Job Discussion Forums

tinaki · Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 1

Ok, I know what you're thinking-"Get on a plane and go!" but-for me at least-it's not that easy.

Not that mine's a special case, it's just that I've been living abroad now for eight years, and have decided that I'd be happier in the long run living in a Western country where nationality and language aren't a factor and I can just solely focus on a career in photography that I've been putting off sicne travelling. I'm here in Taiwan now, and have lived in other countries in Asia and Europe. I've had great experiences and dont regret my decision to live abroad, but have decided that the fact that those little things like being lost and trying to communicate in the local language that were once so adventurous and exciting for me have now become a pain in the ass, is maybe, an indication that i should go home.

The problem is, I don't really like where I'm from- the States. And maybe my dislike for the place stems from recent political events, or just the fact that i've been gone for so long, I don't know. All i know is that it makes the most sense to go back there, but when I hear from friends that it's taking them months and months to find a job, the restircitions, the ignorance, it makes me think twice. I dont have the energy to go live in another foreign country, however. But i'm also scared that I'll go back and be miserable and get on the first plane back to Asia.

I guess I'm posting this looking for some words of advice from those who have made the transistion back home, or those who are in the process of doing so. How was or is the experience for you?

I'll be 34 years old soon--is it really that much harder getting readjusted when you're older? is it harder finding a job? I'm trying to look at it as just another career change, instead of a major life change.

Any places in the States you recommend living in?

Thanks is advance!! Smile

T.

spidey · Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 3:49 am Post subject:

Guam!

Good luck

S

merlin · Posted: Wed Jan 12, 2005 6:58 am Post subject:

Take a one-year tour and discover America.
I've lived in Hawaii, California, Oregon, Arizona, Missouri, Georgia, Illinois, and maybe one other. can't remember.
Sure, there are certain trends across the country but then again there are trumendous differences as well.
if you're more liberal - pick a large city. Conservative - rural
More Europe-like - Northeast/New england
More Asia-like - san Francisco/Seattle/Hawaii

But in the end you gotta just accept what you think is BS wherever you go, right? Within a few years you'll find yourself thinking the same BS and deny that you ever thought otherwise.

On a professional level, I myself an brushing up on my office skills - building my typing speed, spreadsheet skills and so on. You may or may not want to continue in teaching.

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Home is a state of mind. Find someone to love, perhaps yourself, and build a home together. Exist in the present, location is irrelevant. If you continue to think in terms of this country or that country you will never be at ease.
And finally, you are experiencing the last throes of such anxiety. These things will sort themselves out in the next few years. But if you are 40 and still have the same questions, than you always will.

shenyanggerry · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 619 Location: Canada

Come to Canada. We're more laid back. After eight years abroad you'll find American jingoism hard to take.

You've been attuned to a world view. You may find that your only real home is horizontally with your bedmate. GOOD LUCK!

Sweetsee · Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 2302 Location: ) is everything

Nice word that one, just looked it up. Spot on!

Truman · Joined: 24 Oct 2003 Posts: 50

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

My suggestion is to get a specific plan of action for what you want to do when you arrive back 'home'. There is nothing worse than having vague ideas about 'finding a job' or just 'going home' with no idea in particular about what you want to do. As well, try to connect with people who have also lived and taught abroad. If you can, document your experiences in writing and pictures so that you can share later on.

In my experience thus far, I've gone through the initial re-entry to Canada with no significant problems. Tough stuff is probably yet to come, but having an action plan has really helped. Contrast that to the last time I came back to Canada around 9/11 with no plan and it was just a really depressing time.

I think the planning is so important because people around you aren't going to think twice about you having to adjust or go through reverse culture shock. They are ignorant in the sense that they don't care about your experience, and they expect you to just jump in and carry on a normal life now that you've arrived back 'home'.

Such expecations are absurd and unfair, but they are reality, so you have to prepare for that. Having a plan allows you to go through the necessary readjustments and also gets others off your back.

I am extremely lucky in that at least 10 people in my educatino program have recently returned from teaching in Asia, and I don't feel like the odd man out. As well, I have a friend who came back at the same time I did, and we can relate to the prior experiences of being in Shanghai.

Other suggestions: get involved in social groups, and develop a physical fitness program.

Steve

Jolly · Joined: 12 Apr 2004 Posts: 202