The BEST Guide to POLAND
Unanswered  |  Archives 
 
 
User: Guest

Posts by s2good2  

Joined: 12 Jan 2011 / Male ♂ 		Last Post: 26 Nov 2011
Threads: 1
Posts: 72 		From: Highlands Ranch, Co
Speaks Polish?: Very Little can understand some more
Interests: Cooking, Flying, Motorcycles

Displayed posts: 73 / page 1 of 3
sort: Oldest first   Latest first   |
s2good2   
12 Jan 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

I am American And Wife is Polish. We have been married for 11 years and have a beautiful son (Lukas) who is six. My Son Speaks English as well as Polish (even translates for me when we visit. Currently we live in Highlands Ranch, Co and have our own business. Our business is one that we could still run from anywhere in the world.

Ok so now for the problem I need help with. My wife's parents are getting very old and her father's health is going down. Even though she has 2 brothers the in the same city as her parents, (Gdynia) She wants us to put all of our stuff in storage and move to Gdynia for a year or two. I speak VERY little Polish and my wife is worried that I would not like it (to live) in Poland being that I was raised in the USA and being 43 that I am set in my ways. She tells me that Poland is VERY different (even though I have been there 3 times to visit. Like I said we have our own business and would have (varies) between $ 3000.00 and 4000.00 Dollars a month in income. We also have 2 other businesses that we would have to give up. Sooooo Is it really that different ? Do you think I could make it (as a 43 year old Man(and kinda set in my ways)) Would we have enough money to live? Would people be less than nice to me? I would love to be able to do this for my wife and her parents and can not afford to send her and son for two years and me stay here in the US.

Anything you have to offer as far will be appreciated !

s2good2

Sorry my post was a little scattered but I have a lot going threw my head right now.
s2good2   
13 Jan 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

We are Commercial Cleaning Contractors, With National Contracts for retail (most Malls) We save Sub-contractors that actually go out and do the work. All of our work is done on the phone and we have an International (works where ever) Cell, So when our contractors call (Colorado) it will ring where ever we are. We also have a 1-866-xxx-xxxx fax number, so when someone sends a fax to that number it sends it via email to us. Sub-Contractors are faxed work orders and when they complete the job they fax back the signed work order... Kinda simple huh?

My son did go to school in Poland (briefly) 5 weeks, Last time he was there. I know that is not a lot of time but he did very well at adjusting and LOVED it! Maybe just because it was only five weeks ??? do know but you bring up a great point! thank you!

Threegigs: Thank you did not know that ! Thought that since my wife was Polish and we are married I could just stay ! Good info .. Will check into that tomorrow !
s2good2   
13 Jan 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

Thank you ALL so much for the GREAT info.. Please keep it coming !! Can you also address the living situation? From what I have seen, While visiting, The flats seem to be very small. How hard it is to adjust to the smaller living conditions? The house we living right now is about 2800 Sq ft. and the largest place I was in (when we were visiting) had basically 3 or 4 rooms. My wife grew up in a flat that had only 1 "Big room" That was the bedroom for mom and dad and two brothers. It was also the living room and the dining room. Then there was a small room (wife's bedroom) which also doubled as the playroom. A small kitchen and small bath under 800 sq ft. for 5 people. I still have a hard time believing how they did it! I am sure I can adapt just wonder how you are not on each others toes all the time. Is this the norm? or was I just introduced to the smaller places?

Again, thank you for all the info ! It is appreciated !
s2good2   
14 Jan 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

As I have said , I will not be... Un-Employed while in Poland I have a Business that I would be able to run while in Poland. I will have approx. 3000.00 to 4000.00 dollars after tax to live with my wife and son. We also have family in Gdynia that would most likely help us out to start. I am more concerned with (Now after all of your kind remarks on this thread) Is ...what changes will I have to deal with, what are the customs in Poland, What not to ..or what too talk about. What will I have a problem dealing with. This is what my Polish wife is worried about for me? She does not want to move there and then have me say...2 months later.. "I can't handle this I want to go home." <----- exactly what she said. So I want to be prepared when I get there!

