Job Discussion Forums

keepwalking · Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Posts: 194 Location: Peru, at last

I also made a career change. although changing from teaching in the UK to teaching in Latin America may not seem like a career change, believe me it is!

When considering what makes a good wage I always apply the 30% rule: a comfortable existence is one where your rent is about 30% of what you earn each month, leaving the other 70% for food, bills, transport and living a little. Wherever I have worked, Europe, Asia and here that seems to work out. Not sure why, but it does.

Good luck on the change. It is worth it.

Super Mario · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 6:34 pm Post subject:

I'd say if you're living well and saving 50% or more of your salary.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 8:53 pm Post subject:

Another thing to consider is fluctuations. If you're salaried, you have a fixed income, making it easy to budget and decide what you can afford.

But a lot of EFL positions, especially entry level ones in some countries (in my experience, eastern Europe is in this category) pay by the hour, which leaves you at the mercy of fluctuations in income as student enrollment goes up or down, as students disappear, or whatever. If you're considering an hourly paid position, one of the best things to do is talk to a teacher currently working there, and figure out how much your average is likely to be, and how much it will vary.

Regards,
Justin

PS I wish I were saving half my salary, after living well...

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2006 11:25 pm Post subject:

It certainly does! But trust me, if I only spent half my salary, I wouldn't be "living well" by anybody's standards. (I usually understand living well to include both eating and having a place to live.) Very Happy

But I'm having one heck of a good time!

Justin

Super Mario · Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2006 12:57 am Post subject:

Yeah Justin!
China cops quite a bit of bagging on forums, but the 50% rule generally holds.
Of course, in poorer provinces, 50% of next to nothing doesn't convert to much if you want to holiday in HK, or visit the family back home. But for the better paying jobs, putting away USD 500+ a month isn't too hard.
But if you're enjoying life, what the hell!