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Posts: 360

Shifu

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Q: Should I stay or should I go? HK job question...

I don't want to steal the limelight from Victoria or anything, but I've got my own job dilemma at the moment regarding a potential job offer in Hong Kong. 

 

Basically I'm going to be leaving China in the summer, and had put everything in motion to move back to the UK. However I stumbled upon a job in HK which would require me to use my Chinese and do a bit of travelling around China making contacts etc. The pay is around 15,000 HKD a month and a room in a shared apartment is included in the deal. What do you think of this? Decent offer for HK?

 

Although my heart is kind of seat on being back home, I am worried about the job market and am also not sure whether I can find something that is truly stimulating. Despite all it's frustrations, China does provide a stimulating environment for jobs, well at least for me anyway.

 

Thanks in advance.  

10 years 35 weeks ago in  Business & Jobs - China

 
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Posts: 1547

Emperor

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How long have you been in China thus far?  I think the HK job sounds like a good idea.  It could be like a nice transitional phase for you before heading back to the UK, as things should be a bit more civilized there than on the mainland.  No idea about how far that salary will go in HK, but if you're going to be on the road in China then hopefully that means your expenses will be covered and you get to keep more money in your bank account.

 

Unless you're just dead set on getting the eff out of Asia RIGHT NOW, I say go for it. Especially since you don't seem to have a firm offer or prospect waiting for you back home. Try it for a year, or less if you need to pull a runner lol.

Also, you should check to see if the apartment you'd be staying in is close to any hostels or Burger Kings. Very important, not to be overlooked!

darkstar1:

Haha! Thanks for that - I'll make sure to look out. I'll see how it goes. I do fancy staying in Asia (in the near future perhaps) and saw HK as a viable option. Been in China for over 4 years and am almost at the end of my tether!

10 years 35 weeks ago
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CARLGODWIN1983:

I can tell you first-hand advice and also second-hand advice from a HK based agent and good friend.

 

If you are white, female and British, you are guaranteed a job there.  Males find it harder, but you can definitely do well there still.

 

15k is not enough however.  I would ask for 20k.  Cost of living is high.  Many succeed in HK but come over the border to Shenzhen eventually because Shenzhen is cheaper.

 

On the positive side, you can do tutoring there which pays well if you are prepared to travel around a bit on the MTR which is rather packed these days.

 

If you want confirmation of all this, message me and I will give you the agent's QQ.

 

I can give more advice if you want.

 

 

10 years 35 weeks ago
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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
Posts: 6321

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I agree with Cooter. HK sounds like a good deal, even if for only a year. It can help you "transition" and you can still do some travel.

I do know housing is expensive there, but it seems that they have that covered.

Good luck!

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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
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That doesn't sound too bad to me, and I think living in HK would be a completely different proposition to the mainland. Ultimately you know much more about your skills and background than we do, though, so any advice we give will be limited, but a free apartment, a couple thousand dollars a month and an expense account... sounds solid.

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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
Posts: 981

Shifu

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All the expats that I've known move from China to Hong Kong have loved it.  I'd much rather work there, or somewhere like Singapore, than here if I'm honest.  Will see how things go in the future.  Best of luck whatever you decide .

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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
Posts: 7

Governor

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IMO - Hong Kong is a super City. Most things there are great. You will feel safe whether shopping, eating and spending. Goods there are generally cheaper than Mainland China. Most importantly, the things sold there is 99.99% genuine. They have an 18 days per year public holiday, one of the most in any Country. HKIA is a hub, international air-tickets are cheaper as well.

The only setback I can think of are: transportation and housing are much more costly than the Mainland. Weather - You have to deal with the year round humid condition and not to mention the occasional typhoon hitting from April to November.

Otherwise, Hong Kong is a great place to live.

