Job Discussion Forums

[stirge2210]

Hi all,

First of all, I'd like to start off by saying that over the past few years I've posted very small amounts, but when I did I got valuable input from lots of you and I thank you for all of your thoughts. Now....................

I have been doing the ESL thing since August of 2002 and I have loved every minute of it. I started out in Korea and then ended up in TW in 2003, where I've been working ever since (well, on and off). The reason I bring all of this up is because I've done a LOT of back and forth from TW to home, TW to home, in the last few years. I'm always torn because I am close to my family and friends and my girlfriend (whom cannot travel with me until next year for various reasons). I hate working in the states, I'm a certified teacher and just don't enjoy work or the every day life in the states, I'm always finding myself thinking about how and when I can get back to TW to teach. My mind is about to explode and I don't know why!! I was just wondering if any of you out there have experienced this and what your actions were. I'm definitely coming back to TW soon, I have a contract at a great school so that's not a concern, the concern is that I want to put my mind at ease. Thanks in advance for all of your thoughts on this.

Stirge

[stirge2210]

Ok, so maybe my post didn't hit home with anyone, but I guess what I was trying to get across is this:

I'm super close with my family and loved ones, but I love traveling and teaching ESL and I see myself doing this for a VERY long time. My family and friends have never really come to terms with me doing this nor have they taken any interest into it. Have any of you experienced this? What did you do to balance out your time with family as opposed to living overseas? Let's face it, we are all independent people over here doing our thing and enjoying the life of another culture and experiences, but some of us still feel obligated to our families. It's just strange because a lot of my close "wai-guaren" friends never seem to talk about their families or tell any good stories about their families that make them smile. Are a lot of people here from broken families or bad family relationships? I'm just curious. I should have studied sociology!!! lol Thanks all!!

[LKJ]

Stirge

You are not alone my friend.

Personally, I don't think that being from a broken home makes your interests any different to those of someone that comes from a secure background. Actually, I have started to think that many people from all walks of life have the same urges to travel and explore - but being in a secure environment makes it much harder for it to happen, which is maybe why you have encountered fewer people similar to yourself. Just maybe. Anyway - what does it matter? You are who you are and you feel how you feel.

Many people have needs that push the boundaries of what is considered normal in every day life and they invariably test the relationships of those closest to you. I also have a very close family and I struggle being away when i sit down and think about it - but this is where I am and that is where they are. Until that changes, if ever - the reality remains harsh.

Balance is the key and it is attained by few. While it doesn't take much to live your life and stay in touch, you cannot share a family lifestyle when you live so far away. That is a price we must pay. If you feel you have no choice for your own sanity, then the decision has already been made for you. If you feel that family is more important, then you must sacrifice your lesser needs. Take a week away somewhere neutral to see if you can discover where your priorities truly are.

You will lose some friends by living away and you will gain some. Your family may or may not come to terms with it - but if you do the best to be a person they can be proud of it makes it easier for them, however they feel. Also, never forget that family love is a powerful thing. You can't make or break it - it's there for life or it's not; whether you live mile down the road or a 15 hour flight away.

My best wishes.

[stirge2210]

LKJ,

I really value your response and it helps to know that I am not alone in this mental battle. I don't think at this point I am ready to give up my traveling ESL lifestyle because I love this world and learning more about it. I feel that "life experience" is so much more valuable than staying at home and trying to watch it on tv. Of course, that is just my opinion. Thank you for giving me a fresh opinion from another point of view, it's very reassuring to me and helps me know that I'm not going "crazy"lol. I also wish you the best of luck, and you are right, I've met some great people in the ESL field and have lost some great friends back home, but I feel that the true family LOVE will never go away. Take care and enjoy your life!!!

Sincerely,

Stirge2210

[LKJ]

My pleasure. Take care.

LKJ