Job Discussion Forums

[FloridaTEFL]

I'm thinking of taking a Uni job in Beijing, but the pay is only 6500. Maybe will go up to 7000, maybe...
I don't mind living frugally, but from what I've read here 6500 barely seems livable in Beijing. (Although the rent is paid by the school).
I really want the Uni job for my resume, but I need to send $200 home each month.
Am I delusional to think this can work? Would it be easy/fast to pick up a part-time job in Beijing to add to the income?

[johntpartee]

If you are frugal, you CAN do it. Very frugal.

[thessy]

There are generally a variety of replies to this type of question, most of which ignore your actual question. Here's a few of the points folks are likely to mention:

1. 7000RMB/month (assuming you're working the standard 12-16 teaching hour week) for a Uni position is above average.

2. Cost of living (with rent covered) usually depends more on you than your location. If you're a drinker, like to go to clubs, refuse to ride a bus and only go by taxi, insist on eating expensive foreign food, etc. then you will be strapped for cash. If you're down with cooking yourself, willing to ride a bus or subway, and more introverted socially you 'can' easily live on half of what you are going to make, assuming no hidden expenses.

3. As a general rule, ESL in China does little for a resume and sometimes can even be seen as a negative if it's a 'gap' between jobs in a professional career. A naive employer might see it was a neat thing, but anybody in the know is aware that the general requirement for teaching in China is...a pulse. For high class institutions, a degree may be required, but that's essentially it. You may do the job much better than others, but essentially you are doing a job any warm-bodied [and preferably, by Chinese standards] white face could do.

4. Picking up side work in Beijing should be very easy to do, although generally considered illegal.

[cormac]

There are plenty of clubs in Beijing like Vicks which can have "cheaper" drinks like cocktails (higher alcohol content so less need to drink so much). I can definitely recommend their "Long Island Ice Tea".. Its just a matter to keeping an eye out and getting to know some Chinese people that will point you in the right direction for cheaper alternatives. I think clubbing and bars gets expensive when you're on you're own. If you head out as a group (like the Chinese do) you can save quite a bit. However if you're buying two beers at a time, it gets real expensive. If you're on you're own, get to know the bar staff.. some places will allow you to buy 16 beers, drink some of them, and then put them behind the bar.. you get a slip of paper to reclaim them the next time you come back. You can save quite a bit of cash that way.

There are loads of cheap alternatives in any Chinese city for going out and having fun. I find its just that most westerners fall in love with the idea of splurging and showing off to the Chinese or other westerners around them.

The same goes for food or just about any activity. Get to know some Chinese people, and learn how they live. You have to remember that most Chinese you meet will be earning quite a bit less than you, and still manage to live decent lifestyles.

[kukiv]

[cormac]

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

1. Stay on topic.

2. Report problem posters to the Mod Team.

3. Address the message and not the messenger.

[maotouying]