Jobs, Entrepreneurship, And Working In Uruguay
If you’re new to Uruguay you will probably find yourself looking for a job, whether it is to make a living, supplement retirement income, or just to keep yourself busy.
Finding work in Uruguay isn’t always easy, but it is possible. Many expats report facing problems when looking for a job. But that’s to be expected when making the move to any new country.
Finding a Job as an American in Uruguay
It’s tough to get a regular job as an American in Uruguay. That shouldn’t be a surprise, really.
Wages are lower here and even if you decide you want to work for the lower pay, you’ll be competing with the locals who of course know the language and customs much better than you do. Having said that, there are certainly some instances where gaining employment is possible.
Your Work In Uruguay Options
Teaching in Uruguay
As the language commonly spoken in Uruguay is Spanish, Americans living in the country can find a healthy source of income by becoming English teachers.
You can apply for jobs at public institutions for educating children, or perhaps even open your own side business tutoring English. Some Americans have even started schools teaching English as a second language to the locals.
Don’t assume though that just because you have a little experience tutoring English that you’ll just be able to walk in and get a job at a school. Depending on the area that you’re applying in, many actual teachers from the U.S. lock those jobs up.
That said, teaching English is one of the easiest ways of finding work in Uruguay.
Blogging
While not an actual job in Uruguay, many expats make a side income or even a decent living by blogging.
You can blog about fashion, your new life in Uruguay, photography, or just about anything else you have an interest in.
It’s even possible to write articles and blog posts for companies all over the world, most of which couldn’t care less if you live in Manhattan or Montevideo, as long as you have the experience and judgement.
Business Between Uruguay And U.S. Companies
Often companies in Uruguay that engage in business with the U.S. look for help from Americans who know how to speak English well and can help their employers cut through the red tape.
Here are some of the top items imported into Uruguay. If you have an experience in these fields, it may be easier for you to obtain employment with them while in Uruguay….
- Telecommunications
- Agricultural machinery
- Fuels
- Wind turbines
- Fertilizers
Of course, Uruguay doesn’t just import from the U.S., they export to the U.S. as well, and there may be an opportunity for you in these industries as well.
Top industries where Uruguay exports product to the US
- Security and telecommunication equipment
- Renewable energy equipment
- Computer hardware
- Chemicals
- Hand tools
- Agricultural equipment
- Other heavy equipment
- Beef products
- Leather
- Honey
- Oil
Although exports suffered greatly beginning in 2009, they have picked up again recently and so have the employment opportunities for Americans who have some experience in this industries.
Benefits Of Working In Uruguay
If you do manage to land employment in Uruguay, you may be surprised at the number of benefits that it brings.
Whe you-re working in Uruguay, if you dedicate more than 44 hours in a week or more than eight hours a day, you are entitled to overtime, which is often paid out at double time.
You’re also entitled to Sundays off. If you work on a Sunday, you may have the choice to trade it for another day off or received double-time pay here too.
Paid holidays are traditional and mandatory. Plus, medical plans are common and extensive.
It’s also common for workers in Uruguay to receive financial support when furthering their education in a way that benefits the employer as well.
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