Puerto Rico’s Unspoken Struggles
Photo by ïsa agosto
Some people think that living on a tropical island like Puerto Rico, images of beautiful beaches, magical culture, and a relaxing lifestyle often come to mind. However, behind that façade lies an ugly reality that many of us have faced on a daily basis. Despite its so-mentioned natural beauty (oh, you’re in sunny San Juan?!) and our rich heritage, Puerto Rico grapples with some severe issues and unspoken struggles.
The Struggling Economy
The island has faced a series of financial crises, leading to high unemployment rates and limited job opportunities. While the minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, I know what it is like to make only $2.13 an hour when I was a waitress. Since everyone is struggling financially, I barely received good tips after a 4 to 5 hour shift. I remember one night clocking out with only $10 in tips.
Many of us find ourselves juggling multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Despite our relentless efforts, the dream of financial stability often remains elusive, leaving us and our families trapped in a cycle of economic hardship.
Unsteady Weather Patterns
Photo by ïsa agosto
Living in a tropical paradise could mean having a beautiful sunny day, but also means contending with the unpredictability of weather. Puerto Rico experiences its fair share of extreme weather events, including hurricanes and tropical storms.
Devastating hurricanes such as Hurricane María in 2017 left the island in ruins, with prolonged power outages and widespread destruction. My family and I were with no water for 2 weeks and with no power for 77 days.
On a previous post, I talk about Hurricane María and some things you might not know that happened as the aftermath.
The constant threat of severe weather disrupts daily life, making it difficult to plan and maintain a sense of security. The best option right now is to get a power generator and, if you’re financially able, install solar panels.
The Housing Affordability Crisis
Housing affordability is a significant challenge for many of us Puerto Ricans. It is wild! As the cost of living continues to rise, a growing number of residents find themselves unable to afford decent housing. This unfortunate reality often forces families to live in substandard conditions or in overcrowded spaces. The dream of owning a home becomes increasingly distant, and the search for affordable and safe housing can become a seemingly insurmountable task.
The sad story is that many realtors won’t sell houses to natural residents. For example, if someone named José López contacts a real estate company, after hearing his name, realtors will deny any available house on the market. Whereas if a person with an English last name calls them, realtors will offer him/her the best houses on the market.
Could it be because José López is not making enough money as a Puerto Rican? Could be. But is that fair?
The Elusive Beach Breaks
Photo by ïsa agosto
Contrary to popular belief, living on an island like Puerto Rico doesn’t always translate into leisurely breaks at the beach. The demanding nature of everyday life often leaves little time for relaxation and enjoying the island’s natural beauty.
Balancing multiple jobs, navigating economic hardships, and dealing with other daily challenges can leave little room for leisure activities. Despite living in paradise, many Puerto Ricans find themselves yearning for a reprieve they rarely have the luxury to enjoy.
One confession, not me, but I know people that passionately hate going to the beach. Again, not me. I grew up going to the beach almost every weekend when I was little. Sadly, that changed when I became a college student that had to work almost every day.
Embracing Culture and Resilience
Amidst the struggles, us Puerto Ricans exhibit remarkable resilience (not our most favorite word right now) and a strong sense of cultural pride. The island’s vibrant culture is a source of solace and inspiration.
We are known for our warmth and hospitality, opening our homes and hearts to visitors with a cup of coffee ready to share. The love for music is ingrained in our culture, with salsa, reggaeton, bomba, and plena echoing through the streets. Celebrations, such as the Festival de la Calle San Sebastián showcase the diverse heritage and multi-ethnic influences that make Puerto Rico unique.
Nostalgia and the Struggles of Living Overseas
Photo by ïsa agosto
In the face of economic hardships and limited opportunities, many of us have made the difficult decision to leave our beloved island in search of better prospects elsewhere. The Puerto Rican diaspora spans across the globe, with communities flourishing in places like the United States, Canada, Spain, and other Latin American countries.
However, despite our new and better experiences, a strong sense of nostalgia for our homeland persists. Many of us living overseas yearn for a better Puerto Rico to return to—a place where we can find stable jobs, affordable housing, and a thriving economy.
Sometimes we think about going back to contribute to the growth and development of Puerto Rico, but then we remember the challenges that we had and continue to plague the island.
While the decision to leave may have been driven by the desire for a better future, the bond with Puerto Rico remains unbreakable. Puerto Ricans living overseas, like my husband and I, often find solace in our shared experiences. We get excited every time we see a car with the Puerto Rican flag hanging from the rear view mirror.
On a previous post, I talked about why and how I moved to the Main Land three days after my husband and I got married.
We remain connected through our music, food, and a shared longing for a revitalized Puerto Rico. We often become advocates for our homeland, using our voice and influence to raise awareness about the issues Puerto Ricans face.
FYI
On a side note, moving from Puerto Rico to the United States is like moving from one state to another. Puerto Rico has been a US territory since 1898, and we’ve been US citizens since 1917, so no need for Visa or green card.
In Spite of The Ugly Reality
The ugly reality of living on a tropical island like Puerto Rico presents a dichotomy of experiences and challenges that can cast a shadow over our daily lives. However, we refuse to be defined by these struggles.
Even though the government’s mismanagement continues to hinder progress, our spirit perseveres, ensuring that our island’s true beauty lies in its culture, community, and unwavering determination to thrive against all odds.
Despite building new lives in the states, our hearts remain rooted in our homeland. We do dream of going back and live there, but the salary that we have up here.
Did you also have to move somewhere else looking for new opportunities? Share your story.
