Article – 2009 Expat Survey Results: Working in Brazil, the rewards and frustrations

Publicado por admin em 14 de janeiro de 2010

Fonte: Daily Life in Rio

Data: 14/01/2010

55% of respondents said they work more hours here in Brazil than they did in their previous job.

I also asked what was the most rewarding thing about working in Brazil and the most frustrating. Let’s start with the frustrations and finish on a positive note with the rewards:

Participants reported that their biggest frustrations working in Rio de Janeiro are:

  • getting people to do something “right now” is almost impossible. Everything takes more time here
  • I teach English largely to rich kids. Some of their attitudes and sense of entitlement drives me nuts.
  • the cost of living, quality of apartments available for rent
  • Working in Brazil is more work as a expat…longer hours.
  • because of lack of standardized bureaurcracy, I find that people sometimes neglect common sense in making decisions as they are always trying to make it fit the process instead of designing a process that solves the issue
  • too much to do in too little time
  • resistency against changes
  • There is always expression for para manha…
  • inefficiency
  • low pay
  • you need to micromanage here in Rio.
  • the language barrier – I worked with 5 people who spoke no English so it was pretty much an immersion experience.
  • For me, language… I’d like to speak more portuguese to help improve my work relationships here.
  • Time difference with US and UK markets, government red tape (you will know what I mean about this after you attempt to get any work papers, open a bank account, get clarification on any laws, etc.
  • Lack of commitment, inability to separate main issues for side issues the role of large egos that need stroking above the “greater good” of the deal/business.
  • how slow things can be sometimes
  • The most frustrating thing is that Brazilians are not direct, they beat around the bush like you wouldn’t believe it!
  • (DRL’s note: I’m guessing this person is a teacher): the parents
  • not being able to buy/fix camera equipment here in Rio because it’s too expensive.
  • The most frustrating thing is dealing with overly dramatic Brazilians!
  • The most frustrating was the lack of quality teaching materials. A lot of basic supplies that I use here in the states were not available there. I had to get very creative to effectively teach.
  • simplicity (commitment to a deal, agreement or date)

Participants commented that the following makes working in Rio de Janeiro the most rewarding:

  • Teaching the local staff new things. The desire to learn is very strong.
  • How passionate Brazilians are about their work and life in general…
  • making lifelong friends
  • having the opportunity to be in another country
  • Closeness of the team
  • long lunches, long holidays
  • rio lifestyle
  • Reward is that you get to experience a new culture and that for me is priceless.
  • working with a lot of talented Brazilians
  • speaking more and more portuguese, basic experience and challenge.
  • Getting past the language barrier
  • (DRL’s note: I’m guessing this person is a teacher): the kids
  • The warmth of clients when they are pleased with my work.
  • It allows me to get to know Brazilians and it pays much better than being in the UK.
  • It was great to be around young children who were bi-lingual. They were so fluent in English at such a young age (1st grade).
  • simplicity (take it easy)


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