Why do expats end up destitute in Cambodia ?

With the recent news about those destitute expats, it seems like there are more and more of expats ended up destitute in Cambodia. I actually don't get it. I wonder if it has to do with personal stuff. As white, not mater where you are from and you also don't need to be a native speaker of English, you still can teach English if you have good knowledge of English. Even though teaching in a crap language school in Cambodia, you will get at least 1000 dollar per month and this will not give you the best lifestyle in Cambodia, but at least a good one and you will not end up destitute and beg money from people on the road.

Samouth, some people are self-destructive

Others can't handle too much freedom/cheap drugs/women, they come from a nanny-state, brought up in fake religious BS. They come here, everything is available

I always see a young barang man beg for money under 7 Makara bridge. His is look drugged and his face is red. maybe he got hit.

Even a crap English job can bring you at least $1000? Who have you been talking to? Most of those crap jobs offer about $800 - for 9 months of the year. (if your lucky nd get enough hours) I would say cost of living is one of the reasons. Also depression brought on by people who constantly cheat. Drugs definitely have their place. And there are a lot of alcoholics running away from home.
If the COL wasn't so high, it would take them twice as long and possibly allow a way out.

Because they don’t read CEO Samouth!

Just the trepidation of ending up plastered on this forum coupled with the up-to-date information on here about visas and regulations should’ve kept their wits about them and plan more wisely.

Watch, just this thread alone will provide sound advice to heed.

But vlad has a point; some are just self-destructive.

Why? Revenge for being born.
--Doc Holiday to Wyatt Earp (paraphrased)

I agree with onefriedchip, very few people in the TEFL business have a salary of $1000

The overwhelming majority survive on $500-$800

30 Public holidays, term breaks, generous Khmer-Chinese who pay a fair wage, occasional illness, losing hours because students stay way because of rain (school owners looooooove the rainy season!) etc.

I'd say the most popular reasons are:

1. Many expats don't understand that living and working somewhere is going to be different from a holiday there. Sure you might love your two weeks living like a peasant while backpacking... but it gets tired after a year or two. Sadly, they soon find that the reason peasants don't travel is because they can't afford to and these expats find it impossible to go home. Wages for the vast majority of expats here are abysmal.

2. Drink, drugs, prostitutes, they all exist at home but there's a ton of societal pressure to avoid (or at least minimize) their use. That pressure doesn't exist here... and drugs and prostitutes are much more easily available than in many places and all 3 are cheaper here than pretty much anywhere else on earth too.

3. They can't leave. Visa overstayers, those hiding out from various extradition treaties, etc. many want to leave but the consequences of doing so are too great... so they implode.

vladimir wrote:I agree with onefriedchip, very few people in the TEFL business have a salary of $1000

The overwhelming majority survive on $500-$800

30 Public holidays, term breaks, generous Khmer-Chinese who pay a fair wage, occasional illness, losing hours because students stay way because of rain (school owners looooooove the rainy season!) etc.

Yep, and don't forget the work permit etc
I was reading a business doc from one of my clients the other day. SME taxation enforcement is on the way you'll all be happy to learn. (including 10 years of back payments no doubt) So, there maybe a few more soon. Don't worry though Scooby, you can rely on me. (as long as the others let me help).

vladimir wrote:Samouth, some people are self-destructive

Others can't handle too much freedom/cheap drugs/women, they come from a nanny-state, brought up in fake religious BS. They come here, everything is available

This actually led to another question in my mind. I got about cheap drugs and women, but what did you really mean by freedom?