Yet again Thank you ALL for your comments.... They are really helping us !
s2good2   
14 Jan 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

Otherwise traffic will kill your spirit fast... I mean USA is kind of culture derived around car

Very Good info..Thanx !!!!! You are right! here I use the car to go to King Soopers (Food Store) and it is only 5 mins walking or by car 45 seconds! I know I will be doing a lot of walking there (too expensive to ship car) but it will be good for me ! and public transportation is GREAT in Gdynia.

I simply fly back and do shopping there for the stuff that is not available in Poland

DID not think of that! I was thinking "holy crap, I have to fly back to America to get what I need or have someone in America ship it to me" but you are right I can go to UK or for that matter any where in Europe to get to hard to find or "cheap" things ! NICE YOU ALL are starting to make me feel a little less worried about this move THANKS!

I've sent you an email if you want to make contact.

I got it and will email soon ! thanks!

Why I moved back to Poland from Canada" by Aphrodisiac.

Great Site ..Thank you !
s2good2   
14 Jan 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

This post is Because we "just" got into an argument about going... I am the one willing to move from the US to Poland and she is giving me ultimatums??? What?? yes it is true as with ANY job it may end at sometime HOWEVER we have been doing this job for over 6 years now.. I think it is more of her trying to find a reason not to go back and to blame it on someone(ME) or something else! She is scared and does not want to admit!

Anyway thank you all for your help and opinions but it looks like she made her mind up and we are not going !

Again thank you !
s2good2   
14 Jan 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

warszawski

I did and it states:

Work permits
Working legally in Poland

Since Poland has joined the European Union, its rules and regulations regarding labour mobility are changing as they come into line with EU directives.

Citizens of EU member states and their family members do not need a work permit for Poland. Most non-EU citizens need a work visa and work permit in order work in Poland.

That is from the Polish Embassy!

It just comes down to she is scared to move from US. Oh well guess I do not have to worry about it anymore!
s2good2   
16 Jan 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

Again ! Thank you all so much for your input !! I wish she would not be so scared and change her mind ..... But there is only so much I can do, I offered and if she does not take it.. well .. then her bad! Again, Thank you ALL!!!

s2good2

Ok, I do not know if anyone is following this thread anymore but, My question... My wife said (apparently she is thinking of moving again (Wow the up's and down's of having a wife (Polish)))My son needs to be in a Private English school. She says it would be easier for him to transfer to Poland and then back to USA. It costs 1036 zl/month. Is this really necessary? He speaks Polish fluently, of course he does not know every word, just like every six year old. When he was in Poland a little over a year ago, he attended Kindergarten and adjusted just fine and loved school. Please tell me what you all think.

Thank you,

Shawn
s2good2   
20 Jan 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

We are currently are renting! So, no income from that but also no worries of having to sell either. My problem, we have a car that we owe about 22,000.00 (upside down a bit) what to do with that? really do not want to make the $ 400.00 a month payment while gone. Ideas???
s2good2   
22 Jan 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

Wow! A lot of good information! Thank you soooooooo much ! I will be looking into starting something there if we go (she still has not made up her mind and it is driving me crazy!) If we are going we need to start planning NOW!

Again, thanks for the info. Please ALL opinions from Many are wanted and appreciated

Shawn

How do I look for Flats In Gdynia? (Morska Area) I can not find anything online except for Luxury "getaways" renting fully furnished Flats by the week. Is there a web site that actually list flats for rent by the month? (unfurnished).
s2good2   
24 Jan 2011
USA, Canada / I sent a package from Wisconsin, US, to Warsaw. 3 weeks and still not delivered? [14]

I use USPS and ship to Gydnia frequently (from US, CO.), NEVER have had a problem. My flat rates get there with 7 days (longest). Sorry to hear your have problems. But if you shipped flat rate, International, You should have a tracking number. The info on tracking is delayed a bit once it leaves the US but will appear on the tracking site eventually.
s2good2   
25 Jan 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

jwojcie

These are great sites ! Thank you !

