Job Discussion Forums

[denise]

I am happy that I finally made it down to South America (a goal ever since graduating from uni in 1997, when Guatemala was as far south as I got), but I am noticing some new traits in my personality that I swear I didn`t have until I got here. And I`m not sure they`re good!

I think Chile made me more independent, and Peru has made me a lot more protective of my privacy. In Chile, I tried inviting other people--foreigners and Chileans alike--out for various outings, but after a few flakings and cancellations, I decided I was better off just hopping on a bus by myself. And now in my current job, I am noticing that for the first time ever I am trying to keep a distance. My town and my university are so conservative that I just figure that they will disapprove of, well, me. Best not to say anything! And we have one big office for all of the teachers, so there is no physical privacy--I guess I make up for it by maintaining emotional privacy.

I didn`t use to be like this! In Japan, and even back before that in Prague, I was always going out, inviting people over, etc. Maybe these changes are a sign that after my contract is up, it`s time to go "home"... One positive thing about the US, and something that has meant a lot to me recently, is that you can have whatever political/social/etc. beliefs that you want.

How have the various places you all have lived changed you?

d

[thelmadatter]

mmmmm interesting question

I dont know how much I have changed in my 2.5 years in Mexico, but I have learned a bit about myself. I used to think I was very flexible - go with the flow - but I have to admit that I dont adapt as easily as I thought. I dont know if it is a question of age or just plain stubborness. Ex. I STILL get upset or at least a little miffed when someone doesnt do as promised - especially if I have to depend on someone to do something I cannot do for myself. Intellectually, I know this is Mexico but emotionally I still feel dissed.

Ive learned that the adage "When in Rome..." is nice in theory, it isnt always such good advice. For example, Ill never litter like I see people in Toluca do!

Ive found that there are values I have that Ill never change, whether or not I adapt my behaviors.

[Glenski]

I'm more tolerant of (or patient with) certain things, and I have more awareness of worldly matters, other nationalities, and my own country.

[Jizzo T. Clown]

I actually don't feel as big a need to go out on the town or be sociable. It's funny cuz in Japan and China I was always going out. Now that I'm back in the states, I'm content to stay at home more often.

Then again, I may just be getting old.

[Guy Courchesne]

I've put on 10 kg.

[some waygug-in]

I've learned to appreciate some things back home........like fresh air and wide open spaces, but also I've learned that Canada isn't the wonderland a lot of us are led to believe it is.

I don't miss the high taxes, the need to own a car and all the costs that go with it, the lack of decent jobs, the high cost of living etc.

I've learned to look for positive things where I am, because if I don't try, I will drown in a sea of negativity.

I've also learned that sometimes less is more. If I expect less from others, I often get more.

A friendly smile and a positive attitude is my best defense against the con artists and shysters in this racket.

I've learned to complain less, and try harder to make the best of things.

Peace

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

[Will.]

I've put on 10 ks too, some countries do that to you, others don't

(was that 10k before, or after, the photo Guy)
(Does Guy rhyme with my or with me?)
I learnt to appreciate the help that is given selflessly by people in another country where only they considered that my knowing two words of the local language was a success and not a crime
I learnt how to patiently, and politely, wait and categorise the bureaucrat in front of me when asking for something I had every right to have but ....could't or hadn't and while categorising them consider the possible tactic of blame that would be attributed, and to whom. by them.
I learnt about the empowerment that losing your temper can have in an enclosed space while losing patience waiting and categorising the bureaucrat in front of me when asking for something I had had every right to have had but ....hadn't or hadn't had and while exploding considered the possible tactic of blame that would be attributed, and to whom. by them.
I learnt to listen on public transport and try to understand the locals while trying to shapeshift and become unrecognisable to the pair of loudmouthed..so called compatriot westerners making a scene at the front of the bus so they didn't come and ask me ANYTHING.
I learnt not to ask ashamed looking westerners ANYTHING on public transport after trying fruitlessly to find out whether there were hot springs at the end of the route and when the bus would stop there on the way back to town and if there was a good pub there.
I no longer believe I will get a really good deal and build a dream upon it just because it says wonderful things in the recruitment ad.
I have become salt intolerant due to the taking of too many pinches of it.
I no longer try to explain that because I believe that someone else believes in their god/religion that they should also believe in my belief that there is not one
I no longer drink or smoke.
I realised just how absolutely useless it was to learn how to swear in seventeen languages.
I am more interested in the onomatopeic expression, and its spelling, used by others when answering the questiion about what they miss about 'home' than missing anything myself or even listening to the explanation of the 'Tim Tam method'
I value experience in others.
I really, really, REALLY, REALLY appreciate clean sit-upon toilets and soft toilet paper at the airport/station/bus terminal/ without a mugging granny or plate for 'tips' in sight.
I have become tolerant and helpful to other nationalities learning 'MY' language while gaining a greater intolerance of its misuse by those in my own language community, especially teachers and backpackers.
This could go on forever but I also learnt that about that too, but most of all.........
The value of a good sense of humour.

[merlin]

The most important think I've learned is just how limiting it is to define oneself as: Nationality X, Political Orientation Y, Personality Z, Generation A, Occupation B or Religion C.

Not only is it dangerous to allow others to box you into a American Center-Left Agnostic English Teacher Gen x-er, when you start to identify others by groups it become more difficult for you to "break role" yourself. How can you say "I'm different" when you can't allow others that priviledge.

It's a constant battle that you never really win - but it must be fought daily or you'll find yourself trapping yourself in a cliche. Worse, you wont be able to see the exit because you don't even believe there can possibly be another alternative.

Check out my new signature.

[denise]

I like the bit about looking for the positives and using a smile as defense! Well, I like pretty much everything that was said, but those two points in particular. A simple smile, accompanied by silence, can get you out of so many unwanted situations!

d

[khmerhit]

[Spinoza]

[merlin]

Most of us are kind of forced to consider what we say before speaking, eh?

In English we can really blaze away: sarcasm, innuendo, hyperbole. But in another country there's a REALLY LOOOOONG stage where we understand more than we can express. We are forced to pause at elast 10 seconds and collect our thoughts - often by that time it's too late and everyone's already gone about their business.

Kind of an enforced wisdom to listen more and speak less

[Guy Courchesne]

[Boy Wonder]

Well for a start I have become much older, wiser, experienced, charming and knowledgeable since 1997.

I am also better looking!!!

My tastes in women have changed..no more Essex bottle blondes for me..I found that girls resembling the gorgeous sultry Roubi (see Avatar pic) are the only ones that will suffice!

I voted Labour in 97...won't be doing that again....so could say my political views have changed and certainly become more traditionalist and right wing!! I am not yet the self styled Oswald Moseley of NE Essex but I now view Maggie in a whole new light!!!!

I have been to many places/met many people /done many things and have all the photos and postcards and Tshirts to prove it but one thing remains.......I love my mum most of all!!!!!!