sa11y
17 Feb 2012
Love / Do some Polish women prefer older men for money? [57]
Some do. Same as some men preferring good looks over brains.
Some do. Same as some men preferring good looks over brains.
sa11y
17 Feb 2012
Life / Is Poland a poor country? [578]
Not necessarily Pip, I grew up in Kielce:-) For me leaving Poland had nothing to do with not being happy in Poland, it was not a tragedy but not a blessing either. But then I was told many times I'm not typical Polish woman :-)
Not necessarily Pip, I grew up in Kielce:-) For me leaving Poland had nothing to do with not being happy in Poland, it was not a tragedy but not a blessing either. But then I was told many times I'm not typical Polish woman :-)
sa11y
17 Feb 2012
Life / Is Poland a poor country? [578]
Milky - Poles abroad. Some people (like me) leave for adventure, novelty - you name it. When I was leaving Poland for SA I had bucketful of doubts. But I still did it, even though at that time there was not much of financial advantage. You will always have people like that. Not because they had bad life but because they want to check if grass really is greaner on the other side of the fence. Is it?
Milky - Poles abroad. Some people (like me) leave for adventure, novelty - you name it. When I was leaving Poland for SA I had bucketful of doubts. But I still did it, even though at that time there was not much of financial advantage. You will always have people like that. Not because they had bad life but because they want to check if grass really is greaner on the other side of the fence. Is it?
sa11y
17 Feb 2012
Work / Cost of Living, Average Salaries and Job sites in Poland [263]
In terms of living - stick to bigger cities, for a young guy there is more to do there and people are more open minded.
Warsaw, Krakow, Tri-city, Wroclaw - these are nice, Poznan should also be OK.
In Warsaw you will earn more, but will also pay more for accommodation and going out.
Try to find someone to share apartment with, it will be cheaper than living alone, but don't rent a room only, they are usually untidy as people who have been put together randomly find it difficult to share responsibilities of keeping place clean.
Try to find a place outside with good communication links to the center (but outside center).
Compare prices of furnished vs. unfurnished, you can buy stuff you need second hand (allegro.pl is a Polish equivalent to e-bay, but ebay also functions in Poland).
In terms of salary - don't expect too much, you are still young and Poland does not pay much for entry positions. What they were offering to you is perfectly fine, if you want to move (for sake of experience, take it) - if you want to move for money, you may need to finish studies first and get more experience. You will earn substantially more one or two levels up.
That's all from the top of my head - any specific areas that you are interested in?
do you have any tip/advice regarding Poland
In terms of living - stick to bigger cities, for a young guy there is more to do there and people are more open minded.
Warsaw, Krakow, Tri-city, Wroclaw - these are nice, Poznan should also be OK.
In Warsaw you will earn more, but will also pay more for accommodation and going out.
Try to find someone to share apartment with, it will be cheaper than living alone, but don't rent a room only, they are usually untidy as people who have been put together randomly find it difficult to share responsibilities of keeping place clean.
Try to find a place outside with good communication links to the center (but outside center).
Compare prices of furnished vs. unfurnished, you can buy stuff you need second hand (allegro.pl is a Polish equivalent to e-bay, but ebay also functions in Poland).
In terms of salary - don't expect too much, you are still young and Poland does not pay much for entry positions. What they were offering to you is perfectly fine, if you want to move (for sake of experience, take it) - if you want to move for money, you may need to finish studies first and get more experience. You will earn substantially more one or two levels up.
That's all from the top of my head - any specific areas that you are interested in?
sa11y
16 Feb 2012
Work / Cost of Living, Average Salaries and Job sites in Poland [263]
If 4000 is too little the push for 5000, but you may wait for a right offer, for a very young guy that can be pushing it a bit. I'm not in Poland but used to be based in Warsaw, I work for international company and to be honest we pay our grads and juniors in Warsaw more in line with your first offer. But keep looking, good luck! Do you have degree from good Uni?
