The math is pretty simple. Just keep saving until your investment assets reach a value of 25x your annual expenses. Then retire.

http://theescapeartist.me/2014/10/22/ho ... is-enough/

Further to Helen Back's post, you need to exclude the value of your home when calculating the total value of your assets. This is a particularly important consideration for international teachers, given most of us are accustomed to living rent free during our working years. Unless of course, you budget to include rent in your estimated annual expenses during retirement.

When looking into retirement, remember the 4% rule. Once you have 25 times your annual expenses, you can theoretically retire forever. Saving half your income will get you to retirement after 15 or so years. I started a bit late, but will have the option of retiring by 40. I also support a family and have only worked in tier 2 or 3 schools.

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/

Does anyone know if Search or other agencies have a pool of applicants they draw upon for ongoing short term placements in international schools?

I'm making a move into semi-retirement, but am interested in picking up ongoing 3-6 month contracts. That is, filling openings such as maternity leave, sudden staff departures etc. I'd be very interested to hear from anyone currently doing this, or any other information people have to share.

Swings and roundabouts. Take it on the chin when the USD is strong and save all that extra cash when it's weak. If you're teaching internationally long enough, it all balances out.

It's worth putting air pollution into perspective in terms of a balanced lifestyle and its affect on life expectancy. People in Shanghai and Beijing live longer than those in New York, arguably because they exercise more and place greater emphasis on socializing. Now, would you refuse a job in New York because it might kill you sooner?

http://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/china-health-miracle

The life expectancy for Shanghai (where you'll most likely end up if moving to China) residents rose to 82.47 in 2013. That's similar to most Western countries. Big picture folks. Big picture.

http://shanghaiist.com/2012/02/20/shang ... ctancy.php

http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/839526.shtml

HereThereEverywhere wrote:
> I am CURRENTLY getting over 8% on my vanguard account. Also, I am not an admin or
> at an elite school and yes, I can put away about 20k a year. Both are possible.
> Maybe you guys should be reading and researching more about your options. Here is
> a good start.
> http://andrewhallam.com/2012/10/singapo ... -it-looks/

The example in the link you provided only earned a 4.95% compound annual growth rate over the 6 year period. Certainly nothing for him to boast about. A term deposit in many countries could have earned roughly that without the risk. Although, it's probably a good return for US citizens.

Besides, 6 years is only a small sample for most people saving for retirement to gain a reliable average annual growth rate. Investments must contend with multiple bull and bear market cycles, sometimes over a 30 year time span (for the younger amongst us) to have some degree of validity.

Similar proposed policies have been around for years in Indonesia, yet nothing ever eventuates. Money and influence always find a way to sidestep the (lackadaisical) enforcement. I'll believe it when I see it.

"Is 46k rmb a good deal then for family of four"

46k RMB is equal to about US$7500/month. How can anyone suggest this is not a good salary in China?

Just wondering how the contact has been for those signed up for a new school. I haven't heard anything since signing the contract at the Bangkok Fair. I understand they may need some time to get things in order before getting the ball rolling on the logistics side of things. So will likely wait a few more weeks before making contact myself.

How has the post-contract signing contact been with your new school?

It seems most of the Qatar international schools are comprised of local students. Can anyone name some schools in Qatar with a more international student body?

Thanks

Schools with the best staff bottoms would be easier to establish and arguably more valuable.

Anyone have current information on the salary range at this school? Looking at the Search database, it says $45 000 for BA + 4 years, but also that teachers get taxed depending on their nationality. I've never heard of this happening at any other school. Any insight?

I would advise against negotiating fewer benefits as that would drop the value of all teachers in your position. If enough teachers did this, then it would soon become acceptable practice for schools.

My advice would be to strengthen your CV to a point where the value you add to the school would outweigh the extra expense of accommodating for your dependents. Get a MEd or two, rack up the IB experience, become an expert in a particular educational field.

Another route is to move into administration where having extra dependents is not considered such a big issue.

My buddy said 'tampons'. Now that I've stocked up, what's a man to do with them all?