“Bear” Perspective
Episode 109R
Episode Guide
Episode Timestamps
ChooseFI Episode Show Notes
Episode Title: Exploring International Teaching Opportunities and Current Market Conditions
Episode Summary: The episode reveals the diverse salary expectations for international teaching roles, discussing insights from Abby about job searching while managing debt. It addresses market conditions with perspectives from Big Earn, emphasizing the importance of understanding economic stability, retirement planning, and viewing market fluctuations as opportunities.
Key Topics Discussed:
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International Teaching Opportunities
- Salary ranges for part-time and full-time positions.
- Considerations around living costs and economic factors.
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Insights from Abby
- Challenges of finding jobs while managing debt.
- Resources like Teachaway.com for job placements.
- The importance of negotiating salary and considering less flashy locations.
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Understanding Market Conditions
- Discussion on the impact of market fluctuations.
- Sequence of return risk explained by Big Earn.
- Strategies for dollar cost averaging in declining markets.
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Retirement Planning Advice
- Safe withdrawal rates and adjusting strategies based on market conditions.
- Importance of being cautious with retirement planning amidst market volatility.
Key Takeaways:
- Research thoroughly before applying for teaching positions to understand salary and living costs.
- Use resources like Teachaway.com to streamline job applications.
- Consider lifestyle choices and their impact on financial goals.
- Market downturns present opportunities for dollar cost averaging.
- Always negotiate your salary confidently!
Actionable Insights:
- Evaluate financial readiness before pursuing international teaching roles.
- Conduct thorough research into the cost of living in prospective teaching locations.
Key Quotes:
- "Negotiate your salary confidently!"
- "Market downturns can be opportunities."
- "Income isn't everything; you need to consider your lifestyle."
- "View market dips as buying opportunities."
Discussion Questions:
- What are the pros and cons of pursuing teaching jobs abroad?
- How does sequence of return risk affect your investment strategy?
- What lifestyle factors should be prioritized when selecting a location to teach abroad?
Related Resources:
Podcast Intro: Podcast Extro:
Hosts:
- Brad Barrett
- Jonathan Mendonsa
Featuring:
- Abby H: Former international teacher sharing insights.
- Big Earn (Big ERN): Expert opinion on market conditions and sequence of return risk.
Listen to the full episode on ChooseFI's website.
Next Steps: Consider joining your local financial independence group to connect with like-minded individuals and explore the journey towards financial independence together.
Exploring International Teaching Opportunities: A Path to Financial Independence
In today’s interconnected world, international teaching opportunities have emerged as a viable path to financial independence (FI) for many individuals. These positions not only offer competitive salaries but also provide a unique lifestyle that can enhance personal and financial growth. Below, we will delve into key strategies, insights, and tips to consider when exploring the potential of teaching abroad, assimilating wisdom shared in the recent ChooseFI podcast episode featuring insights from Abby, Big Earn, and the hosts.
Understanding the Salary Landscape
When considering teaching roles internationally, it’s essential to understand the various salary expectations across different types of positions.
Salary Overview
- Part-Time Roles: Expect to earn between $18 to $20 per hour.
- Full-Time Positions: Salaries can range significantly, with full-time teachers making between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on the country and school.
This broad spectrum reveals the potential for earning a competitive income while experiencing life in a new culture.
Tips for Securing International Teaching Jobs
Research Thoroughly
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Investigate Salary and Cost of Living: Before applying, conduct thorough research into both the salary and the cost of living in the target area. Understanding the financial landscape will help you set realistic financial goals.
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Utilize Job Placement Websites: Websites like Teachaway.com streamline the application process and increase your chances of landings jobs. Abby emphasized how she secured positions via this platform, which allows you to apply to multiple listings efficiently.
Negotiation Skills
Negotiating your salary is crucial, especially in international positions. Unlike rigid salary schedules in the US:
- Negotiate Confidently: Many international schools provide flexibility in salary offers. Do not hesitate to ask for more based on your qualifications and the living costs.
Evaluating Market Conditions
Understanding market conditions can impact your teaching and financial strategy.
