Job Discussion Forums

Strangegloves · Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 7

Thanks folks.

I'm 33 now and living back in Europe after 3 years in Japan. I really want to go back to Asia (and probably will) despite internal conflicts about settling down, buying a house and having 2.4 children.

Anyway, older teachers/ travellers please persuade me to continue globetrotting and enjoying myself, I'm genuinely interested in hearing from older folks who have made this decision.

(grey haired emoticon)

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Fri Dec 22, 2006 8:59 pm Post subject:

What? You haven't posed a question. Simply a request for others to agree to your lifestyle.

33 is not that old. Wait until you post requests for continuing your lifestyle at 50 when you haven't made anything more of your life.

We have too many people who "emote" on these threads. Grow a pair of bollocks why don't you?

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I don't think i am old, but it seems I am older than you. How does that work?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Enjoy yourself as long as you can.

But also look at practical aspects of settling down and having kids. Are you a man or woman? That one factor alone will gauge how you might feel about your biological clock and having kids. Also, as you get into your 40s and start having kids, how much time will you have left to retirement age and have the ability to support your kids until they leave home?

Where do you want to settle down?
Are you married now? Do you have a serious relationship with anyone?

dove · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 271 Location: USA/Japan

It's your life. You don't need us to persuade you how to live your life. Furthermore, do you really want someone telling you how to live your life?

Anyway, I am over 30 and I got into ESL because I wanted to work all over the world. I've been in Japan for a while, I like it here, but next year I'm looking to move to Brazil. After that, maybe Korea, maybe Mexico. I love the freedom ESL gives me, a gypsy-at-heart. I do, however, occasionally wish I could find one place that I love so much that I'd never want to leave. I'd settle there there and decorate my little house with all the treasures I've collected from all around the world. But then I remember that line from "Thelma and Louise"--"you get what you settle for" and I decide to follow my heart and keep moving, experiencing, living, learning.

Oh, you will have people try to scare you into settling...."What are you going to do when you retire, you won't have a pension, blah blah, blah"
They do have a point, so it is important to sock money away. But my advice is never let anyone scare you into living a life that is not true to you. Never give someone that much power over you.

Strangegloves · Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 7

Some washed up old tit said:

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

You still haven't asked a question. I say, take a hike. It's your life. Do what you want with it. If you can't decide, ask mommy. Rolling Eyes

(head shaking emoticon)

Seriously, you're 33. Hopefully you've learned the decision making skills or the ability to ask questions by now, haven't you?

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Sat Dec 23, 2006 5:12 pm Post subject:

Strangegloves · Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 7

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 8:19 pm Post subject:

Please don't be so angry: Don't you realize that *beep* and cvnts can be useful?

Pour scorn (sorry, Sweetsee, for using a word that you don't understand!) on me if you want. I believe that you are living in a generation that is incredibily lucky. How many others do you know that will be able to travel the world and do what they want on the grounds that they are white English speakers?

Well, Strangegloves, you are either a frat boy with some kind of sense of entitlement (don't try to hide under the "newbie" excuse because you are not one) or you are a jerk not knowing that your time is over.
[/quote]

fat_chris · Joined: 10 Sep 2003 Posts: 3198 Location: Beijing

I'm 33 and I feel I'm just getting started with things.

Scared of the future? Naw, excited. It's gonna be all right and if I play my cards right, I'm gonna be exactly where I want to be, doing exactly what I want to do, with exactly whom I want to be. It's gonna be great.

Regards,
fat_c

Vince · Joined: 05 May 2003 Posts: 559 Location: U.S.

Since I have a conscience, I can't persuade you to continue globetrotting in the way you seem to want to. You can continue to travel as a teacher, but at your age it's a good time to do so with an eye on your future. Get at least an MA TESOL and target good university positions. When you decide it's time to move on, make sure it's a smart career move and will offer you the compensation and support you need.

What kind of retirement income plan does your country offer to someone like you who will spend most of his working years out of the country? Take advantage of whatever savings or investments are available to you so you'll have something in your golden years.

Consider the demands your lifestyle will put on your future family. This will certainly affect how often you move and where you move.

I'm sure you get the idea. It isn't the global party you had in mind, but that doesn't mean it won't be any fun. However you go about it, don't wait any longer to get serious about your future. You don't want to be laying the foundation when you're in your 40s.

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

I'd say at 33 you are barely a teen-ager. Don't sweat it, rely on what got you this far.
Enjoy,
s

Strangegloves · Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 7

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

No worries Strangegloves. Good luck to you!
Enjoy,
s