If 4000 is too little the push for 5000, but you may wait for a right offer, for a very young guy that can be pushing it a bit. I'm not in Poland but used to be based in Warsaw, I work for international company and to be honest we pay our grads and juniors in Warsaw more in line with your first offer. But keep looking, good luck! Do you have degree from good Uni?
sa11y
16 Feb 2012
Work / Cost of Living, Average Salaries and Job sites in Poland [263]
The offer you received is low, but probably in line with what young people with some qualification and couple years of experience get in Poland. Your strength (other than your IS) skills is knowledge of languages. If this is what's required in the new job, you can put decent price to it. If you are single, than 4-5 000 nett will probably be enough to live ' young guys life'. Otherwise accommodation and kids schools can consume a lot.
The offer you received is low, but probably in line with what young people with some qualification and couple years of experience get in Poland. Your strength (other than your IS) skills is knowledge of languages. If this is what's required in the new job, you can put decent price to it. If you are single, than 4-5 000 nett will probably be enough to live ' young guys life'. Otherwise accommodation and kids schools can consume a lot.
sa11y
16 Feb 2012
Work / Cost of Living, Average Salaries and Job sites in Poland [263]
I was just trying to remember the right name :)
I did live in a bedsit in London, and I had to share bathroom.
In studio flat you have your own bathroom.
In the UK it would be called a Studio Flat
I was just trying to remember the right name :)
I did live in a bedsit in London, and I had to share bathroom.
In studio flat you have your own bathroom.
sa11y
16 Feb 2012
Real Estate / Poland's apartment prices continue to fall [1844]
Milky - but that's not what people are paying. You can't take the cost of flat in central Warsaw and compare it to buying power of a supermarket lady.
So let's look at example.
You said that generally as a couple you will be able to get a loan 3 x your combined annual salary.
Looking at Warsaw:
1) 1 bedroom flat in one of the "sleeper" areas (i.e. Bialoleka - still in Warsaw, good transport to the centre): approx 280 000 PLN
2) Average salary in Warsaw: ~5000 PLN (3500 PLN/nett)
- combined income: net 7000 *12 = 84000 PLN/pa
- 280000/84000= 3.33
- So in Warsaw, if you earn the average, you need to work just over 3 years to buy a flat (definitely 10-15 years!)
Looking at London:
1) 1 bedroom flat - East London: 180000 GBP (small flat, full ownership) - this will probably be bigger than the mentioned flat in Warsaw, so let's take 75% of that = 135000 GBP
2) Average salary in London: ~33000 PBP pa (21000 net)
- combined income: net 42000 GBP/pa
- 135000/42000 = 3.21
- So in East London if you earn average salary for London, you also need to work for just over 3 years (in fact as there is not enough small property, you would need to work more than that - perhaps that's why they came with idea of shared ownership)
Johannesburg (Edenvale - where I live)
1) 1-bedroom flat: 700000 ZAR - difficult to come by, properties are big here...
2) Average salary in Johannesburg: ~240000 ZAR/pa (155000 net)
- combined income: net 310000 ZAR/pa
- 700000/310000 = 2.25
- So in Johannesburg you need to work just over 2 years to afford a small flat. And even South Africa has recently been accused of having property bubble because property prices doubled in 5 years.
South Africa - low cost housing, targeted at lowest income group (they will probably make 100000 ZAR/year of combined income. You can buy a "match-box" house for 200000-300000 ZAR - so even in case of the lowest earning population the ratio of paying ~ 3 x combined annual income works.
My calculation has limitations - I took that the household income is a double of individual averages that is a generalization in the first place. But the bottom line is - that if there is a gap in the market, it eventually will get filled.
Poland has problem with low cost housing (not enough). So the assumption is that while the new properties will be probably in the same range as property in the rest of Europe, the old, small post communist establishments will lose value.
The economic situation in Poland changed since it joined EU and property price increases are linked to that rather than the bubble.
So in Poland paying 10 times your salary for a one bedroom flat, or 15 times your yearly salary for a house
Milky - but that's not what people are paying. You can't take the cost of flat in central Warsaw and compare it to buying power of a supermarket lady.
So let's look at example.
You said that generally as a couple you will be able to get a loan 3 x your combined annual salary.
