about the bribes. But it is a way of life in Latin America.

The EU problem in my mind is the Buracracy and the passperwork. It is even more daunting than the USA.

As far as Thailand I have some good contacts there and the labor is mad cheap.

Unlike Belize the people in Thailand take pride in their work.

In looking back at this thread it is clear to me I bring a lot of problems on myself by taking frequent vacations.

Perhaps if I was not vacationing 4 months out of the year I would not have these frustrations with my employees.

But a man has to enjoy life, right?

 

I don't mind bureacracy thats transparent in the EU.
Its when bureaucrats hide behind it and are vague-like I found last week.

America seems quite daunting like that- but I almost quite fancy alternative energy there.

Thais do seem good people.But I'm told they aren't all sweetness and bowing- u know?

Me too.I'm feeling quite stale at the moment.But I wanna sort of push something thro then have a break.Poss not the best idea for me tho

Looking back I wish I had taken on less, and enjoyed the journey more.
Once time's gone... its gone.U know?

 

cool, i`ll drink a beer for you

 

As long as there's one u leave for me tho...

 

i have just one but we can share it! you are going to enlighten me so this is my bribe
i`m so damn original:hat::toetap05:

 

Hey boss guess what?

I've been pissing in your coffee!

 

well first, my post was thoroughly a drunken rant; a probably would have worded it differently during the day...


but anyway. i don't think that an employee should give more importance to management than themselves, but it is their job to do their job, whether they like to work or not. being a bad employee, which pushit specifically plans on doing, is a great way to quickly lose your job. which i would say hurts you more than it hurts management.

and i didn't say employees are overpaid in relationship to their managers (although my employees make more than i do, but then i'm in low-level management too), but i think anyone who doesn't do their job and is still being paid for it is in fact overpaid.

 

Ok just don't open it too soon.Or it might go flat before I get there.

The 1000 year old Sage *has* been talking about visiting me again to impart his Immeasurable Wisdom.
Altho' he has been making some perculiar requests recently - for a Great Wise One...

 

Yes I do understand. I am almost at the point that I am thinking of selling everything and walking away from it all.

I wish I enjoyed the journey more. I am just at the point where I really like life. Up until about 2 years ago I hated my life.

 

That would be hard since it is in a locked room and I make it myself.

But I will have security beat the crap out of you for my enjoyment, none the less.

 

But if u enjoyed the journey more, would u have bothered to get where u are now( ie happy)?If I hate sthg I have the energy to change it for sthg really good.

Why sell up if u are happy now?Won't it just be "making another rod for your back" eg having to learn everything anew in Thailand?

Do u know what else u want?( I'm assuming its more interpersonal orientated and not related to money)

You remind me of one of my expat business friends sooooo much.

 

I know I would not have made it without those years of hell.

Belize is beautiful and when I set on the porch and watch and hear the monkeys, all of my problems just fade away.

But I have been having a few battles with the Government in Belize and frankly I am tired of the seed distribution business.

The Thailand thing was more of a vacation type thing. More of a hideaway. The government is to restrictive on personal freedoms. But I can see there is a fortune to be made there. I really do not want to learn another language.

I love Asia but there are many things that do not work for me there. Thailand would be better than China, IMO.

I am thinking more of Colombia or Argentina. Those are more my style and I speak Spanish pretty damn well now.

I am a Latin America type person.

I am not sure what I want to do. I have the green thumb so it will involve plants. Alternative energy really appeals to me.

But for a few years, I will be in Belize.

I think most expatriates are about the same. There are a few different types but we definitely have many similarities.

That is why most expatriates hang out together. It is like a unspoken, secret brotherhood.

Most people can't stand us.

 

I know Thailand's got lots of expats and good benefits.But I think its taken a step back now Shinawatra's been kicked out.( Even tho he was a dirtbag too!LOL)

Arg seems civilised but don't think its got that "jungle magic"?
Colombia sounds as unstable and corrupt as it gets?Is there somewhere near Belize, less unstable and corrupt?say Nicaragua or Honduras nowadays,or even panama.Leisure seems more developed there nowadays.

How about cultivating plants for medicines?Maybe for alternative medicines?Alt energy has its good *and* bad sides.(Reminds me, I will update u this week)

Yeah its strange, people get bored of their own country but go abroad and socialise with fellow nationals.I could see that happening if I went to Dubai,Moscow,Shanghai etc.LOL

What I meant with the expat friend similarities, is that his past was very wild indeed.He constantly needs to "grow" with work.Gets restless but feels that he neglects the social/ being happy factor.
I hope I learn from his mistakes...

 

If you come to Thailand, let's meet up for coffee and a spliff.

 

I was really keen to go around Xmas I think it was.Then all that stuff kicked off at the airport...

 

That's just lowered the prices a bit. That's all.