| Foreigners moving to China | |
|---|---|
| Sep 28, 2008 04:47 |   |
 | At some point in the near future, 2 years or so, I will be moving to China. Now I appreciate there will be problems, language, culture etc. and I am preparing for it. What I would like is people who have experienced it or who have friends that have can explain more to me. Really, what am I letting myself in for? What problems will I have to get past? |
| Sep 29, 2008 14:08 | #1 |
| Presuming you can overcome the visa issues, what will you do for work? If it is photography and you are selling your work via the Internet I would be concerned that it could get a bit sticky - visa status vs work status AND taxation. |
| Sep 29, 2008 16:45 | #2 |
| My photography will always be a passion but it will never pay enough to make it a job, just spare money now and again. The job situation is my main concern, to be honest I would work anywhere and do most things. To me a job is just to pay bills. |
| Sep 29, 2008 22:54 | #3 |
| Dave, I’d probably disagree a little on your assumption that you photography couldn’t be turned into something that could make you a living. Look around at successful people and you will see that they have been driven by passion. They’ve turned their passion into a job. Many mere mortals go through life never experiencing this emotion. The closes most of them get is at 3 o’clock on a Saturday afternoon watching their football team play. Dodger. |
| Sep 30, 2008 00:38 | #4 |
| You have a very good point but my photography is still only a hobby at the moment. I would love to turn it into a money maker but although my subject matter is interesting to me, it is not that interesting to the majority of the world. Having said that my website has received 78,000 hits so far this year. I suppose its just a case of spending more time finding my market. Although I am good at what I do, I am not good at promoting or selling the stuff. |
| Sep 30, 2008 01:53 | #5 |
| Judging from the feedback I have read from people visiting your site Dave and the fact that you have had 78,000 hits without really trying I think your future may be staring you in the face. I had a passion and a dream once and followed it. It turned into a career, not quite in the way I expected it too. You just need to find out how to optimize your site and add a shopping basket and of course gather a mailing list. Cheers, Dodger. |
| Sep 30, 2008 12:50 | #6 |
| You are so very right, Dodger. I also followed my dream and one day behind corner I found the reason for it. All these years I thought I was doing what I was ment to do were finally a base for what I am doing now. Nothing special, but anyway. During years life brought me the best partners and now we are coming to breakthrough. Or not, next few months will show. Dave, don´t hide your talent from people, well, neither your web site address. Perhaps some day you will meet the right person or find way to promote and sell Your products. And honestly, I wish you will find your way to live in China in future. (although I envy you a little already, heh) Carlos |
| Sep 30, 2008 15:32 | #7 |
| Hi Dave we share a similar passion, I once worked as a photographer but other business pressures (more lucrative) forced me to abandon it. Only recently, and owing to my visits to China (and the purchase of a new digital SLR kit) have I rekindled the interest. Many of us on here have a particular interest in China (usually of the feminine gender). Obviously this is a great advantage in learning about the place. When I'm there I live "locally" which is the best way to integrate into the culture. It becomes necessary to learn some of the language...and this is appreciated. You eat the food provided or ordered for you (better not to ask too many questions about the contents) My philosophy is that if it smells ok I eat it. Some things to get used to are lavatories, spitting, loud cell phone calls, noisy eating and people rushing to get on or into a bus/lift before others get off/out. I can think of worse things to live with in Europe. However, I would not like to go far without my trusty translator,she's a gem. Generally I find all the people I meet are warm, frendly and welcomimg....although curiosity probably enters the equation. |
| Sep 30, 2008 16:58 | #8 |
| I agree with most of what you say, we all have an interest and only a few are after the 'feminine gender', best not go down that route as we really get on thier cases big time. I usually rent low cost hotels or stay with families while I am there, I have studied the language on and off for 7 years ( still crap at it) and try very hard to experience everything I can. It has taken me a few trips to get used to various things after being somewhat shocked on my first trip. I travelled with Chinese friend for few days and he taught me well, every question I asked, everything I pointed out and every time I said 'in the west....' his answer was the same 'TIC', This Is China, I soon accepted it and started to enjoy myself. I found the best translator I ever had was my smile, I tried to talk, changed my phrases and if they still didnt understand a smile and a pointing finger usually got me fed. Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement, I probably need to look into pushing my photography. If as you say Dodger I get that many hits without trying, must be a market there somwhere for me. Plus of course when I get to China for good the photo opportunities are endless so the site will be updated almost weekly. |
| Sep 30, 2008 18:48 | #9 |
| Dave, It'll take you whole professional life to travel in China. |
| Oct 2, 2008 00:58 | #10 |
| I have my whole life to travel around. Even if I live to be 100 I can only see most of it, never all of it |
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