Danation, you remind me so much of myself. It's nice to see I'm not the only Dominican American wanting to live in the DR. I wasn't born or raised in the DR but have been wanting to live there since I was 8. I live in NYC as well and I totally understand where you are coming from. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate this country and am happy with how much I've accomplished as well as my family as a result of living here. I've been fortunate enough to travel to other countries as well...but still, the DR is the place I feel most at peace, alive, free, and home all at the same time. I don't go on DR1 much but I probably found this site when I was a teen looking to read more and more about my 'roots.' Having read so many non-dominicans who, while they poke fun of the people and place a lot, for the most part appreciate how special it really is...fortified my dream of living there over the years.
My parents retired as DOE teacher's here in NY and now live in Jarabacoa (close to 3 yrs now). Retired quite early but with pensions...they preferred to take the hit on doing so early but they could not be happier and I could not be happier for them. They would never have been able to live as happy and comfortable here in NY (financially and otherwise)...they've never lived in that town but know more people there in only 3 yrs than the 25 yrs they lived in the same house here in the Bronx. This made my desire to live there even stronger! I am 30 yrs old and my wife (also dominican-american) is expecting our first baby. My job is allowing me to work from the DR (will no longer be a supervisor so I will take a bit of a hit on my salary but honestly, I feel it's well worth it on so many levels) and so I am in the process of selling our home and home daycare business that my wife has been running (it's a good biz, we are doing great but we feel this is too good of an opportunity). We hope to be there by the fall. A few comments:
1. this first one is a business one. I have a BBA, an MBA and have a lot of experience working with small businesses. While your idea may potentially be a good one, I strongly suggest you take some entrepreneurial courses (NY has tons of free ones or close enough to free). Anything having to do with food in particular is challenging. More than 90% of food related businesses close in the first year. This is not meant to deter you or kill your dreams but for supermarkets you need to make sure you understand business, logistics, price margins, etc. Remember, a large portion of your inventory is perishable. The margins for this business are often small. If you could take those summers that you will have off and intern for a supermarket perhaps (under a manager), I would recommend you do so. There is also a lot of potential for stealing in this type of business especially when the boss is away. This happens everywhere but it's easier to steal in this type of business than in many others so if you are thinking you can run a supermarket from that far while you are in the states, just know it will be super difficult. You are a mathematician but the success to a business is not just a simple formula...it's one with many factors to consider. Again, not impossible...most businesses close due to lack of planning, knowledge, and preparedness. The more of this you have, the better. Businesses can also suck the life out of you. It can really be a 24/7 ordeal. You may think you can just go and pick up the dough but it's more complicated than that. No one will take care of your business with more interest than you and you may often end up having to do more than you bargained for to make sure it runs well or at all...if you don't mind the work than you'll probably be ok but I say this because so many new entrepreneurs have this mentality. Once again, just things for you to consider.
2. Not sure how many years it takes for you to get a pension working for the DOE but I don't think you'll get anything working only 12 yrs...just something to think about. Pensions are a beautiful thing if you can get one (I wish my job offered that!). However, I am a bigger believer in living the life you want to live than spending a lifetime planning for that life. Though you should find a balance if you can.
3. save, save, SAVE! you are young. Be wise with your money. Do not skimp on matching retirement plans, set up a Roth IRA...your girlfriend should too. If you have no idea what I am talking about, watch Suze Orman (MSNBC, saturdays at 9pm...DVR it or just add her show to your podcast). I can't stress this enough. I know you are investing in land and things in the DR but believe me, it's important to have these types of investments...the compounding interest makes all the difference. Try not to touch retirement ones till you are of retirement age...you will regret it when you're older. Have other types of savings accounts for short term/mid term goals. Your plans are ambitious which is good but also have risk. The more cushion you have, the better. Again, learn how money works and learn it well.
4. don't give up on your dream to live there. if your heart is there, follow it. Find a way. The DR could use more of it's intelligent and progressive diaspora brothers coming back (not the deported ones!).
suerte hermano
