Job Discussion Forums

tforan1 · Joined: 07 Jan 2005 Posts: 8

Hi guys,
I'm curious to know if HK$20,000 for a forty hour work week (not all contact obviously) is appropriate. It is six days a week but two weekdays are only afternoons.
It's a gross rate, not after taxes, and it doesn't include housing, which I've been told I can get for around HK$3,000+ if I share. Or if I stay in a dingy hostel room, which I don't mind but would prefer a place where I can go do a bit of studying at night as I'm working on Masters.
It's a short six-month contract but includes airfare, paid at end of contract obviously (which I'm a little nervous about, because I don't want to get turfed just before the end of contract for some lame reason. I'm a good teacher and responsible.)
Problem is, I need to save, which seems feasible since I obviously won't have too much free time to go out or travel. I eat cheaply, local foods always, and don't really need to go to big clubs etc. but I will have a few beers on a Saturday night, and I like to see movies, and do day trips to the country.
I've got some advice on some of these questions before, which I appreciated, but I was wondering if anybody knew approximately how much I could send home to Canada.
I wouldn't qualify for Net program as I don't have an official teaching certification, just my TESOL and degree, plus pg studies, and 2.5 years experience.

Thanks again,

Tim

Susie · Joined: 02 Jul 2003 Posts: 390 Location: PRC

Do you mean that Children's ... made the offer mentioned above? Are you in HK or Canada now?

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=18765

tforan1 · Joined: 07 Jan 2005 Posts: 8

No, CEC hasn't offered me the position yet, just an interview. Do you work for them now or before or are you going to?

Smoog · Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 137 Location: Hong Kong

Well, on the positive side, $20k isn't bad and you should be able to save, as long as you don't go to the Western restaurants. I can get lunch or dinner at a local eatery for $10HK ($1.50Can). Going to a cafe like Starbucks will set you back prob $70HK ($10.70Can) for coffee, sandwich and a slice.
I went to Fat Angelos (an Italian restaurant) and that set me back $500HK ($77Can) for 2 mains and one entree.
At the Chungking Mansions, I can get 3 mains, entree and Naan bread for $140 ($20Can).
(btw I was with someone else before you think I'm a greedy guts!)
So if you're budgeting, go local.
You can get a place for round $4-5k (share of course).
I usually budget about $3000 p/month ($100 p/day) for travel (MTR is the dearest but quickest way round), lunch and groceries. And then another couple of $k on top of that for other expenses - like you I'm trying to save (to pay off my Student loan). So until that's cleared I'm living frugally.
I'm on $23k p/month at present and usually send $10-12k back each month. So I guess you could prob look at $7-$10k ($1100-$1500Can). Which is ok I suppose.

On the negative side, make absolutely sure you will get that money. I've just been made redundant for a bogus reason and I've been told that the bonus won't be paid out pro-rata (which I'm not sure whether this is legal or not). Also been told that it's company policy not to pay out any leave owing, as well as any sick leave taken during the notice period of 2 months.
So read the contract very, very carefully.

Ger · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 334

I work for wifey and her clan 40 hours a week, 20,000 gross a month, no airfare, no housing, no meals, no annual leave in the 1st year, no MPF, no sick pay. It's 5 days a week, 30 hours contact time, that is, 6 hours teaching a day. I get legal sponsorship. It is not enough money and too much work. It is not worth it.

kowlooner · Joined: 24 Jun 2004 Posts: 230 Location: HK, BCC (former)

Ger · Joined: 25 Feb 2004 Posts: 334

Check out the labour department's "Concise Guide to the Employment Ordinance" .

1 year of service, annual leave entitlement of 7 days, in my contract "not to be taken until after 12 months of service".

MPF payments are not paid unless immigration has granted an employment visa of over 12 months in duration (mine isn't).

Sick leave unsupported by an appropriate medical certificate is deducted from my salary.

20,000 pm x 160 hours pm (40 hours pm) = HK$125 per hour = slave labour.

kowlooner · Joined: 24 Jun 2004 Posts: 230 Location: HK, BCC (former)

once again · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Posts: 815

Ger, what are you qualifications at the moment? You may think that the hourly rate is not that high, but then stablitiy is something to be thankful in this business.