Job Discussion Forums

Mrs McClusky · Joined: 09 Jun 2010 Posts: 133

I worked in China about 6 years ago. At the time I earned a crappy 6000 RMB plus an apartment in the bloody school (look out for that trap newbies).
I thought it would be nice to return but am staggering in shock at the salaries.
Unless inflation hasn't touched that place how the hell are people surviving?

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

easily

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

You're right.

The price of food has gone up, the prices of everything has gone up.

Salaries?

Of course not!

There ARE jobs out there for more, but you have to look AND have education.

kev7161 · Joined: 06 Feb 2004 Posts: 5880 Location: Suzhou, China

I see people throwing around the "6000 rmb" quote as standard, but it wasn't all that long ago that 4000 seemed to be the norm. Not saying 6000 is all that great to be sure, but it is an increase nevertheless.

Gamecock · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 102 Location: Zhuhai, China

I've also noticed that for university jobs, the workload has increased with no pay increase. A few years ago the average uni job would be 12-14 hours a week for 4000-5000, but now many of these schools are paying the same and looking for people to teach 18, 20, or even more hours per week.

With that said, for the average ESL teacher with little experience and just a BA degree, China has always been a place where you aren't going to save much or be able to pay off student loans. But its really not so hard to live here on a budget and enjoy your life.

With some experience on the resume and an advanced degree it is no problem to live well here and be saving as well as anywhere in Asia.