I know this has been discussed in the forums, but I didn't find a thread focusing on this.
How do you find the perfect balance between locations that suck but pay well, and locations that are amazing but offer average incomes. And everything in between those two extremes. I'm not talking about professional jobs vs teaching English, I'm talking about similar positions in different parts of the world.
I know you are going to say... start your own business, freelance, consult. You are right, but for now, I quite enjoy my career. Side hustles are easier when you have a stable income.
A bit of context: One of the amazing things about being a good engineer and speaking English, is that I can find a job in almost any location I choose.
In my early twenties I profited by finding paid internships in locations like Bangkok, Amsterdam or Finland. You know, getting paid to travel and making your CV stand out.
My first job after graduation pays a lot (5000 USD per month after taxes and mandatory health insurance) but in a location that sucks a lot (Switzerland). Out of that I could save around 60% per month and invest it.
Now my 2 years contract is almost done and I can't wait to get the hell out of here.
So now I have an important choice in front of me. Some of the places I have interviews lined up for are:
- Prague, with a salary of 60k crowns (around 2500 USD per month)
- Costa Rica, again around 2000 per month, maybe 2500.
- Oslo, a city that doesn't interest me at all, but I expect a much higher salary (although higher taxes too).
- Hong Kong is an exception, amazing salary and the place rocks, I'm working on it but there are not so many options.
- I found many offers in shithole industrial cities in the UK, which offer anywhere from 45k to 70k pounds per month, but I instantly discarded. Same for Germany and France.
I'm leaning towards the good locations that pay 2500. That's 3 times the average Czech income. You can live very comfortably in there and still save 1500 per month, but that's nothing.
With that kind of income, forget about getting financial freedom early in your 30s, or going on vacation to Asia twice per year, or generally a high end lifestyle. I don't need to be rich, just have enough that I don't even think about money.
So yes, given the choice, what would you choose?
I tried to find a compromise, locations that are quite ok without sucking, but still have high salaries and low taxes, but didn't find anything.
Anyone had to make this choice?
How do you find the perfect balance between locations that suck but pay well, and locations that are amazing but offer average incomes. And everything in between those two extremes. I'm not talking about professional jobs vs teaching English, I'm talking about similar positions in different parts of the world.
I know you are going to say... start your own business, freelance, consult. You are right, but for now, I quite enjoy my career. Side hustles are easier when you have a stable income.
A bit of context: One of the amazing things about being a good engineer and speaking English, is that I can find a job in almost any location I choose.
In my early twenties I profited by finding paid internships in locations like Bangkok, Amsterdam or Finland. You know, getting paid to travel and making your CV stand out.
My first job after graduation pays a lot (5000 USD per month after taxes and mandatory health insurance) but in a location that sucks a lot (Switzerland). Out of that I could save around 60% per month and invest it.
Now my 2 years contract is almost done and I can't wait to get the hell out of here.
So now I have an important choice in front of me. Some of the places I have interviews lined up for are:
- Prague, with a salary of 60k crowns (around 2500 USD per month)
- Costa Rica, again around 2000 per month, maybe 2500.
- Oslo, a city that doesn't interest me at all, but I expect a much higher salary (although higher taxes too).
- Hong Kong is an exception, amazing salary and the place rocks, I'm working on it but there are not so many options.
- I found many offers in shithole industrial cities in the UK, which offer anywhere from 45k to 70k pounds per month, but I instantly discarded. Same for Germany and France.
I'm leaning towards the good locations that pay 2500. That's 3 times the average Czech income. You can live very comfortably in there and still save 1500 per month, but that's nothing.
With that kind of income, forget about getting financial freedom early in your 30s, or going on vacation to Asia twice per year, or generally a high end lifestyle. I don't need to be rich, just have enough that I don't even think about money.
So yes, given the choice, what would you choose?
I tried to find a compromise, locations that are quite ok without sucking, but still have high salaries and low taxes, but didn't find anything.
Anyone had to make this choice?