Job Discussion Forums

Texas_blu · Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 108 Location: HCMC, VN

I've been here 4 years, I'm married and have a child so my situation might be different. But 4 years ago my budget for the basics was about 3.5 million VND - now that's more than tripled. This doesn't include any entertainment, etc. and my wife's VN.

Most jobs have leveled off pay-wise as the supply is slightly greater than the demand now. Now don't get me wrong, I'm still making money but I've got an established reputation and real time experience here. But as I'm meeting the newbies now they're telling stories about working for some of the doggiest schools where the salary has gone down and the demands have gone up.

Other expats that I know are complaining about how inflated values have increased SO MUCH. here's a link about that...

http://www.thanhniennews.com/business/?catid=2&newsid=50666

I'm not trying to scare anybody off but I think it's clear that teacher-wise the boom days are over and saving money will be be best done by the penny-pinchers. You party-animals types can still come here for a good time but you probably won't be leaving with anything in your pocket except memories!

Tanker · Joined: 15 Jun 2005 Posts: 72

cvmurrieta · Joined: 10 Jul 2008 Posts: 209 Location: Sendai, Japan

Mattingly · Joined: 03 Jul 2008 Posts: 249

Green Acres · Joined: 06 May 2009 Posts: 260

I can deal with the loss in real wages, and even all the headaches of Vietnam compared with other cities that are just as expensive, however, I cannot put up with the empowerment this situation is giving managers and owners of institutions.

They're not all bad, but most are the scum of the earth. In the old days, the shortage of teachers drove wages up and bad management was often rewarded on the long term by school closures. Not anymore. Now these same lunatics are able to parry one teacher off another, and in many respects, it doesn't even matter if one is qualified or not. The system is in disarray and any chances of self-correction are fading.

I've said it before, and I will say it again. This place is perfect for the backpacker. I have no problems with that. It's too bad that the government is not as stringent upon the regulations of these schools as they are on every foreigner seeking employment here. Remember too, that as foreigners we are not allowed to form a union, join a union or establish a pension plan. We may not voice opinions in the press or criticize the status quo. It's really a mess, and for anyone who is serious about their profession in ESL, the headaches and heartaches are endless.

MisterLinguistix · Joined: 27 May 2009 Posts: 16

I have been reading and hearing from various sources that the major impetus for these recent changes has been the economic meltdown in the major countries. That is, a lot of college graduates and unemployed are simply fleeing in search of ANY job at this point.

Therefore, could it be that this current reversal of fortune (for us non-newbies) will reverse again if the major economies pull out of the current mess?

Then, of course, the only damage that will have been done would be the exposure of the Asian ELT industry leaders for being the vultures that they (often) are?

Texas_blu · Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 108 Location: HCMC, VN

This is a quote from that other website written by a Sir Charles:

BenE · Joined: 11 Oct 2008 Posts: 321

I came here 6 months ago and back then things were quiet and there was a lot of talk of people being laid off. I've been very fortunate and got a stable job with a set number of hours that seems to be picking up what a lot of the smaller institutions are losing out on due to them having higher costs.

I netted $2000 last month and I am saving so it is still possible though you have to work hard to get to that stage.