Job Discussion Forums

[delphian-domine]

[dragonpiwo]

Orlando is hardly in the sticks and, if you do some research, you will see it's very near several state parks..not to mention the coast.

And why can't I compare like for like given that the price is pretty much the same? Different economic models? I think not...both are mixed economies as opposed to planned systems or free markets. Just because the US government chooses to tax petrol less, it doesn't detract from the fact that 'gas' in Poland is still much more expensive than in the US. So-it isn't just clothes and electricals is it? You can certainly add holidays, running a mobile and same quality housing. Probably cars too.

I concede you can live cheaply there if you don't go out and when you do, eat street food. You can also find 5Zl beers, but not anywhere I'd choose to drink.

I don't have an anti-Poland agenda at all.....I live there.....largely because I have to given family commitments.

I just happen to think the EFL industry there is a shambles and that it's nightlife is second rate and overpriced. It's bureaucracy is institutionally racist and social attitudes backwards.

Maybe I've spent too much time there and become a miserable Pole. Oh god.

Anyhow...enough....people can make their own minds up when they get there.

Just don't expect it to be the life of riley it was some years ago.

We all work hard-I'd rather be rewarded for it and spend a little less time there.

I don't judge my friends at all....they are my friends.....I certainly haven't run any of them down. I simply pass comment on the place. I like drinkers...they are fun....and often good teachers.....I've observed plenty. Many of those lads have excellent track records. However, they mostly don't have kids or cars or pensions but they do have little job security and limited options.

Poland's future is assured due to its proximity to Germany and great location. However, will anybody be living there by then? It just a place where multi-nationals exploit cheap, skilled labour.The average national salary is still less than $1,000/month.

Fiscal union in the EU will put an end to their Greek style tax evasion.

Delph you quote random examples of people who don't drink...or mention the fact that you have 6 females' CVs. Look around you-actually look at the people on the ground. They are nearly all men. They are mostly childless. They are more often than not, unmarried. The vast majority don't run a car. Few have savings worth talking about. 99% are not teetotal like you. That is the REALITY....and long-term it ain't a good prognosis. Life gets harder and more complicated...not easier.

[oipivo]

"I just happen to think the EFL industry there is a shambles and that it's nightlife is second rate and overpriced. It's bureaucracy is institutionally racist and social attitudes backwards. "

I honestly believe that this comes from living in a place that you're not crazy about for too long. When I lived in Prague, the people who had been around for a number of years all said the same things about the Czech Republic. The same thing happened in Istanbul, although by the end of my two years there I was saying the same things (it doesn't take long to love or hate Turkey).

Having lived in two very different cultures prior to living in Poland I must say that this country is by far the nicest. The wages are higher, the flats are similarly priced and nicer, the markets have higher quality products (generally speaking of course), the people are friendlier (shockingly enough), and there is less bureaucracy. It's crazy to me seeing so many people complaining about living here, when the EFL industry in other countries is far worse.

I would also like to add that the drinking thing is odd to me. It seems like a lot of people have problems with teachers in Poland drinking. Is it that huge of an issue? Drinking doesn't really dictate if someone is a responsible person. Hell, I don't think I know anyone who doesn't drink.

In short, it ain't that bad here and it's worse in other countries.

[Master Shake]

Thanks, oipivo, for providing a fresh perspective what has been a recurring, stagnant, and at times bitter argument over the last...well as far back as I remember.

As for the drinking, in the 4+ years I've been in Poland, I have known a couple teachers who didn't have their contracts renewed in part because of problems with booze. But this has been the rare exception, not the rule. Heck, only a few teachers at my school now can be cajoled into going for a beer on the weekend, let alone after the lessons. How times have changed...

Drinking was much more widespread and frequent in Vietnam and especially Thailand.

We even nicknamed a particular ramshackle Bangkok bar "The Sucker" because all the teachers from the nearby schools got sucked into there every day after work.

[dynow]

[ecocks]

No particular order:

Housing - I see them as about the same although there is a significant quality difference, especially considering the fitting out of the purchased home. Rental in Poland is cheap compared to the US. I was in a Polish home with about an acre and ahlaf or more of land, indoor pool, landscaping, detached garage and servants quarters, etc. last month that is listed for sale at 2.2M zl. Looked reasonably priced to me. Housing is a distressed market in the US right now so prices vary wildly. I can however, buy a 260 m2 home with a fenced backyard, 5 bedrooms, 4 baths and three car garage, brand new for under $300K which includes all carpets, window coverings and appliances. The electric bill is huge though. I call that one a draw due to the rental prices though.

Vacations - I take a couple of 2-3 week vacations a year that my friends can only dream about as once-in-a-lifetime trips. Advantage Poland.

Culture - Since moving to Europe, I have attended more opera, seen more museums, eaten more different types of food, walked in ancient fortifications, watched them bake bread without machines, visited battlefields and palaces of ancient civilizations, the list is long. Advantage (SIGNIFICANT) Poland.

Transportation - Living here I don't need (or want) a car thus eliminating things like auto insurance, gasoline or maintenance. Public transport is cheap and you can take a lot of taxis for the price of all those expenses. The well-developed train schedule lets me get anywhere in Europe within 3 days and I see sights that very few of my friends and family will ever see. Advantage (LARGE ONE) Poland.

Women - They're everywhere. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Compared to some places, they are more "available" here than elsewhere but people make their own opportunities and pick their own paths when it comes to love. Ukraine and Russia have better looking women overall (IMO) and if that floats your boat, great. Just be honest with them and yourself. Draw.

Clothing - Some items are cheaper here, some are more expensive. There is a quality difference at the low end occasionally. My belief is that most expats, particularly those lacking a local spouse/"friend" to teach them how to shop, can't find clothing. I have a great heavy weather coat that I expect to last for at least three years at a price pretty much what I would expect in the States. I like the styles I am used to and some things are simply not available here. Rockports, for instance. Anyway, I call this one a draw.

Restaurants - I eat out here a bit more due to scheduling but prices are basically the same. Food is different. Some tastes excellent, some is crap. You find good restaurants and eat there. Draw

[delphian-domine]

[dynow]

[delphian-domine]

[sparks]

Why is keeping a shotgun next to your bed a bad thing? Most of my family members in the US have gun/s within an arm's reach when lying in bed. My old grandfather has a whole cabinet full of guns on the right, nightstand and false teeth on the left. Never know when you'll have to come out shootin'

[ecocks]

[dynow]

[quote="delphian-domine"]

[stasiu of liberty]

You just did...

[dynow]

[delphian-domine]

[quote="dynow"]