Job Discussion Forums

[lawsteveunfortunately]

Hi.

Any help sorting out my life is greatly appreciated.

I have two choices-

Warsaw 2800 PLN net with free accomodation and paid Xmas, Winter, Easter break (4 weeks)

Lublin 60 PLN gross/hr (about 25 hours a week) No accom, no paid holidays.

Lublin sounds like better money, but what would the experienced Poland teacher do in my shoes?

[Grrrmachine]

When I came to Warsaw it was for 3000PLN, with the flat and transport and holidays too, and that was a sweet deal. I was able to live very comfortably. If you PM me the name of the school that's made you the offer I'll let you know if they're reputable or not.

As for Lublin, I cant comment, but 60PLN gross is pretty good anywhere - is that per 60mins or 45mins? Even though some teachers balk at only 25hours a week, you still have the option of private students to beef your income and, from what Ive heard, Lublin is less expensive that Warsaw, but that depends on how you splash your cash.

[cezarek]

Lublin sounds the better deal.

[Grrrmachine]

if it's based solely on cash, a VERY quick analysis of the figures:

Warsaw = 2800zl NET. So thats about 3500 gross, when you think they're paying your health and tax, plus you get an apartment which must be worth another 1000zl a month, so all in all. 4500zl.

Lublin = 60zl x 25hrs x 4 (weeks) = 6000zl GROSS. When you think you have to take tax (umowa działą 10%) and all your health stuff, thats about 5000zl a month. And Lublin's cheaper, so you're better off.

BUT they dont pay your holidays, of four weeks. If its a 9 month contract (October to June) and you lose a months wages in unpaid holidays, it's 9 x 4500, or 8 x 5000, which means in Warsaw you end up 500zl better off. But then again, Warsaw is a bit more expensive.

With that in mind then, I'd say Warsaw is a more interesting place to go

[gregoryfromcali]

Warsaw can be expensive.

But the money alone shouldn't be used to decide where you want to live.

It depends on what you're looking for. Warsaw is probably more interesting and an easier place to be a foreigner.

On the other hand when I lived in Poland I never wanted to live in Warsaw because to me it just seemed like I was back in the States at least compared to Cracow which still feels a lot more like "real Poland."

In fact Lublin may be a little too much of the "real Poland." But it can be interesting there too. The Old town is well worth a visit. If you want to be surrounded by Poles go to Lublin if you want to be surrounded by Ex-pats go to Warsaw.

The best thing to do is visit these schools for yourself. The school can make a difference if you like a place or hate it.

[Grrrmachine]

YOure only surrounded by ex-pats if you want to be - Ive been in Warsaw for a year and havent met any of them yet