Looking at Warsaw:
1) 1 bedroom flat in one of the "sleeper" areas (i.e. Bialoleka - still in Warsaw, good transport to the centre): approx 280 000 PLN
2) Average salary in Warsaw: ~5000 PLN (3500 PLN/nett)
- combined income: net 7000 *12 = 84000 PLN/pa
- 280000/84000= 3.33
- So in Warsaw, if you earn the average, you need to work just over 3 years to buy a flat (definitely 10-15 years!)
Looking at London:
1) 1 bedroom flat - East London: 180000 GBP (small flat, full ownership) - this will probably be bigger than the mentioned flat in Warsaw, so let's take 75% of that = 135000 GBP
2) Average salary in London: ~33000 PBP pa (21000 net)
- combined income: net 42000 GBP/pa
- 135000/42000 = 3.21
- So in East London if you earn average salary for London, you also need to work for just over 3 years (in fact as there is not enough small property, you would need to work more than that - perhaps that's why they came with idea of shared ownership)
Johannesburg (Edenvale - where I live)
1) 1-bedroom flat: 700000 ZAR - difficult to come by, properties are big here...
2) Average salary in Johannesburg: ~240000 ZAR/pa (155000 net)
- combined income: net 310000 ZAR/pa
- 700000/310000 = 2.25
- So in Johannesburg you need to work just over 2 years to afford a small flat. And even South Africa has recently been accused of having property bubble because property prices doubled in 5 years.
South Africa - low cost housing, targeted at lowest income group (they will probably make 100000 ZAR/year of combined income. You can buy a "match-box" house for 200000-300000 ZAR - so even in case of the lowest earning population the ratio of paying ~ 3 x combined annual income works.
My calculation has limitations - I took that the household income is a double of individual averages that is a generalization in the first place. But the bottom line is - that if there is a gap in the market, it eventually will get filled.
Poland has problem with low cost housing (not enough). So the assumption is that while the new properties will be probably in the same range as property in the rest of Europe, the old, small post communist establishments will lose value.
The economic situation in Poland changed since it joined EU and property price increases are linked to that rather than the bubble.
sa11y
13 Feb 2012
Polonia / Any Polish parents of pre-schoolers in Johannesburg area? [6]
I followed the link you sent, looks interesting, but it's by invitqtion only. Hope I cut the profile :-)
I followed the link you sent, looks interesting, but it's by invitqtion only. Hope I cut the profile :-)
sa11y
13 Feb 2012
sa11y
13 Feb 2012
sa11y
13 Feb 2012
Polonia / Any Polish parents of pre-schoolers in Johannesburg area? [6]
Hi - I'm a Polish mother of a 2.5 year old boy. I would like to meet with other Polish mums or dads (and their kids) so that the kids can learn some Polish from each other. Unfortunately there are no Polish nurseries or schools in Johannesburg (none that I know of) and "babcia" lives in Poland :-(
Hi - I'm a Polish mother of a 2.5 year old boy. I would like to meet with other Polish mums or dads (and their kids) so that the kids can learn some Polish from each other. Unfortunately there are no Polish nurseries or schools in Johannesburg (none that I know of) and "babcia" lives in Poland :-(
sa11y
12 Feb 2012
Language / What were the first Polish words and phrases you have learned? [63]
My sons first Polish words (i don't count 'mama') were 'boli' and 'babcia'
My sons first Polish words (i don't count 'mama') were 'boli' and 'babcia'
sa11y
12 Feb 2012
Food / Anybody in Poland actually eats soup-mix soups? [27]
When you have coice between packet soup and canteen food sometimes packet soup is a better choice. Not all of us work in city centres with nice restaurant and cafes around, and sometimes you just want something quick. From the Polish variety zurek and ogorkowa are not too bad.
When you have coice between packet soup and canteen food sometimes packet soup is a better choice. Not all of us work in city centres with nice restaurant and cafes around, and sometimes you just want something quick. From the Polish variety zurek and ogorkowa are not too bad.
sa11y
10 Feb 2012
Law / Born in Nicaragua. Can I and my family (TEFEL) become Polish by ancestry? [12]
Yeah. Maybe they are - some people are just bitter by nature. Civilised manner or not, the main point is the same. The guy shouldn't count on ancestry. Which does not mean he can't do it in other ways (work placement, opening business in Poland can in the end lead to the citizenship).
