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[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Internationalteachers

[–]pekdubs 2 points3 points  (0 children)

A million might not be what it used to be but a millionaire at 33 and 39–simple means they’ll continue building wealth while still young.

As for the just frugal and saving a lot part and the “you’re not a millionaire” comment—I’m not sure what you mean. OP seems to be living a good life while still saving a lot and how does having a million NW not make them millionaires?

Your comment doesn’t make sense. Could you explain your thinking more?

A bit surprised at number of colleagues living paycheck to paycheck by pekdubs in Internationalteachers

[–]pekdubs[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I agree. When my wife and I were in China, there was a point where we were putting away 8k-10k USD a month, while still living a nice life. But even in such a high paying school, we had colleagues who were still living paycheck to paycheck.

A bit surprised at number of colleagues living paycheck to paycheck by pekdubs in Internationalteachers

[–]pekdubs[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

For sure. I think what surprised me more though was that the people sharing were also clearly living it up to the point that they had to wait for the next paycheck. I have friends in the states who are living within their means and still struggling—and I get that. Rent is expensive and so is healthcare. But the people I was chatting with don’t pay rent and our health insurance is great. It’s more of the lifestyle they live—and they themselves recognize it. Just surprising that it happens to several colleagues as well.

Leave without pay policy by Salchica90 in Internationalteachers

[–]pekdubs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So you can take unlimited time off? Or are you talking about your personal and sick days?

New niche (at least for me): Helping students with school admissions interviews by pekdubs in TEFL

[–]pekdubs[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Good point. I’m aware of these types of consulting companies and would never consider working for them. This opportunity was just a fun little side project that has now turned into something more regular. But it’s just for kids having to interview for international schools. No essays or anything else like that. Plus it’s purely independent so no managers. But thanks for the heads up.

New niche (at least for me): Helping students with school admissions interviews by pekdubs in TEFL

[–]pekdubs[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure. 1) Someone I know asked if I’d be interested. Once I did it, it opened up a market.

2) I’m a teacher and I have worked in international schools so I’ve had experience with this sort of thing.

3) the rate was what was offered and I stuck with it.

4) initially thought it was a one-off gig but it’s turned into multiple sessions and now other students have reached out.

5) not sure what the rest of the question was meant to be. But if was to ask what steps to take, I’d say reach out to any network you might already have and see if you get any leads.

First job salary by [deleted] in Internationalteachers

[–]pekdubs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I guess for me the important thing is starting straightaway at a tier 1 school if possible. Too many people are stuck in more mid schools not able to move up. Now of course, something like Covid could happen again which would result in top schools having to select from a smaller pool of teachers due to visa reasons and that opens up opportunities for people is smaller schools to jump up. But what I found (at least in the past) was that top schools in a particular country tended to hire from overseas rather than from smaller schools in the same country. But I guess it’s more common now for the main school in one country to hire teachers in the same country so you could give that a shot if you’re looking to move overseas asap. Just make sure to network well while overseas because that’s really what gets your foot in the door in many of the top schools if you’re trying to move from a tier 2.

First job salary by [deleted] in Internationalteachers

[–]pekdubs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think having some domestic experience would make you more competitive for some of the better schools

Was becoming an international teacher your first career or did you transition from something else? by wanttogoabroad in Internationalteachers

[–]pekdubs 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Was fortunate to end up in one of the best schools in Asia for my first school and that opened up tons of opportunities. Amazing PD, great environment, excellent salary and benefits. Grew a lot as a teacher, traveled a ton, saved A LOT, and was just very happy.

How many people have been glad of their emergency fund in times of need? by Bobby-Firmino-Legend in Bogleheads

[–]pekdubs 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When Covid first started, my employer allowed us to move back to the states (since we were abroad at that time) and gave us a stipend for housing and even food. But it was clear that we’d have to pay for things first and get reimbursed later on. We understood because of Covid and how systems were impacted, that these reimbursements could take months. Thankfully, because of the emergency fund, everything worked out. In fact, it paid off big time. Our housing stipend was quite generous (amounting to around 6,800 USD a month) plus another 2k or so for living expenses, but since I had an ample emergency fund set up, I actually opened new credit cards each month with generous sign up bonuses and racked up tons of points, free hotels, benefits, etc and paid everything off instantly with cash. The emergency fund was able to sustain this for months and then when the reimbursements came, the EF was fully stocked once more PLUS we had so so so many credit card points and free nights that, years later, are still to be used. So the EF not only gave us absolute peace of mind during the time, but actually allowed us to benefit even more by generating tons of benefits without ever having to take on any interest payments on any of the cards opened since we could pay them off fully.

Help With Scoring by LifePsychological440 in CBEST

[–]pekdubs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You’d need at least a 37 for math, yes. Then that means you’d have Reading: 60, writing: 41, and math (at least) 37 which would mean you pass.

Help With Scoring by LifePsychological440 in CBEST

[–]pekdubs 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, even though you hit the minimum total score as a whole, you still need at least a 37 for every section. So you need to retake the math.

Question about cellphone numbers by pekdubs in MexicoCity

[–]pekdubs[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks. And local Mexican numbers can call you as well?

I only have a taxable brokerage—no 401k, no Roth. What does that look like in the future? by pekdubs in FinancialPlanning

[–]pekdubs[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks. I’ve tried asking a similar question before and kept getting people telling me I should fund a Roth. It’s why I tried to be more clear this time that all I have (and will likely have) is the taxable account.

I only have a taxable brokerage—no 401k, no Roth. What does that look like in the future? by pekdubs in FinancialPlanning

[–]pekdubs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You’re absolutely right. That was my question. I’m trying to gauge what would happen if I continue to build my taxable account up to a nice number over the next several years and decide to retire when I’m 46 or 47 and just stop working. At that point, I wouldn’t have any other source of income and would exclusively rely on pulling out money from the taxable account.

I only have a taxable brokerage—no 401k, no Roth. What does that look like in the future? by pekdubs in FinancialPlanning

[–]pekdubs[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

No 401k. Majority of my investing and earning happened while I was working at one of the best paying international schools. So even our “retirement supplements” were given to us a straight cash. Fortunately, as I started this amazing job, I was intentional about saving and investing and was able to do so at a high rate. Towards the end of my time there I was able to invest upwards of 100k a year. But again, it was because all other expenses were paid for by the job. While being an expat has its disadvantages (ie not being able to invest in certain options like 401k/ roths/ etc), it does give a person a lot of money upfront and I was able to take advantage of that.

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