Additional Coverage:
- A boomer moved to Panama so her retirement would be more affordable. Now she’s struggling to find a job and her dream is slipping away. (newsbreak.com)
American Retiree Struggles to Find Work in Panama
Patty Hayes, a 60-year-old former resident of California, moved to Panama in 2019 to reduce her living expenses. However, her job search has been challenging.
Since losing her main income source last year, Hayes has struggled to find remote roles. Despite applying to numerous jobs, she has not had much success.
Remote Work and Age Barriers
Hayes’s job search has been hindered by her limited remote work opportunities and her age. She believes that her lack of fluency in Spanish has also made it difficult to secure high-paying positions in Panama.
Side Hustles and Retirement Savings
To supplement her income, Hayes has turned to Airbnb, YouTube, and self-publishing. However, these side hustles have not been sufficient to cover her expenses, and she has accumulated significant credit card debt.
Hayes plans to start receiving Social Security benefits at age 62, but she is concerned that it will not be enough to support her. She hopes to avoid dipping into her retirement savings until she is 70.
Despite her challenges, Hayes remains optimistic and continues to search for work. She is also exploring ways to expand her YouTube channel and self-publishing ventures to generate additional income.