Job Discussion Forums

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

I heard from a friend, that if you want to work in MAdrid and have an ok life, you need to be making 1300euro net. IS this ture? Can any of you working in Madrid inform me of how much you need to be making?

Thanks

Moore · Joined: 25 Aug 2004 Posts: 730 Location: Madrid

Your mate's right: you need at least that, and as life gets ever more expensive here I'd say you should be aiming for 1600 a month, in light of the fact that there is a lot less work at Christmas and very little over August and half of September.

It's really not hard to get that sort of money though if you look around for the best deals and work hard while there's work to be had.

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

is that 1600 net?? Therefore, I'm guessing its better work freelance that for a school?

Moore · Joined: 25 Aug 2004 Posts: 730 Location: Madrid

Net, in your pocket, after taxes and all that. Some school pay really quite good wages though, if you shop around for the best offers, so freelance isn't your only option.

stoth1972 · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2007 9:37 pm Post subject:

Gone are the days of the $800 monthly salary...

Nicky_McG · Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 190

I would question the need for so much money?

I earn between 1000 and 1200 a month and have (what I believe to be) a good life. Ok I share a flat (not a problem for me) but that means I have plenty of spare cash. I think it really depends how much you drink (most people�s main expense) and how long you want to be here for. My contract runs through summer but that isn�t that common (even then I know plenty pof teachers who have found other work in summer). If you�re here to learn Spanish then work less and earn less (and maybe try and find a job in which you speak spanish!) Lots of people on this website say the money is bad in Madrid but I disagree. Compared to the local wage we�re doing that bad for the amount of training most of us have had (and I wouldn�t even recommend doing CELTA if you�re not in it for a career as getting a job is ridiculously easy!)

Moore · Joined: 25 Aug 2004 Posts: 730 Location: Madrid

Nicky is right: you can get by on less money- it does all depend on what you're here for and for how long.

Drinking and going out are definitely most peoples main expenses, but then again Madrid is, in many ways, all about drinking and going out Very Happy

I think when I say 1600 a month I'm talking about someone like me who goes out regularly, who plans to live here long-term and therefore needs to put a little bit of cash aside for a bit of security, and who needs a holiday at least once a year for a couple of weeks.

It is definitely possible to live on very little here in Madrid as Nicky says, but longer term I'd say you need to be getting as far over over 1500 a month as you can manage.

elliot_spencer · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 495

HEY, sorry to do this, but after reading about Madrid and seeing most jobs on TEFL.com paying 800-1000 net and hearning its not enough, I've been in talks with a school in Prague! anyone taught there? the salary is 21,000CZK a month. Anyone any advice?

Thanks

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

There is a Czech Republic forum. You'll get more response if you post there.

21,000 czk is a decent salary, but you should look into it extensively. Is 21 gross? If so, what will be net take-home? Is a travel pass provided? Housing assistance? What about in case of cancelations - is your monthly income affected?

The general rule is that teachers in Prague, just like in Madrid, earn enough to get along and get out a bit. Not to save, not to pay off debt back home, not to go shopping in the tourist centres for 'nice' clothing, not enough to travel much outside the country.

They often live in shared apartments to save on rent (rents are relatively VERY high - I was paying 10,000 per month to live on my own back nine years ago, and things haven't improved!!).

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Sorry, premature posting! Embarassed

The general rule that applies to both Prague and Madrid is that, when you want to be in a desirable location, you're one of many, by definition. And when there are tons of teachers on the job market, salaries are going to be relatively low.

If you want to make money, you've gotta go where fewer people want to teach.

FemaleNomad · Joined: 17 Mar 2007 Posts: 58 Location: Poland

Hi -- I'm kind of new to this --- what areas would you say most people do not want to teach in? I'm under the impression that these areas would pay more money -- is that correct? Do you know of any?

Thanks!! Very Happy

Jetgirly · Joined: 17 Jul 2004 Posts: 741

There's a job posting on Tefl.com for Kyrgyzstan...

When you start going to crappy locations you might get paid RELATIVELY more in relation to locals, but less (total) than you would in a popular location. For example, the job in Kyrgyzstan pays $500 US per month while the average local salary is $50 per month. However, use your $500 per month to travel during your holidays or go home at Christmas and you're screwed.

davsorresp · Joined: 03 Mar 2007 Posts: 4

I earn between 1000-1200 a monh, not so good month would be around 900 , when Madrid has non stop "puentes" and students suddenly get sick and classes are cancelled ... but if you share a flat, drink moderately Cool

and try to sleep early on some nights, then Madrid is definitely liveable on 1000 a month. I know of some teachers who make a lot more than 1200 a month and I also know of some who live ok on 900 , all a matter of priorities. i think madrid's great and if you're into fun and the nightlife, madrid's your town.