Job Discussion Forums

Ladybug · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Posts: 68

I need a change in my life and my friend who works at a kindy in Hong Kong has been dangling a carrot in front of my nose for the past year to come out and work at one of her schools. I think I could do it, even though my experience with young children is limited to one year (I'm very patient when it comes to kids.)

I'm just scared that with the job, I will not be able to have the kind of life that I have here, which means I send about $900 US a month, and then toward the end of my pay cycle am sitting there waiting for the next paycheck. I really would like to be able to dent my student loans and credit card seriously while I am away from the USA.

I guess I don't want to move to a hand to mouth situation financially. But I hear that the lifestyle in HK, while expensive, is really good, diverse, modern, there are lots of things to do there. I really need a change of scenery, but am not sure if it'd be better for me to stay in Korea for about 6 more months and then try to go home, or go to Hong Kong for a bit and then go home. It all depends on what I can do to save money there.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. How is the life there, anyways?

Thanks for your help!

munasa · Joined: 17 Apr 2003 Posts: 79 Location: HK

You probably won't have a huge paycheck working in a kindergarten here, but you might be able to send your usual $900 a month home.
As one who has been in Korea previously, I can recommend coming to HK for a change of scenery. It's quite different and more expat-friendly. There's plenty to do if you like hiking, or there's a nightclub scene (which I haven't experienced), or there's shopping. So much depends on YOU. Some people feel HK is too small with little to offer. Others love it!
It's hard to answer your question without knowing what your income would be here and what is included in your employment package.
I've been here for over a year and have no regrets. I am one of the people who loves HK. (most of the time)

Ladybug · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Posts: 68

Hi...

Thanks so much for those words of encouragement. I guess $900 US doesn't have to be the amount I send home, thank God it's not my minimum payments! Very Happy

I've just seen job ads before where you work in China (which would also be really really cool) BUT you only get paid $500 US or so a month.

As far as I know, I think the salary would be between 12,000 and 14,000 HK a month (my friend will try to pull some strings for me to get her type of salary) and then the utilities are unpaid, but I most likely will have a roommate to split those with.

I saw my friend last year before starting this contract. I love this job I am in now (teaching middle schoolers) and have a cat (which I may have to give up) Sad

so I really need to be sure I will be making the right decision, but (before I difress too much further) I loooooooved Hong Kong for its bustle and cosmopolitan style, and with friends already there, hopefully it shouldn't be too much of a transition for me.

What would you say are the biggest culture shock worries I have to face in HK?

Peaches En Regalia · Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2004 4:12 am Post subject:

Ladybug · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Posts: 68

I see what you mean, there must be a huge discrepancy among the wealthy and even middle class, but I *would* work there if it didn't mean I'd only be left with like 100 dollars for the rest of the month.

Anyone else want to share their Hong Kong stories with me? Very Happy

mcNug · Joined: 12 Jun 2003 Posts: 83 Location: HK

Ladybug · Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Posts: 68

Ahhhhh...I want to hug all you guys! You're giving me a lot of hope in coming here and actually doing well...financially anyways. Wink

So...if I come to the Island, what do you say to a hang out? Wink

At a nice cheap place of course! Wink

ContemporaryDog · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 1477 Location: Wuhan, China

I still haven't made it to Hong Kong, but a tip from someone I know who lives there, about where to live cheaply: Lamma Island.

Rent is very low there and you can commute into work on the boat every morning. Apparently its got a really laid back hippie vibe and is full of other people trying to live cheaply...