Some Help Needed PLEASE

TheDigitalMage · 2012-10-28T02:54:10+02:00

Seeking advice on moving to Cambodia as a TEFL teacher. Discussion on living costs, starting a business, and local insights for new residents.

TheDigitalMage Guest

TheDigitalMageGuest28 October 2012 00:54:10

OK, wellll....聽 I am an extremely disenchanted resident of the United Police States and, quite frankly, I am looking for a way out.聽 I will not go into why.聽 If you don't know, you are better off

I am not rich.聽 Far, far from it!聽 I am 63 years of age and my occupation, at the moment, is professional driver.聽 I have a BA in photography and design (now called graphic design) circa 1973.聽 I have done lots of weddings - lol.聽

I can easily get a TEFL certificate. I think almost anyone could...

I was self-employed most of my life.聽 I never turned in too many taxes...聽 My hatred for the so-called government of this country made, and makes paying money to it unconscionable!聽 Does anyone remember Kent State?聽 Probably not...

I will have to work in Cambodia.聽 My social security will amount to about $500/month.聽 Provided, of course, that Mr. Romney does not cancel the Social Security program, as of 01/01/2013!聽 He has stolen the pensions of workers all his life, while plying his trade as a "corporate raider"...

I own a small triplex near a university.聽 Three cars and a bike.聽 I will sell out, netting perhaps $35,000.聽 Here in Indiana there are entire strip malls, sitting vacant!聽 Selling anything is hard, 'cause people have no money.聽 With a common candy bar selling for $1.17, it's not hard to figure out why!聽 And I am afraid they haven't seen anything, yet.聽 I just want to evaporate, before the schmidt REALLY hits the fan!

I don't need a big city.聽 I could easily go into a medium-sized place - just big enough to offer modern conveniences - lol - but not so big as to support traffic jambs.聽 Am I dreaming?

I am not looking for a 15 year old girlfriend...聽 a 35 year old or a girlfriend, at all.聽 I have lots of prostate trouble...

I need some help.聽 I will soon travel to Cambodia.聽 I will pass one month there.聽 I need to know where to go, what to do, who to see... everything.聽 I need to know what I can expect to make working as a TEFL, with a very strong preference for adult students.聽 I doubt I have the patience for young kids.聽 I need to know if I am free to start a business in Cambodia - my own school, for example?聽 I need to know, quite literally, everything - especially in the way of making a tentative budget to live on.

I may seem money-oriented but I am not.聽 It's just that I attend to basics, first.聽 I will be as appreciative as any of the culture, beauty (etc) but only if I can pay for it

If one or more of you would take the time to reply, telling me what you think I need to know, I would appreciate it greatly?

Melissa346 ViP

Member since 25 October 2012

Melissa346ViP29 October 2012 08:21:46

861

Hi TheDigitalMage,

Welcome to the forum!

I advice you to take a look to guide Cambodia. This previous post might also interest you.

Best of luck with everything,
Melissa

Aaliyah01 Serial expat

Member since 14 February 2012

Aaliyah01Serial expat31 October 2012 21:40:51

390

its ok to start any type of business,with quite a small amount of money, u could start a school of language too, the limitations are endless here
dont worry , it will not be difficult

phnom penh bound Contributor

Member since 24 October 2012

phnom penh boundContributor31 October 2012 22:31:33

104

A) Secure your cash and have a way to get it in Phnom Penh. I still have bank accounts in San Diego and just get the money here via ATM's.

B) Do a google about getting your social security check while living in Cambodia. They DO have some restrictions!

C) Come to Cambodia and decide what city you want to live in.

D) Stay in a Guest house or pension while you look to rent an apartment. You can find apartments on the net as low as $200 up.

E) Keep in mind that there are things you will love and dislike, living in Cambodia or any other foreign country. No, you "can't come to my house as a visitor and rearrange my furniture while I'm in the kitchen" Therefore don't live in a country and try or demand that they change their lifestyle, customs and ways of life, to suit your mentality.

F) Once your settled, then start looking for a job and /or look into starting a business. Keep in mind that "Not everything that shines is GOLD"

G) Wish you the best!

TheDigitalMage Guest

TheDigitalMageGuest01 November 2012 00:57:33

good advice indeed, pp bound - thank you

phnom-penh-services Contributor

Member since 23 September 2012

phnom-penh-servicesContributor03 November 2012 10:36:44

136

To be honest, if anyone is over 50, they are not the most sort after for teaching English.

To live on $500 a month in Cambodia will be hard, very hard (perhaps impossible), so a second income is important, if you can find the English teaching job then great.

If you can think of an idea to start a business, then even better.

You can start almost any business you want here, you could offer private tuition in a field you know about, or start some classes here.

Many expats here start a business: guest house, bar or restaurant.
You too could do this, and make it different, find the niche, or do something completely new.

If you take on a girlfriend, then that's another outgoing on your cash, she may leak you dry, its amazing how many stories people have of their girlfriend with family problems that need paying for.

Come here with eyes wide open, keep your cash to yourself, listen to no sob stories, look after number one and be here for yourself.