I visited China ten years ago on money I made from lifting boxes all night in a warehouse. It had always been a place that interested me, as long as I could remember and whilst here a girl I met suggested I teach to make my savings last longer. I did this, even though I am without any degree or formal education of note, found I enjoyed it very much, and ended up staying for 7 months instead of my originally intended 2. I also found I could live very comfortably by doing so and have plenty of free time to use as I wished. When I got back to London I quickly found myself disappointed to be back. It's not just that I was living on the bottom rung of the ladder there financially, it was also that I had simply grown disenchanted with my life there. There was so little that really kept me interested. Moving here was like moving back into my childhood in many ways, everything is an intellectual challenge, particularly the language. It keeps my brain from sliding into atrophy.

Actually, all of the above.

I came here to study Chinese ink painting and some of the other applied arts, and of course, one has to have a job in order to live here, so I got a job teaching at one of the colleges. I taught in the U.S., so it was a perfect avenue for me. I love teaching here, and with the reduced schedule, have plenty of time to pursue the arts that I came here to learn. So, for me, it's a win-win situation.

Now, financially, I'm in the middle of your scale, but in a 3rd-tier city, so my living expenses are pretty low. Proportionately, I'm saving a good amount of money. Of course, it's Chinese money, so the exchange will take quite a hit when I convert it back to U.S. dollars, but every little bit adds up. While I'm here, though, I'm learning and researching a lot about the culture, people, and experience. Since I'm plugged into the publishing communities and certain art genres in the U.S., all of this may turn into future capital, so, we'll see.

am here for the baozi.........yeah and the "Culture Thing" whatever that is

I am here because my company asked me to go and oversee production.

The problem is I am am only in China 6-7 months a year.  Last year I was in China for 6 months of 12.  This year so far 5 months of 8.  Back and forth maybe 3 times a year.

When I first came here I hated it.  Now the hardest thing is being away.  My life at home is better in some ways but when you are in a serious relationship with a Chinese person it is very hard to be away back home for an extended period of time.

So I came for the job but want to stay for the girl.

Actually, saving money was a pretty major priority.

Yes, Canada and (my native) Australia have plenty of work, but I had moved to the UK to live with my partner and believe me, there's sod all in the way of decent jobs there and it's still hideously expensive. Over the 18 months I attempted to make a life there, I lost all my life savings, even though I was working the whole time!

Coming back to Asia was a way to stop the financial hemorraghing and build up some small savings again.

I came for the job

It was an unexpected job offer, but thought what the hell

Only been here 4 months now but already thinking long term

Guess most of you will be thinking yea right wait til the honeymoon period is over, but upto now im thoroughly enjoying my time here

ohhhhh and doing the job i enjoy obviously helps a great deal

I'm here because of job. Something like thedude.

In previous company I've been in China for relative short visits, few times a year.

In this company I tend to spend almost all time here, visiting homeland for a visa and taxes.

Other reasons? Sure If I would not like China - I would still have another job back home. But I do, so I'm here, begining new life.

Do I earn more thatn You? I would not say so.

And I'm here not for money, even if in near future much bigger income is quite possible.

Thanks for the responses guys. I wish us all the best here, and back home. Keep safe.

As with most posters I had a myriad of reasons for coming here, my own parents were both dead and I have no brothers or sisters, my wife is Chinese and her parents are still alive, I had just come to the end of a major period in my life and I wanted to take up teaching in the next phase of my life.

I taught in the UK and tbh, I know of rapists who get more respect than male teachers in the UK, indeed the amount of open hostility to a male teacher based purely on his gender is frightening, that was an important consideration. Teachers in general enjoy a greater respect out here and male teachers are not assumed to be paedophiles!

I am here for Job..but the reason is to experience the fastest largest growing economy of the world..

am here for study purposes and  I have been here for two years now, teaching or having any other type of job in china while holding an x visa is illegal, so apart from studying am not doing any other thing, though the nationals love me so much and are always urging me to stay and work here after graduation, something I still sleep over. well I have a project, I want to write a book about the coexistence between Chinese and foreigners in general and I would love each and everyone of you to help me by contributing your positive and negative experience about china ,her people, culture and measures or suggestions to tackle the various difficulties foreigners find while receding in china and communicating with Chinese people, thank you all.

i am here for job only

I came here for work and out of curiosity. I make more than you part time here, but I make less here than i did back in the states (considering if my $ here was doubled for working full time). However, i am able to save here unlike living in LA. Living here I don't have to worry about making BMW payments, insurance, gas, maintenence, etc... Without having a vehicle already saves me like 6000RMB/ Month. Plus I don't have any hassle about parking tickets here either. 

Of course some things are more pricey here such as expat restaurants, beer, etc, but i am just happy that i can save some $ all while being happy here. 

First time I came was for a vacation. I had such a good time and was in such a good mood and I came back to see a woman I met. I'm home now and had planned on returning in 2 months, but I'm delayed for many reasons. I miss China, BCD and all.

I'm here to enjoy my life. I have an enjoyable job and an exciting lifestyle.

Money ain't important.