Job Discussion Forums

cujobytes · Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2005 2:59 am Post subject:

Related, I'm not sure, but I have met more than few people here who are literally unable to take care of themselves, ending up with expired visas, no money to return, all sorts of things. And I'm not talking about decent people who get into a spot of trouble, I mean REAL losers who I'm sure would be bums back home. Where these people come from and how they get here (and what eventually happens to them)is anyones guess, but they really shouldn't be in a foreign country trying to fend for themselves.
I immediately distance myself from this type, so I never hear what happens in the end, any stories?

KES · Joined: 17 Nov 2004 Posts: 722

cujobytes:

Aramas · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 12:04 pm Post subject:

I think that the vilification of bums and losers is disgraceful.

I'm a bum and I'm proud Shocked

2 over lee · Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 5:49 pm Post subject:

Many of my heroes practiced 'bumism'> Jack Kerouac, Jack London, George Orwell and Anthony Burgess. If those four were losers I'd be proud to call myself one.

But as for not being able to look after oneself, yes maybe it's time to get a maid!

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2005 5:10 pm Post subject:

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

I don't know about the other folks, but I don't believe that Kerouac was wealthy. And I have my doubts about London, as well.

QatarChic · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 445 Location: Qatar

They say that TEFL teachers are either running away from something or running towards something- which is partly true to an extent. But I think everyone does have their own reasons. I have been working in and out of the UK for a few years now, whether in Europe or here in the Mid East. For me, it was the adventure that the world had to offer.

The UK just isn't for me- I've tried to go back and live there, but the high taxes, council taxes, mundane lifestyle, and high cost of living, just put me off. I always felt happier outside- of course it's great to go back and see family and friends- but usually after a few weeks, I can't wait to leave!

But not EVERYONE can do it. I remember my best friend telling me, "I just don't know how you do it, just pack up and go" for me it's simple, I just take out my suitcase and look forward to the new adventure, the people I would meet, my students, a new country etc..I'm single and have no kids, so I can't speak on behalf of those who have dependents and so forth- maybe it's different for them?? or it depends on the couple...

I turn 30 next month and am already looking forward to what my 30s has to offer me in the unpredictable world of TEFL Very Happy

Chris_Crossley · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 10:44 am Post subject: Ditto for me, but add ten years

QatarChic · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 445 Location: Qatar

have you noticed how they extend the age at "when life starts"?? I have heard it about the 30s, 40s, 50s...I am sure when the life expectancy increases they will extend it to the 90s! Razz

moonraven · Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Posts: 3094

In not all countries has the life expectancy increased over the past 20 years. And some of those countries are spots that will perhaps be up and coming EFL places before too long--unless everyone dies from famine and/or civil wars there. It might be in bad taste for someone my age, for example, to start crowing about life beginning at 60 when the average life expectancy in the country is 40....

Yahnena · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Posts: 48 Location: China

In a few weeks I'll be moving to Beijing, lots of job offers there, a new big city, I'm all excited.... Beijing here I come. And this time I will even have a bit of money in my pocket upon arrival, so I really have the time to choose the best.
When I ran away, I had nothing, not even the money for an airplane ticket (my school advanced me the airfare to China).

In the meantime that foolish husband of mine is rotting in his old house, embarrassed in front of all his friends because his wife ran away and IS NOT COMING BACK (at first he thought I'll never make it (without him), but I'm happy abroad and doing very well)!
Altogether a great feeling, I'm sure the girls will understand me.

On the other hand, reading the above message, he can think himself lucky: at the age of 60 in many other contries he would be already dead. hehehe

Cheers

QatarChic · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 445 Location: Qatar

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

nomadder · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 10:55 pm Post subject:

If ever there was a time to run far and run fast from North American "culture" now is the time. It has reached an all time 0. With nothing to watch/hear about but murders and dimwits(aka ""stars"") or pathetic, humiliated "real" people it can only slide further into crime and mindless living. Not to mention rising prices making less options for people.

This time when I leave I'll only be missing some food variety (maybe) and my mother(sort of Laughing

).