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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
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Governor

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By the way (sorry, forgot to add) food is also not cheap. Since you are all alone and I do not think you would have the time to cook your own food, you will be eating out, at least 3 meals a day. An average weekday/working day, I estimate you will be spending at least HKD100 - 200 on food and transportation. If you smoke, worst. Cigarettes cost HKD 50.00 per pack of 20's. HKD 15,000.00 per month will not be enough for you to be living comfortably there. Just my 2 cents worth.

darkstar1:

Thanks for your 2 cents (HK ones I hope). The thing that worries me most is general cost of living. Although I'll be given a room in an apartment, just general stuff I'm not sure if 15,000 is enough to make good savings.

10 years 35 weeks ago
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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
Posts: 430

Shifu

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15,000 doesn't sound like an awful lot to me, especially as Waikeekee said, the cost of living is much higher there than on the Mainland. On the other hand, if you just want a change of scenery and live in a really exciting international city and don't care so much about saving money, then go for it! Hong Kong is a great place. I'd love the opportunity to work there.

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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
Posts: 915

Shifu

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Should you stay or should you go? It depends.

(All the above advice is sound and now my 2 pence.)

Lessee... Is the 15,000 HKD net or gross?  Roughly it's equivalent to 1261 quid, 1463 euros, or $1934 US. If net, better.  If gross, you'll eat noodles for the year and stay out of Western restos, pubs and the like.

How much of the above can you save over the duration?  If saving isn't your bag, then disregard the question.

How old are you? If under 30, I would imagine it's a good deal, given that back home you'd either be 1) unemployed, 2) on the dole, or 3) working in a chophouse for peanuts.

If over 30, see above.

Seriously, HK is the most expensive city in China, according to the latest Mercer's 2013 Cost of Living Survey, released just a few days ago.  Google it to get a "supermarket trolley" comparison with other cities round the world.

On the other hand, HK is awesome with its British flavor - I mean, flavour -, refreshing sense of freedom after living on the mainland for as long as you have, and stunning women.

And who knows? Once there, other job ops might arise that promise more.

Yeah, I'd do it. Just coz it's Hong Kong.  Good luck and have fun!

darkstar1:

Although I like to have fun, I'm a bit of a saver and am usually pretty prudent with money. I'm currently 26. This is the thing - the main thing that worries me is the situation back in Blightly.

10 years 35 weeks ago
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Red_Fox:

Then do it. You're young and strong. You can rough it for a while - builds character. If you were 66, I'd advise you to go home and live with your auntie in her thatched-roof cottage with the rose garden in the back... (That's my dream, actually!   No, not with your auntie. With mine.)

10 years 35 weeks ago
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GuilinRaf:

@ Red:

El jibarito en el campo!!!

10 years 35 weeks ago
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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
Posts: 129

Governor

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H.K. is without doubt a fantastic city... and I would go tomorrow. Transport costs can be kept low if you use MTR & buses... If I were in your shoes I would certainly go,maybe other opportunities will arrive once you are there and get networking.

 

I would not think of returning to U.K. anytime soon... especially if you don't have a job to go to.

 

Hope it works out for you... ( I am feeling a little jealous !).

 

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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
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Governor

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Further things to add:

1) HKD 15,000 per month minus 5% MPF

2) Income Taxes - hope your salary is nett

3) Young man like you will be tempted (A LOT) in Hong Kong - Things like shopping and Pubs.

4) You will be eating fast food every meal. Western meals will be Burger King and MacDonalds and Local food will be places like Cafe de Coral.

5) Your mobile plan - if you go for 3G or 4G, that will be around HKD300.00/Month subscription

6) Taxi - Red Taxi flag down fare is HKD 20.00. TST to HKIA is about HKD260.00 or take the public bus number A21 @ HKD33.00. Airport Xpress is HKD90.00 to Kowloon Station and HKD110.00 to Hong Kong Station (Central)

7) Why stay in Hong Kong if you can't afford to savour the excellent food there?

8) Either you better stay put in China or get a higher paying job if your were to move to HKG.

Another of my few cents worth.

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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
Posts: 618

Governor

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Sounds like a good opportunity. You can always back out and move on to UK or return to the mainland if it doesn't work out financially. From what I read online, you'll be roughing it, but at least you've got that apartment. Plus funded trips to the mainland. Sounds awesome, good luck.

