I guess I’m riding out the recession in Mexico, but I’m being paid my an American company, including living expenses. Being that I’m from Michigan which has to be worse than even crappy states like Alabama right now, it’s a good place to be. Every once in a while I get exposed to “poor” Mexico, but I’m already used to that. It’s really, really good not to see my neighbors’ houses for sale, observe the (relatively) empty rush-hour freeways, see all of the empty buildings where thriving businesses used to be, and the downturn in general.
The exchange rate difference isn’t great enough between the $US and $AUS to make it worthwhile.
Also, many things (like groceries) are much more expensive in Australia than in the US.
When our machine building was being exported to India, I entertained the idea of going there for a while. They said I was welcome if I was bringing a business that would employ Indians. But I was not welcome if I just wanted to get a job working there. They protect their (our old ) jobs.
But China took a bunch of them anyway.
I actually has a perfect set up. I had downgraded myself at my old job to a level where I could work exclusively via internet. I didn’t get paid much by US standards but it was more than plenty in Asia. I looked into local work for future excursions and as long as you’re flexible and don’t have unreasonable salary demands , they aren’t hard to get. There are the expats who get paid in bucketloads from their home companies, but the majority of people I talked to were living on a tourist visa and getting paid in cash. They did things like teach English, work in surf shops and retail stores, tour guides, dive instructors, as well as the many guesthouses who are willing to pay under the table for native English speakers.
I think the best option is to have enough savings to sustain yourself independent of outside income, and then supplement it if/when you find a job that looks appealing. It’s really not as hard as I would’ve thought. As with anything, it’s all about who you know. Talk to the locals and the tourists alike. Make lots of friends. Most people I met were incredibly friendly and more than happy to help out.