Expert: MRZ - 8/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Marta,
I'm a 23 year old male who is an experienced furniture and cabinet maker here in the states. I was wondering what the carpenters were like in Colombia and whether an American with my skills could find work. Am fluent in spanish and am currently going to Colombia for volunteer work. Maybe would good idea to make contacts while I am there, not into this profession to make a whole lot of money. So okay with a minimal lifestyle. Looking at the Caribbean side of Colombia, mainly San Andres area. And yes I am aware of the dangers, and am totally ready for culture shock, hope this is easy question to answer.

ANSWER: Hi Sam,
Carpenters in Colombia really don't make much money. You would have to open youir own business to be able to survive, if you worked for someone else you would be looking at making at best minimum wage, which is about $250 dollars. San Andres is a very small place and work is hard to come by. Perhaps look into Cartagena or Santa Marta, bigger cities.
Perhaps look into establishing your own business, that means machinery and such.
Let me know if you have any otehr questions.
Thanks
Marta

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your answer, very helpful. I have read that furniture making in South America is very lucrative but I guess because of the state of the economy it is hard to find work, same in U.S.. My next question is if possibly opening a bar would be a good idea? But I would be doing it to help create jobs for people and make enough for myself to live. I don't to hinder the local workforce by being a gringo with a job. Also I am working on selling my own hand made furniture online, would it be easy with a TESL certificate to get a side job teaching english, I have been looking at the Cali area and it looks like a nice place just have to watch when and where you go. Hope that is a question you can answer. Caio.

Answer
Hello,
First I am sorry about the delay on my answer, I had a bit of an accident and broke a hand.
I am not sure if lucrative would be a good word to use, for example and for you to make a comparison, I recently had some bathroom furniture custom made, they were made of MDF wood, about 36" x 42" x 30", one door with hinges, one shelf, very simple, cost me about $175 dollars. There are tons of furniture business, a few custom made high end stores.
Opening a bar is an option, the key is to know a good location and pinpoint your clientele. College students are always good customers.
You can get a TESL certificate and teach, expect to get paid around $500 a month.
Cali has been suffering more violence lately, I think the pinch of the bad economy has been felt.
Hope this answers your questions.
Thanks
Marta