Be Aware of Economic Factors
Abby shared her experience in choosing countries with favorable living costs relative to salaries. Her advice illustrated the importance of considering economic stability when making your choice—look for markets that offer lower living expenses coupled with a good salary.
Additionally, understanding the concept of sequence of return risk is vital for financial planning, particularly if you’re nearing retirement:
- Plan Diligently: Ensure your investments and withdrawals are strategically arranged, especially during market downturns.
Adapting to Lifestyle Changes
Consider Your Lifestyle Choices
Income isn’t everything; lifestyle greatly impacts your financial goals. When choosing a teaching location, consider factors such as:
- Walkability: A walkable environment reduces transportation costs.
- Cultural Fit: Selecting places where you feel comfortable can enhance your experience and mental well-being.
Market Trends and Opportunities
Embrace Market Fluctuations
As highlighted in the podcast, market fluctuations can present opportunities rather than challenges. Here’s how to make the most of these situations:
- View Market Drops as Opportunities: Abby’s perspective aligns with broader investment strategies—utilizing market downturns to dollar cost average can set up long-term gains.
- Stay Informed: By keeping abreast of market trends and educational opportunities, you can ensure your skills remain relevant.
Building a Supportive Community
Network and Connect
Surrounding yourself with proactive individuals can significantly enhance your journey towards FI. Join communities, online forums, or local groups where you can share experiences and learn from others who are on similar paths.
- Community Building: Engage with local or online groups dedicated to FI—these connections can provide support, advice, and share valuable resources.
Taking Action Towards Financial Independence
Steps to Get Started
- Evaluate Financial Readiness: Assess your financial status before applying for international teaching roles. This will prepare you for potential moves and further investments.
- Consider Myriad Opportunities: Teaching abroad isn’t limited to traditional classrooms; explore options in tutoring, online teaching, or workshop facilitation.
Conclusion
Teaching internationally presents a myriad of opportunities for personal and financial growth. By researching effectively, networking, and understanding both educational and market dynamics, you can pave your path to financial independence. Embrace the adventure, set clear goals, and enjoy the journey as you work towards a fulfilling life experience—one that supports your aspirations for financial freedom.
This article encompasses key strategies and actionable takeaways inspired by insights from the ChooseFI podcast, aiming to equip readers with the knowledge necessary to explore international teaching opportunities while striving for financial independence.
Topics from the show:
- Brad maxed out his HSA for 2019, and talks about how he’s prioritizing fitness.
- Easy choices, hard life. Hard choices, easy life.
- Preview of who will be at the coming CampFI that Brad plans to attend.
- Review of Monday’s episode about teaching abroad, and the wide variety of opportunities available.
- A voicemail from Abby H., who is currently teaching in China and has experience in several other countries as well.
- Abby tried teaching in Kuwait, but found that despite a high salary the cost of living was also extremely high.
- Suggestions from Abby:
- Don’t just look for jobs in the Middle East, or other “high salary” locations.
- Try negotiating your salary/benefits offer.
- Look for options that don’t require purchasing a car.
- How did Rob and Scott, from Monday’s episode, replace fear with flexibility in each of their lives?
- Big ERN joins the show to talk about the current market situation:
- What is “sequence of returns” risk, and why does it matter?
- Under the assumption that the great recession or the dot-com bust will not repeat, Big ERN thinks it’s too early to worry about the current market climate.
- The 4% rule should be considered a rule of thumb. Market conditions should always be considered and flexibility is key.
- If someone’s portfolio decreased this year, should they work a few more years to rebuild it, or count on the market recovering?
- If someone is still many years away from retirement, they shouldn’t worry too much about the market, and might actually be benefit from low stock prices.
- If you have a 50% or higher savings rate, you are going succeed financially, regardless of this drop in the market.
- The U.S. economy is still strong, so the value of the market isn’t necessarily going down – the price is just down.
- If someone has a sum of money ready to invest, should they invest it all at once, or employ “dollar-cost averaging”?
- Who should be concerned about the market and what should they be looking for?
- Look at the fundamentals of the U.S. economy to evaluate the conditions of the market.
- Big ERN just retired. His family is just settling in to a new house in Washington.
- ChooseFI Local Groups are helping to build on-the-ground community.
