WOW! First you all tell me it is impossible to save, then when I tell you I have done it successfully and without sacrificing travel - I do tutor on the side, by the way - is that ok with you guys? - you insult and disparage my life choices simply because they would not be suitable for you.

Your students are just so lucky to have such open-minded, non-judgmental teachers like you - your classrooms must be oases of free speech and debate.

You also must be Americans - instant gratification junkies.

Good luck living on dog food because you played the grasshopper to my aunt.

Reply as much as you want. I'm done wasting my time with insulting people on this free forum. I'll stick to the paid forum - better class of people.

@Psyguy

The reply from Joe was not discouraging. It struck home because it told me that most of the international teachers on this site, like most teachers in general, don't have the discipline/knowledge/willpower to save money. Who couldn't save 75-85% of their pay in China!? I mean, what do most of you spend your money on overseas besides travel?

Joe's reply was proof to me that I would easily be able to save 40K plus in Jeddah if the salary they state on their Search profile for a person with a Master's and 8 years is the 60K as written. In other words, his words, while maybe meant to discourage or disparage me, actually told me what I believed to be true.

Don't any of you read MMM or Get Rich slowly or one of the other frugal blogs? How about sites like Numbeo or other more accurate Youtube videos of expats?

Maybe you should.

Psyguy,

I'm new to this site. What I was looking for was for someone to state, "I worked in Jeddah, I managed to save... "

I have been very disappointed so far with the often sparse and cryptic replies/posts. Nobody says what school they are at or even the country.

I joined the site to get firsthand information from people who supposedly know.

Be wary if you plan to go to Asia.

More than 1 man has left his girlfriend - or wife - for some hot little Chinese or Thai woman.

I say this in complete seriousness.

And schools also might not take a chance because if trouble in the relationship brews, one or both of you might bolt.

I don't want to harp on this but:

I have been working in U.S. public schools for the last 5 years. When I made 70K, I saved 27-28K a year. Now I am at a private school making 5oK and will save 20K. This while paying 28% taxes, rent, and car maintenance.

In Asia, making 40-50k AND paying 18-24% taxes, I saved 30-35K. But no rent or car to maintain.

So why, if, for example I worked at the British International school of Jeddah and with my experience would make 60K (from the Search school profile), pay no rent and no taxes, would I not save more than the 20k average most of you are stating

Is Jeddah so expensive?

Any comments are appreciated.

Thanks, Psyguy.

Do they ever look for high school tutors?

Psyguy,

What is Tutors?

Thanks, Guys.

I am a math teacher with 15 years experience (8 overseas), IB Math, and a Master's Degree.

The British Int. School of Jeddah lists a salary of 60,000 at my level. Is Jeddah so expensive that, given housing and no taxes, I couldn't save 30-35-40 k?

Psyguy,

How do I find a job at a corporate IS - other than Aramco - in Saudi or anywhere?

Thanks again for all of your help.

Then why would ANYONE go to Saudi?

From the posts here I got the impression that the ME, particularly Saudi, was a place to make money.

I saved about 35,000 a year in Asia.

5 years for 100k? Why put yourself through compound living for $20,000 a year - I have NEVER saved less than 24,000 per year, even in the U.S.

Lemonlily,

Thanks for the information.

I am thinking of applying to on of the schools - British or American - and want to stay 2 or 3 years and save 100k USD. I also don't want to curse everyday of my existence. I don't drink, am single, frugal now, and would like to travel at the long break - WHEN IS THAT IN SAUDI? - and maybe one other time. I would spend summer back in the U.S.

Is my plan, in your opinion, valid?

I am thinking of applying to the British or American Schools in Jeddah.

How is Jeddah to live in?