Yeah. Maybe they are - some people are just bitter by nature. Civilised manner or not, the main point is the same. The guy shouldn't count on ancestry. Which does not mean he can't do it in other ways (work placement, opening business in Poland can in the end lead to the citizenship).
sa11y
10 Feb 2012
Law / Born in Nicaragua. Can I and my family (TEFEL) become Polish by ancestry? [12]
No, I think he doesn't, why he would be asking if he knew? I was referring to Harry's and Pantless posts, ok, maybe no need for sarcasm here, but they are quite right in their evaluaton of the chance.
No, I think he doesn't, why he would be asking if he knew? I was referring to Harry's and Pantless posts, ok, maybe no need for sarcasm here, but they are quite right in their evaluaton of the chance.
sa11y
10 Feb 2012
Law / Born in Nicaragua. Can I and my family (TEFEL) become Polish by ancestry? [12]
SHT, they might be abrupt, but they are realistic. Do you really think the guy stands a single chance of getting Polish citizenship via such distant ancestors? Then think again.
SHT, they might be abrupt, but they are realistic. Do you really think the guy stands a single chance of getting Polish citizenship via such distant ancestors? Then think again.
sa11y
10 Feb 2012
Love / Living with a Polish man, but he has a drinking problem? [60]
Gumishu - he lost the control already, no point in denying this. And I wouldn't risk with him having the key - imagine if he comes in the night after a drunken row with his new girlfriend or mates and starts being abusive?
It's Anita's choice anyway - she knows the guy so can judge her situation better. Even if she chooses not to change locks now, she should do it anyway at some stage (if the property will remain hers that is) - it's a matter of security.
If she moves AND sells the property then I guess it does not make much difference.
if you change locks the guy will feel like losing control and this is not a good thing (things may get pretty hectic) - it's best he feels in control to the very last moments before she leaves and has no suspicion whatsover that she's gonna leave
Gumishu - he lost the control already, no point in denying this. And I wouldn't risk with him having the key - imagine if he comes in the night after a drunken row with his new girlfriend or mates and starts being abusive?
It's Anita's choice anyway - she knows the guy so can judge her situation better. Even if she chooses not to change locks now, she should do it anyway at some stage (if the property will remain hers that is) - it's a matter of security.
If she moves AND sells the property then I guess it does not make much difference.
sa11y
10 Feb 2012
Love / Living with a Polish man, but he has a drinking problem? [60]
Absolutely - if you don't one day you might walk into empty house - alcoholics need money to support their habit and it will probably get from bad to worse. Don't look back and do not even THINK about getting back with him.
change the locks anita
Absolutely - if you don't one day you might walk into empty house - alcoholics need money to support their habit and it will probably get from bad to worse. Don't look back and do not even THINK about getting back with him.
sa11y
7 Feb 2012
Genealogy / I'm trying to find my old friends who used @poczta.onet.pl email [22]
There is a popular social networking site called "Nasza Klasa" (nk) - it's similar to Facebook, but in Polish.
You will need to register to search for users there (most people use own name and surname to set up a profile)
Good luck.
There is a popular social networking site called "Nasza Klasa" (nk) - it's similar to Facebook, but in Polish.
You will need to register to search for users there (most people use own name and surname to set up a profile)
Good luck.
sa11y
6 Feb 2012
Life / How to find out if someone has been in prison in Poland? [3]
You have to ask them for "Zaswiadczenie o Niekaralnosci" (Police Clearance).
I don't think there is any other legal way - unless you hire a private detective.
You have to ask them for "Zaswiadczenie o Niekaralnosci" (Police Clearance).
I don't think there is any other legal way - unless you hire a private detective.
sa11y
5 Feb 2012
Love / Unmarried couples in Poland = pathology [310]
Well, I'm not so sure... The first thing anyone would do is to call emergency. To me shock does not explain not doing this. Let's see.
Well, I'm not so sure... The first thing anyone would do is to call emergency. To me shock does not explain not doing this. Let's see.
sa11y
5 Feb 2012
Love / Unmarried couples in Poland = pathology [310]
Agree, that's why it's important to identify reason, rather than cause. You can't fix somethibg if you don't know what is causing the damage.
