That’s exactly why I refuse to take jobs in really desirable locations these days, some foreigners seem to wish to sell their soul to live there. Hainan and Chengdu are said to be examples of such places where older people will accept a pointlessly low salary because they are living off a pension.

However, it is not just the old folks that cause this kind of problem. An old boss and very good friend of mine in a different industry often complains about some younger foreigners only being here for the sake of a token year of China experience on their CV. They will be completely unprofessional, get drunk too often and not take anything seriously. Some young Russian/C.I.S women of lower moral virtue will openly admit to being in China on an husband seeking, gold digging mission too. Such younger people, male or female have been said to take lower salaries to secure a place in their preferred city of choice.