Job Discussion Forums

[ecocks]

I was discussing a similar line with another teacher earlier today.

It's amusing that when someone working in another country wants to post about the brand names they wear, the quality of food and beverages they partake, the vehicle they drive, the money they spend on vacations, etc., it's just information, but when someone posts modest prices for a simple, fun weekend IN POLAND which required nothing more than internet access and walking by a store that it becomes "bragging".

Even better is when they resort to trying to be a grammar cop and carry on about writing style or vocabulary choices. Whew boy, talk about having a stick in the odd spot!

[dragonpiwo]

Whatever.

[dragonpiwo]

Seriously Shake you are not having an even nearly similar experience. I don't have to plan when I bowl or when I get on a train. If I want to go to Thailand or Bali or Mexico I can tomorrow. I don't underestimate what people can earn either, I just know how many hours you have to teach to do it. As I've repeated ad nauseam, the VAST majority of TEFLers earn less than 5k. That gives them very few options. Ecocks has been to Malbork for 500zl great! it's his first year and he ate kielbasa and pierogi and went halves on a room. I'm over that. I'm a bit old fashioned, so I pay for my partner all the time. And Delph, the last burger me and my pals had in Browaria was great. In fact, we all commented on how tasty it was. I'm going to teach 6 hours this week and 9 next. Trips to the seaside again soon and Berlin for some clothes shopping, so I don't get ripped off in Poznan. I'd rather go to Ku'damm, where it's cheaper and there's more choice. I'd also rather spend a hundred quid on a great meal in Germany than 60 quid on a Polish interpretation of foreign food. There's no accounting for taste old boy. Some may interpret this as bragging but it's just how I roll. Poland is OK for a few years but the longer you stay, the longer you're going to suffer later on in life. Need any dental work as you will or need an operation then you'll see. That thirty year mortgage will be a real bind when you're a bit older and simply son't have the energy. Get divorced and then you really are on thin ice. Ecocks has done it all and is older, so he doesn't seem to have the same prognosis. I have a lovely life there and I'm blessed but the 'hustle' just isn't my thing.

[stonethecrow]

Thanks for the replies... and the interesting life stories haha.

Regarding qualifications, I have a CELTA, taught some private lessons in Krakow and have worked at a UK summer camp.

I can understand people thinking that this isn't a great deal, but I can't find a significantly better one in Poland. Even the IH jobs pay about the same and any other schools I've got in touch with have yet to reply.

[ecocks]

You'll survive it!

Spend a year, get your feet on the ground and look for your niche.

In the meantime, enjoy life!

Shout if you're ever up this way.

[kittymiaz]

It seems the job market in Poland is really tough this year (in fact I'm heading to Russia because as a non-EU citizen I can't find another job). So I would take the offer if you are keen on Poland.
I think you can easily get by on that salary. Last year I was earning 3,000zl (less whenever there were public holidays) in Wroclaw and my room cost 900 a month. I was perfectly ok living on around 1900-2100zl a month. I ate out at local restaurants (never 'foreign' food though) and drank at cheap pubs.
But I WOULD recommend bringing all your own Winter clothes and gear as these things are really expensive in Poland.

[dragonpiwo]

Just to make it clear, your budget of 70Zl a day is 14 Quid or 21 Dollars. That is nothing in Europe. It's a real survival wage and is less than welfare in the UK. Polish prices and UK prices are comparable for many, many things.

Just out of interest, why do you want to put yourself through poverty? Why Poland?

My ties to Poland have centred around my son, who is happy in school there and is more Polish than English. The Polish side of his family, with whom I'm no longer in contact, love him to bits, which is great.

In fact, I'd ask the same question to anyone on this board. Why did you choose Poland folks?

[ecocks]

I'll bite:

Why Poland/Eastern Europe?

1. Weather is what I prefer (at least in Gdansk area).

2. Central location and ease of travel with regard to Europe and Asia for future travel.

3. Financial potential and cost of living.

4. European history and cultural setting is familiar enough AND different enough at the same time.

5. Availability of food, consumer items and basics.

6. Relatively stable and reasonable government and economy.

7. Still a chance to get back to learning a bit more Russian.

Considered and rejected:

Bulgaria - rejected mostly due to weather and somewhat due to government corruption rep.

Ukraine - Been there, done that, economy and political situation is screwed up.

Georgia and Kazakhstan were my alternatives but lacked a bit with regard to economic, travel and weather situations.

[dragonpiwo]

Ecocks...the climate?????? Freezing for more than half the year with humid, damp summers.

Financial potential??????

I'm amazed but realize we're all different.

You gotta visa yet?

[ecocks]

Latest development was postponement of the decision to the 13th of September. That makes four times it has been extended pending more information.........will see what happens in next week or so.

[ecocks]

[sparks]

I must admit, I was a bit surprised by the climate comment as well. Bulgaria no but poland yes? Are you morbidly obese or something...?

[ecocks]

No, are youa Downs Syndrome victim?

Do you feel Danes, Swedes, Finns and Norwegians have some sort of genetic or mental disorder? Canadians?

[sparks]

I had to take my thumb out of my eye to reply but...

No, I don't. I'm just saying that almost no one really "likes" Polish weather. Also the Scandos do have some high suicide rates, problems with alcohol and listen to fairly wicked music. So, I guess I don't think that they particullarly "like" the climate up there.

[dragonpiwo]

I prefer the financial potential where I am thanks. I did the whole Uni job, private lessons, recording and journalism thing for years before most people on this board ever set foot in Poland. The hustle ain't for me.