Advice sought: Been teaching at Korean universities for 3
years and have just been offered a university post in
Beijing. It pays about one-seventh what I'm making now but
I have no debts or dependants and would like to see more of
China in and out on weekend and holiday trips. Did some
independent travel there last year and found that
foreigner's hotels and train tickets were more than I'd
budgeted for. Should I stay or should I go?
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I'm not sure what you're teaching in Korea, but if
it's English, then I would assume your salary offer in
China is in the 2000 RMB range with possible holiday bonus
and apartment expenses covered. If this sithe case and you
are used to a relatively comfortable lifestyle, you're
certainly not going to be socking any money away for your
retirement unless you can subsist on noodles and mantou. If
you've built up some savings during your tenure in Korea,
can transfer accumulated household comforts (i.e. don't need
to completely set up house again), and don't typically stay
in three-star hotels, you can probably live and travel quite
comfortably.
If you're salary offer doesn't include apartment expenses
and the salary is only a little higher than above, I would
certainly have to think a lot harder about it. Life in
Beijing isn't so cheap and isn't so "typically China" as
elsewhere in the country, but then again, it's a lot more
comfortable and, culturally and socially, it's a lot more
happening. As for traveling, there is a wide range of hotel
choices in most places, although the foreigner surcharge
does stubbornly persist in some areas. Bargaining does,
however, work wonders. As for transportation: if the
train's too expensive, there's always the bus.
If you're really into China, go. If you're really
comfortable in Korea and making decent money, save it for a
summer vacation or an extended trip through China before you
move on or go home.
I will say I don't live in Beijing (been there though); this
is only my "living here" experience. If you post some
additional specifics, perhaps more specific advice could be
given by others.
Twelve years ago, I was in a similar situation like
you, I decided to sign a 1-year-working contract.
Well, finally I stayed 5 years in China, returned
to Europe only to find out that life is terrible over
there. So I decided to come to China again...
From my personal point of view, Beijing is not the best
place to live in China, but opinions are different.
Most important is to find a good working unit.
In general: life for foreigners is best, if no or few
foreigners are around.
I appreciate the advice. The salary is exactly what you
mentioned for English teaching and everything seems to be
included. I'm pretty low budget so the money should be ok.
But I think the point is "If you're really into China, go".
I think I'm more "into" SE Asia right now so will turn my
attention south and maybe do the intinerant thing for a
while. Thanks for helping me clear things up.
Hi Mary, I agree with the decision. The job's not going
anywhere and you can get another similar one next semester.
Rest your Korea-frazzled nerves and consider your future in
teaching or journalism (heard Cal's not bad in Berkley).
A concerned iguana.