[NewsGuy]

I am being recruited by a large and established newspaper and media company in Hong Kong. I am an American who is currently live in Thailand, where the cost of living is much cheaper and the standard of life (for a foreigners anyway) is quite nice. I am considering taking the job and I do not know what I should ask for as far as salary. My position would be as CIO so I would be managing all technology, development efforts, technical personel, and certainly much more. Any thoughts on what a salary range for a position like this should be in Hong Kong?

It doesn't have to be "super" Ritzy or anything but I would like to have a nice place for my girlfriend and me. Possibly a second bedroom for guests (you're all welcome of course). Seems like I am going to be looking at 8-12,000 HKD base huh? I would also like to be near Kowloon as that is where the office is...

Finally, I will be relocated my 'lil Thai girlfriend to a place where she will have no friends, TV she won't understand and food she will find suspect. However, I know that many domestic workers (and unfortunately) bar girls are Thai, I have to assume that there are places these girls hang out or some type of social club or something. Shopping will only last so long (until I take the Visa card away) . And I would like for her to be happy and comfortable and have friends with which to socialize...

Any thoughts on these issues? Is it fun living in Hong Kong or is it all about work and capitalism? Look forward to any responses and appreicate your time. Thanks

TJ -

[Max]

Sorry TJ, but HK is all about work and capitalism.

But seriously, if you're looking to live and work here then you're going to have to ask for much MUCH more than 8-12K as your salary, unless of course you're looking to pay that much as your rent in which case the pay they're offering you should suffice and leave you with enough extra.

You can get a decent place in HK without having to pay through your nose for it. If you're looking to find places where your girlfriend might be comfortable associating with fellow Thais, then Kowloon City would be your best bet. There a re a number of Thai restaurants and the owners/operators of most of them live nearby, making a sizeable Thai community. Not only will she be able to indulge in home-cooked meals, but also some home company as well.

Good Luck.

[Geraldmu]

Max,

Is 8 to 12K HKD for rental considered "much" for rental? Could you let me know what is a good place (with bedrooms and gross area details) withing this range?

Thanks

Gerald

[Dutchie]

Have a look at the following website regarding salaries:

www.payscale.com

Good luck!

Dutchie

[shri]

Salaries in the newspaper industry as a CIO will depend on who you're working for. To be honest, like most asian newspapers, HK newspapers are ... ummm.. not exactly profit centers for the colgomerates that own them.

A good place to read gripes (bordering on libel) is the work / journalism board on http://www.icered.com