Agree, that's why it's important to identify reason, rather than cause. You can't fix somethibg if you don't know what is causing the damage.
sa11y
5 Feb 2012
Law / Is there a legal requirement for us to support aging parents in Poland? [26]
No, but I want to hear "I'm sorry, I messed up. I need you my child". Without this any court order won't do.
No, but I want to hear "I'm sorry, I messed up. I need you my child". Without this any court order won't do.
sa11y
5 Feb 2012
Law / Is there a legal requirement for us to support aging parents in Poland? [26]
You put it clear enough, but my father was never father to me. He was just a male who impregnated my mom by accident. To me that does not make him a father in a moral way.
You put it clear enough, but my father was never father to me. He was just a male who impregnated my mom by accident. To me that does not make him a father in a moral way.
sa11y
5 Feb 2012
Law / Is there a legal requirement for us to support aging parents in Poland? [26]
Kondzior, why should i contribute ANYTHING for my father who left my mother when i was 6 months old and NEVER contributed anything to my upbringing? I would fight any court order imposed on me, and if i decided to contribute anything this would only be out of mercy if mercy he would ask for. Call me cruel, but my father saw me ONCE since he left my mother and that was when I was very young so can't even remember. On the other hand I would do anything to support my mom and need no court order for that.
Kondzior, why should i contribute ANYTHING for my father who left my mother when i was 6 months old and NEVER contributed anything to my upbringing? I would fight any court order imposed on me, and if i decided to contribute anything this would only be out of mercy if mercy he would ask for. Call me cruel, but my father saw me ONCE since he left my mother and that was when I was very young so can't even remember. On the other hand I would do anything to support my mom and need no court order for that.
sa11y
5 Feb 2012
Love / Unmarried couples in Poland = pathology [310]
No Polonius, it's the other way round. Irresponsible people who drink, sleep around and do not know how to take charge of their life "shack up". It is not concubitate that produces pathology. It is instability and irresponsibility in the first place that produces concubinate (in those cases, because not all concubinates are unstable), and that same instability produces pathology.
No Polonius, it's the other way round. Irresponsible people who drink, sleep around and do not know how to take charge of their life "shack up". It is not concubitate that produces pathology. It is instability and irresponsibility in the first place that produces concubinate (in those cases, because not all concubinates are unstable), and that same instability produces pathology.
sa11y
5 Feb 2012
Work / Got an offer from a business consulting company in Warsaw. 5000 zloty Gross? [8]
Obi, this is actually a very good offer for an inexperienced graduate, the company I work for (established FMCG, one of FTSE top 20) offers grads (including international ones from Western Europe) quite a bit less. Look at career prospects and make most of it. This is enough for a young single person to live decent life.
Obi, this is actually a very good offer for an inexperienced graduate, the company I work for (established FMCG, one of FTSE top 20) offers grads (including international ones from Western Europe) quite a bit less. Look at career prospects and make most of it. This is enough for a young single person to live decent life.
sa11y
5 Feb 2012
Love / Unmarried couples in Poland = pathology [310]
If you read Polish news you probably know about little girl reported kidnapped and found dead (by the hand of her mother as it seems). The parents are married and religious. Somehow that didn't help them to be good parents.
If you read Polish news you probably know about little girl reported kidnapped and found dead (by the hand of her mother as it seems). The parents are married and religious. Somehow that didn't help them to be good parents.
sa11y
3 Feb 2012
USA, Canada / Compulsory military service for Polish-Canadian returning to Poland? [11]
This relates to people who have been avoiding service (like hiding or left Poland just before they were due for service). This does NOT relate to people who emigrated when they were small children - have some sense. Don't worry OP, you WON'T do jail time for avoiding service.
the army is not interested in you any more the prosecutor is. In theory you can go for 3 years to prison.
This relates to people who have been avoiding service (like hiding or left Poland just before they were due for service). This does NOT relate to people who emigrated when they were small children - have some sense. Don't worry OP, you WON'T do jail time for avoiding service.