Job Discussion Forums

[samch]

Hi all, i need help - i am currently in South Africa and will be giving up my life here and moving myself, husband and 1 year old child with me to Taipei so need advice !!!
handed in my cv for a position at tigertots (TYPA) and director a little unsure at the momment but seems with my qualifications they will offer me about 70000 NTD...
Need help to decided if this is livable for a couple - my husband will play "mother" for the momment until my son is old enough to go to creche and then we will look at supplementing our income.
for the mean time is this salary comfotable???

[BigWally]

I'll be blunt, but honest....here are a few things to consider.

1. I know this is just a forum and spelling, grammar, and syntax don't matter to some, but your writing seems very unprofessional, and somewhat un-educated. If you are corresponding with possible employers via email I hope you're paying attention to these things.

2. Bringing a baby to Taiwan is a difficult choice. About 99% of the foreigners I've talked to would strongly advise against it. Have you considered the differences in health care that your child will receive? Education? Language skills? Transportation?

3. If you plan on living in a bachelor apartment, and living an extremely frugal lifestyle, then I suppose an argument could be made that 3 people could survive on that 70,000 (before tax, so more like 55,000 after tax) income. When you factor in things like rent, security fees, security deposits, scooter rentals, transit passes, food, clothing, baby needs, I would say not a chance in hell (if you're looking to save any money), especially living in Taipei (the most expensive place to live on the island).

4. Lastly, I've seen that some employers tend to shy away from South Africans due to the accent, and the problems that some kids have understanding it. I've often seen different wages offered for "North American" English speakers, than to those from Oz, NZ, or SA.

[samch]

Thank you Big Wally for your comments, I apologies for the syntax and spelling - as I said I have a 1 year old so often when I am able to post I am rushing, therefore the words come out incorrectly and as its a blog I was not concerned about this - but obviously I need to be more aware!!

- as far as your comments go about the work situation - I really appreciate the honesty, that is what we need - sitting in SA is far from Taiwan and we don't have a clue what the reality is there - that is why I asked the question... thank you - I have told them that i can not come over for that amount and they are thinking about it - what amount would you think would be liveable?
- rent seems to be +- 15000 - 20000 NTD
- living costs? travel?
- would love some more honest input
thank you...

[123Loto]

There's a high traffic forum for parenting in Taiwan on www.forumosa.com