OK, It looks like we are going to go! Starting looking for flats in Gdynia and Storage units here in Colorado. Now, I am starting to get nervous after all the negative things she has been telling me. Now that I know we can financially make it there I need to know the truths about living in the Tri-Cities. Good and bad. Are American's really targeted after dark there? Is heating water really that expensive? and... Really... electricity is so expensive that I should turn my computer off in between uses ? ETC..... She said she is trying to give me the worst case... so I do not expect to much ! She has been back to Poland 4 times in the last 12 years BUT she has not "lived" there in 12 years. I suspect things have changed A LOT since she has lived there... Your thoughts?
s2good2   
28 Jan 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

Thank you ! I will relish in my new family (had them for awhile but not able to "Talk" to them.) Now, maybe after I learn their language , I will (Maybe) become part of her family. My son will benefit the most! (I think) and my wife will be able to rest her heart ... that she "did" the right thing! Thank you all ! and please do not stop posting! I WANT TO LEARN AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AS I CAN ABOUT POLAND! thanks
s2good2   
29 Jan 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

I sure hope what you all said is true!! I am looking forward with guided eyes. We are now trying to find a flat and we are looking into a storage unit for the things we are not taking or selling off.

Looking to have a BIG garage sale in the coming months to get rid of a lot of junk we have collected. Still can not figure out a good solution for the car that we owe too much on. Told her what you all said.."should sell the car for as much as possible and take a loan out for the rest" (cheaper) but she says "NO!"

I know this is a bad time (too late) to mention... but I am allergic to sea food ! and I know they eat a lot of it... and it is cheaper than BEEF or any other meat. Will I be able to get around this? (I know I will have to) but will I be able to find meat somewhere cheaper? hahaha where to shop for the best price in Gdynia? In America, I know where to get best deals!!! how to figure that out there? Maybe just time?

Again (for the 100th time) Thank you all for the input!

Shawn & Sylwia (And Lukas)
s2good2   
31 Jan 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

Wow ! just packed the first box the ship to Poland and 3 for storage. Sold the 2nd living room Sofa and Love Seat as well as the Cocktail table and the two end tables. Very empty and very mind sobering of what we are doing! It is now real and against MY mother wishes we are now "set in stone" we are going ! (a little scared <-- me)
s2good2   
1 Feb 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

average wages in Poland approx 3500zl

How? Rent for 3 bedroom flat is 2500 to 3000zl Those prices were posted here earlier by people that live IN Poland !

Americans think their S..t don't stink

This is the poor attitude I worry about!!!! I am merely trying to plan for the future! I do not live there and I do not know what the economy is like ! how dare you tell me that "I do not think my Sh!t does not stink!? I had questions and asked! I thought that was what this forum was for!

Until you, EVERYONE has been very helpful and VERY Nice.... What happened to you to make you so ANGRY and so against America? What ever it is ...Please do NOT take it out on me. I did nothing to require such an attack.

Americans have stuffed up there own country and now they want to stuff up Poland

By the way, Not stuffing up Poland! I am leaving the only life I know for my Wife and son so they can be with her Sick Father!
s2good2   
1 Feb 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

you don't have to be boy genius to work out that a lifestyle on 12000zl approx 4000US$ per month would have to be pretty good if the average Pole earns 3500zl...

DO NOT LIVE IN POLAND SO THEREFORE I DO NOT KNOW !! no boy genius! HAVE NO CLUE hence the question!

I have not attacked you, I have just made a valid point.

Yes you did attack me! if you live in Poland you have no idea of what "the quality of living is in America"

Don't tell me that if you say something crititical of the US you are anti american

No, not necessarily, But in the context you put forward you were VERY ANTI AMERICAN!!

the truth is that the average Pole has a better quality of life than that of the average American..
If America didn't have any credit they would be a third world country.
Americans have stuffed up there own country and now they want to stuff up Poland.

How would you know "the quality of life here in the states ?"& what is "stuffed up "..Really? If you live here you are against your own words. If you do not .. Well then you have no clue!

