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gloomyGumi
Joined: 29 Dec 2010
Posts: 353
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 Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2011 4:53 am Post subject: |
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| coffeespoonman wrote: |
I wouldn't say that it's better here overall. Turkey was where I needed to be for the last 6 years. But after the craziness and frustrations of Istanbul, this is the perfect place for me. Everything is easy (at least comparatively). It's much more comfortable (though less exciting). It's much quieter (if less entertaining). It's essentially a well-deserved break from the mania of Istanbul. And I've got a great job, so that helps. 
I miss Istanbul quite a bit. I miss the people and the places and the spirit of the city. But I don't miss queuing at the emniyet, or commuting, or trying to get anywhere in the city, or trying to justify getting ripped off all the time.
After 6 years, I just reached a point where I no longer wanted to fight everyone and everything around me just to have a normal life.
And I'm not saying I'll never return there. I still think of Istanbul as home. If that doesn't change in the next couple of years, I'll go back. But for now, I'm on holiday from Istanbul.  |
I understand that. After 21 years in Manhattan area I was so tired SK felt like a welcome reprieve from the stress and fighting as you say on a dialy basis just to survive. |
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MBee
Joined: 11 Aug 2011
Posts: 68
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| Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2012 8:33 pm Post subject: |
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Hey Coffeeman,
A couple of posts ago you mentioned I'd have access to Istanbul's better jobs with a CELTA, at private universities. Do you have any idea about what the salary ranges might be? Thanks a lot! |
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AGoodStory
Joined: 26 Feb 2010
Posts: 738
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| Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2012 9:24 pm Post subject: |
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@ Coffeespoonman
Just wanted to thank you for your long years of helpful and informative posts, and to wish you well in China. You've certainly been one of the mainstays of the Turkey ELT community. I have often appreciated the civility, humor, and helpfulness of your contributions to the forum--and especially the effort you have put into trying to provide accurate information regardless of how many times a question is asked.
Best wishes for your new life in China.
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Mr. Kalgukshi
Mod Team
Joined: 18 Jan 2003
Posts: 6613
Location: Need to know basis only.
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| Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2012 12:22 am Post subject: |
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| Offensive postings have been deleted and a member permanently banned. This is the wrong board to attempt this kind of nonsense. Members are requested to continue forwarding the Mod Team their Report Posts and PMs regarding inappropriate postings. |
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coffeespoonman
Joined: 04 Feb 2005
Posts: 512
Location: At my computer...
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| Posted: Thu Mar 29, 2012 2:42 am Post subject: |
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| Thanks, AGoodStory. |
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bulgogiboy
Joined: 23 Feb 2005
Posts: 803
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| Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2012 5:31 pm Post subject: |
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| coffeespoonman wrote: |
Essentially, I feel like I just walked into the 21st century. I live in Suzhou, which is a 20 minute bullet train from Shanghai. It's modern, clean, well-organized and full of Western amenities (clothes, food, loads of imported beers...) Everything is dirt cheap, except the Western goods, which are still cheaper than in Istanbul.
I bicycle 5 minutes to work every morning down quiet, peaceful, tree-lined avenues. My flat is a serviced apartment in a modern 16-story tower built in the last year or two. It came totally furnished (even LCD TV), and includes fast internet, local calls and a few English channels for free. And my rent is about half what I paid in Istanbul.
My students speak amazing English, take notes in class and do all their homework. I eat mostly noodles, sushi, yogurt, and the occasional Indian or Western meal.
This place is nothing like what I imagined China would be. My life is now exactly what I always wished it could be like when I lived in Istanbul. I miss the Turks, and I miss the culture and lifestyle there, but I really couldn't be happier here. |
It's great you're enjoying it so much, masallah! Although having previously worked in both Turkey and China myself, I would definitely choose the kebabland first. I'm just curious, how does the money compare between the two places? |
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coffeespoonman
Joined: 04 Feb 2005
Posts: 512
Location: At my computer...
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| Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 8:32 am Post subject: |
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Well, I must admit, despite how cushy and comfortable everything is here, I'd have to say that as far as just living goes, I'd probably choose Turkey as well. My life was certainly much more enjoyable there.
However, man does not live by raki, meze, sunshine and sea alone (as much as I wish I could). My job here is outstanding (not that my job in Istanbul wasn't, but... well, the students are just SO much better). And the pay is, believe it or not, nearly twice what most of the private unis in Istanbul are paying. This kind of salary is pretty much unheard of in China at the moment (I got very, very lucky), but within a few years, I think you'll see more and more schools paying big bucks to qualified teachers. China is changing very, very quickly.
All things considered, however, I could certainly see myself returning to Turkey again someday. Once my wallet gets full and my blood pressure gets back to pre-Istanbul levels, I might just see what kind of opportunities there are down on the Aegean coast.  |
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