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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
Posts: 29

Governor

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practicably with 15khkd is like earning 12k rmb and live with 3ple cost of living. Do the math

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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
Posts: 2494

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Yes that is a decent offer...you should take it and get some more experience...the experience it seems you can receive from this offer seems really good for your future business endeavors..

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10 years 35 weeks ago

There are cookies, bookies and too many rookies for me to sit here trying to be a hooky! Looky Looky don't call me a wooky. Touchy Touchy Feely Feely Spicy Spicy Nicey Nicey & that's what the doctor Ordered!!

 
Posts: 1330

Shifu

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is this a question to ask? I would be already there...

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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
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Governor

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My girlfriend once got a 27,000 HKD month offer from a private school in Kowloon, she turned it down because all the 50 sq meter 'studio' apartments cost around 15,000 HKD a month, I bet the new territories have cheaper options though.

 

On a 15,000 HKD a month wage at least they've covered living and finding you an apartment to share, assuming they will that is, because it is incredibly hard to find a reasonable apartment for a 2 person yet alone a 3 person shared lease, and don't expect to go out every now and then to the city for a 'big night out', it'll come back and bite you in the arse.

 

You'll need to fork out at least 200 HKD a day for food (depending on what food you fancy), I wouldn't choose Hong Kong as a place where I would want to work and save cash, but with that sought of wage I would just go for the experience.

 

Good luck with your decision!

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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
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Shifu

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200HKD a day?I went to HK a couple of months ago and I managed to spend around 100hkd/day. And i was living in causaway bay...

masonk:

Really? Iv lived in Hong Kong before and iv seen how the prices have fluctuated in the past 4 years, Iv eaten at local restaurants in Causeway bay before and what used to be a 30HKD chow mein, fun and fried rice all now cost 50HKD, that isn't even a set meal.

.. They do have cheap places in that area for breakfast though that have ramen for 40HKD though

 

It's really expensive these days, nearly bordering to not worth it if your salary isn't high enough.

10 years 35 weeks ago
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dom87:

yeah well i lived on like 40hkd a day for food... skipped breakfast and lunch + dinner at mcdonalds.

 

you CAN do it if you WANT it is another story. If you go in the various restaurants, mostly foreign you pay 80-200 for one meal

10 years 32 weeks ago
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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
Posts: 7715

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One other thing no-one else seems to have mentioned.

 

Yeah, HK would be a GREAT place to live and work  (if you've got the right sort of income), but in summer, the weather is seriously going to suck for you! High 30's+, high humidity, monsoons... for the rest of the year, it'd be great, but if you can't bear that sort of weather... wellllll.... I'm just saying it's something you should keep in mind!

 

(personally, other than the low pay, I'd do it!!! Laughing out loud I hate that sort of weather, but the experience...!!!!)

nicholasba:

well i dont know how is hk now but according to my weather app both shanghai and hangzhou are not doing well: 39 for shanghai and 40 for hangzhou while HK got a 30c

10 years 35 weeks ago
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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
Posts: 3837

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I'd say take the job. It is a new city to live and experience. The weather would be no more challenging than most other parts of China. Also, you never know what new opportunities will arise out of being there.

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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1084

Shifu

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HK sucks ass... run!

 

That salary is too low for HK, locals will laugh at you.

BHGAL:

I have nothing good to say about Hong Kong!!

10 years 35 weeks ago
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happywanderer:

I haven't been to hong kong so I can't comment on salary.  But can I just add that locals laugh at us anyway?    I don't mean that in horrible way but we look funny, we do things wrong, ...

10 years 35 weeks ago
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sam239:

I've heard they're stuck up and materialistic. Also the "old character" of HK is destroyed by rules and regulations, etc, ccording to friends from HK; I've never been there.

10 years 34 weeks ago
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10 years 35 weeks ago
 
Posts: 3

Governor

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It's up to you. But since you have been offered the apartment. I think it's OK.

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10 years 34 weeks ago
 
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