You !! only! everyone else, please help with the original context of this forum, But you, please leave me alone! you are an angry, American hating person that is hell bound on proving your point... NOT interested

My God I am just trying to provide for my family and make sure we will not be a bruden on our family or the Polish Gov.. and He/she has to lash out like that !! THIS IS WHAT I WAS TOLD ABOUT! Angry Polish people!

I am not cowering to him/her but I will say that I am not going to lower myself to that place! I will no longer answer what he/she has to say !

why do you even care? :-) This forum is full of jerks, you'll get used to it after a while.

Thank you ! I am now seeing that ... Well not everybody here is "Happy" with Americans. Oh well what to do ? Problem for them is... I am still coming to Poland and it is ONLY for my wife and son.. well and for grandpa ! ...who knows might like it and stay ! lol
s2good2   
3 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

Aphrodisiac,

May I ask you if you work for a company teaching English to your students or do you do it by yourself? If by yourself, where did you get your students? what type of marketing did you do?

Thanks
s2good2   
4 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

Aphrodisiac,

Thanks for the reply! one other thing. While reading the "entire" thread I noted that you said you had problems with your packages you sent to Poland in customs. My question, since I am moving there, Why was there problems? when I send box's to Poland (to my wife's mom) the packages are just delivered. no customs, no problems. Why were yours stuck in customs? I ask because I do not want to have the same problems. Starting to send box's now so when I get there in 2-3 months they will be waiting at my mother in-laws flat for us. Thanx for the info! Love the blog! Really is helping a "stupid" American that is moving to Gdynia! :)
s2good2   
4 Feb 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

It can be a good temporary work for you while you stay in Poland for a year or two.

Please do tell, this is in an area I was not thinking of. please more details, If you can?

I was thinking of teaching "conversational" English when I get there Husband and wife thing. Advertising .... Husband and Wife team, She Native Polish, Him Native American to teach Conversational English. Take your base English to the next level and feel comfortable speaking English on your next business trip or vacation!

Not sure that will be the exact ad but something close. Sure to be "cleaned" up a bit before posted!.

Does anyone know... We were going to wait until June to move because my son is in school..... but Her Dad is not doing well and we do not know if he is going to make it until June. In America I can take my son out of school at any time and move to another state and put him back in school mid term. Is the same possible in Poland? can he continue mid term there? or will he have to re-take 1st grade?
s2good2   
4 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

Good luck in moving:)

Thank you so much!! I am soooooooo scared leaving "Everything" behind and moving to a country I know so little about (visited 3 times and have ton a ton of research) but not the same as living there ! but PF has helped a ton. If you have not viewed yet I have a thread in PF under everyday life, 3000-4000 a month. Take a min to look and see what's going on. ANY help would be Appreciated! thanks again your thread has also been very helpful !

Shawn
s2good2   
4 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

it takes more than motivation to come to Poland. you gotta know in your heart that this is the right decision and if you're full of fear, your heart's not in it.

My heart is in it but still scared. I wont re-type it here but go look at the forum titled $ 3000.00- 4000.00 per month etc and you will see my reasons.

Thanks
s2good2   
8 Feb 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

WOW !! ok the tickets have been purchased and we now have the date ! March 29th, 2011 we head out to out new life ! please wish us the best and please do not stop posting about poland and things I will need to know! it is so helpful !

Like why do some charge rent and (going to spell this wrong) "Wysokość czynszu" and some do not? If I want to teach English, do I NEED the TELF? or anything else you can think of!

Thanks to all of you to help make our decision. I will be updating more as we go through the process and the move !

Shawn & Sylwia
s2good2   
10 Feb 2011
Life / $3,000-$4,000 a month - would we have enough money to live in Poland? [273]

Another question... We will be renting a flat and We have two cats we are bringing with us! (they are family) I have only seen two or three Ads (for Flats) that said NO PETS! my wife , who has not been in Poland (living) in 12 years, says that no one will accept two cats! Is this true? well behaved and litter box trained (Indoor only)? Come on is it that different there? Pls let me know !

Thank you for your input!