Hello all!
My name is Rory and I am a teacher from Texas. I am currently pursuing a position in Beijing that includes a lot of regional travel (and some international travel). I have several questions. If you are able to answer or offer insight on any of them, I would really appreciate it.
Some background. I am 31 and am married (6 years) with a nearly 6-year-old (October 31) and a will-be one-year-old. The job I am pursuing is in education but is not a teaching position. The standard compensation package for the company is 14,000-16,000RMB per month, post-tax, as well as free domestic healthcare, 5 weeks paid vacation, 30 days of free housing upon your arrival, an annual bonus, and compensation for visa-related expenses.
So my questions:
1) Can a family of four live on that salary in Beijing?
2) Would I be able to get my oldest daughter into a school for the fall?
3) Would you recommend daycare or my wife staying at home? (She is a teacher as well and could possibly get a job as well, but we're not sure that's what we want.)
4) What housing options exist? (The office is located in the Central Business District of Beijing, just south of Sanlitun and just north of Guomao.)
5) Would we need to get a vehicle?
6) I've read about living in the city or living in Shunyi?
7) I know absolutely zero Chinese. It is not required of my job. Will we be able to make it until we learn?
8) I've read about hiring an Ayi. Is this something that's recommended? (even if my wife stays home?)
9) How much would you suggest moving to China (e.g. furniture)?
10) Any special concerns about having a one-year-old?
I'm sure I have others. I feel like I have to decide relatively quickly. I'm researching as best I can, but I wanted to talk to some others.