The previous blog entry was absolutely an April Fools joke. I didn’t intend for anyone to actually believe it but I had tons of responses congratulating me etc. There is talk of a 3rd year here which I’ll announce when it is formalized.
In reality, there almost no amount of money that would make me stay here that long.
Tom says:
nice one!
April 8, 2007, 8:14 ammaldives says:
Hi,
April 17, 2007, 3:34 amCurious as to “why nothing would make you stay (in China) that long”. I just finished reading China CEO. Ok, granted these people have all the true expatriate perks, probably all of your april fools joke perks and more. In the book, it states that not one of the 20+ foreign CEOs want to leave China. Perhaps I need to read more of your blog to learn why, but I thought I would ask.
Dave says:
In response to the previous comment, answering why I wouldn’t stay that long. Note that I’m very careful to not say anything that would cause China to block access to my server.
Before moving here, I thought I’d be able to live here forever too. I digress.
My short, politically correct answer is this in one word…
Pollution
My long answer is that I have a diminishing toleration for the fundamental problems relating to ethics, manners, hygiene and an appreciation of the things that make civilized cultures “civilized”.
But, maybe saying “nothing would make me stay here” is too strong. I’m not that idealistic and I do have a price. And again, this is my state of mind at the 1.5 year mark. Most people we know who last more than 3, end up staying for 5 more. Also, the way this world looks to a CEO may be very different than the one I see.
There is a 3rd year package from my corporation which will be a “real” package rather than a hybrid deal with a school. It might make my viewpoint change too.
But right now, it sucks to live in China.
April 18, 2007, 1:11 amcl says:
Hi, I’m considering (rather, being considered) to take up a position in Beijing.Then I came across your blog. Your previous post made me think that Beijing must be a great place to live in since you are willing to sign the 5-year contract…. ok, I was the one of the April fool suckers…
My greatest concern (if I get the job) is with the pollution, as you have pointed out as your “politically correct answer”. I’ve a 1yr old daughter and I’m not sure if it is the best thing for her to live in a heavily polluted city. However, the Beijing job is what I want for my career. If you are able to go back in time and decide once again, would you still go to Beijing (after experiencing the pollution in the city)?
btw, your blog is fantastic.There are so much info and it’s fun to read!
April 18, 2007, 5:32 amDave says:
Thanks for the compliment!
I think a few years of exposure is probably worth the experience. I have a genetic history of early-death-by-lung-cancer and still thought it would be worth it even if I shaved a couple years off the end. I hope in the end, I still feel that way ;-).
But bringing young children here is definitely a measured choice. Kids are probably much more resilient than adults. Our daughter had asthma in the US and it isn’t much worse here. It even seems to be getting better. I’m even starting to think that a little bit of exposure to a dirty environment is a good thing as long as you don’t live in it forever.
Also, the first year’s pollution was severe which has permanently tainted our perceptions of the pollution. The most noxious fumes seem to come from the surrounding villages where each home burns a coal pellet every night to stay warm. These are big coal particles and can be filtered out with a HEPA filter.
I won’t be held liable for any future medical conditions if you decide to come, but *I* think it’s a worthwhile endeavor.
April 18, 2007, 8:19 amcl says:
thanks for giving me the anwer “I want to hear”.I’ve anyway more or less decided to take the job IF I’m offerred. Still waiting for the second interview. It was been a week since the first one but it feels like I’ve waited for a month!
April 19, 2007, 6:18 am