Chasing Financial Success: Understanding Man’s Dilemma in Oaxaca
And the intention behind their ultimate choice.
By Ben Gutman
There’s a saying in Mexico.
El que no arriesga, no gana.
He who doesn’t take risks doesn’t win.
But in my quiet corner of the Mexican state of Oaxaca, life, for the most part, is slow-paced and tranquil.
There’s no need for risks if you’re comfortable living the daily routine.
Work hard Monday through Saturday and enjoy your family on Sunday. Live in the house your grandfather built on your family’s land. And occasionally celebrate your town’s patron saint with a parade, live ranchera music, and some cold chelas.
That’s life for most of the men here.
It’s a fulfilling life for a simple family man.
If you’re happy earning enough to feed your kids and buy the occasional gift for your wife, you’ve got nothing to worry about.
But for those with higher material aspirations, like a big house, a new truck, or plane tickets and a hotel room in Cancun, the local pay isn’t going to cut it.
That’s when reality sets in and you start to evaluate your options.
