Job Discussion Forums

[mfelix87]

Hi all,
I was wondering what the chances are of being able to support two people on one salary. I am looking into getting an MA TESOL, and I would prefer to teach in Europe, but I am flexible because I want to be able to have my husband with me. He does not have a college degree so it would be unlikely that he would get work as a teacher (at least that is my understanding--plus, he isn't really the teaching type). I have read that it is possible to bring someone along, but how hard is it, realistically, to live off of one teacher's salary, considering that I will also have to pay off student loans? How likely would it be that he could perhaps get a job as say, a hotel housekeeper, or something like that? Any help is appreciated.

[Glenski]

What is your nationality? It would help to be able to tell you what parts of Europe are off-limits to you, visa-wise.

What countries in Europe are you interested in? I'm sure salaries vary considerably.

How much per month do you have to pay off in student loans? We can't tell you much about savings without knowing that.

What sort of lifestyle are the 2 of you used to? I know of a guy who says he needs a case of imported wine every month as a basic necessity.

As for your husband, the country you choose will have its own visa regulations, but I'm sure most jobs would require some measure of language fluency.

[spiral78]

I have an MA TESL/TEFL and have taught for about six years at a univeristy in Europe and for another 6 years freelance, at private language schools and a Canadian university.

With an MA TEFL, at a European university, you can support yourself ok and save a bit, generally speaking. Trying to support a partner would be difficult - not just 'frugal,' but in the 'buying a pair of jeans requires significant advance financial planning' category. Add student loans to the mix, and I think it's highly unlikely that you would find this do-able in the European region.

As for your husband getting other work - that's probably quite difficult. In addition to needing local language skills to do almost any other job than teaching English, there will likely be visa issues.

Which brings up the most important question: what nationality do you (both) hold?

If you are not from an EU member country, Western Europe is basically off-limits in a legal sense. I am American, and work in a Western Euro country on an exceptional work visa (I have specialist quals and local contacts) - but I would not be allowed to bring a non-European spouse into the country nor would my spouse be eligible for a work permit. This will be essentially the same in all countries in Western Europe.

Central/Eastern Europe is legally feasible for non-European teachers, but wages are really subsistence level for one person. I think your plan would crash for lack of funds quickly there, I'm afraid.

I think you should consider other regions of the world, in order to make this work for you!

[naturegirl321]

Possible, but not easy. What �s your nationality? My husband doesn't have a college degree. Jobs are limited. I'd say that money is a big concern, but in addition to that, keeping your husband busy will be something that you should think about. Some men, if they can't work, feel worthless, it's hard on your marriage. Take it from me. My husband left after 10 weeks in Korea. Just saying, money wise, we're fine, pride wise, he's not. But he's learned and knows what he'll be doing when he comes back early next year.

As for working as a hotel housekeeper, that's possible. Check with country reqs though, my husband legally can't work in Korea. Second, would your husband even WANT to be a housekeeper? That's something that you will have to discuss as well.

Asia is a possiblity, I know 5 other friends, the women work, the men don't. We survive here, and most of us save money as well.

[coledavis]

If you're offered free accommodation, then it may not be impossible. Also, does your husband's non-teaching attributes stop him from running spoken English groups (where he doesn't make claims to be a teacher)? This is often seen as a useful adjunct by language schools, although I suspect that this would only supplement your income.

[Glenski]

[coledavis]

[Glenski]

I see what you meant now. Many employers (most?) balk at hiring couples because of a few reasons. One is they don't want 2 vacancies when they choose to go on vacation. Another is the potential for bickering at the workplace over home matters. Another is the chance (and strong one here) that only one of them may be what they want (whether by degree or experience or personal chemistry). They may have a salary budget only for one person, too.

No harm in asking what you propose, but I'd not be surprised if the answer was no.

[Never Ceased To Be Amazed]