Job Discussion Forums

[gungediana]

I'm just trying to initiate a discussion here, not trying to have a pop at anyone.

Do people think that people who choose to teach English abroad are particularly affected by the 'grass is always greener on the other side' disease?

If you always think the grass is greener on the other side you'll never be content with life. It's debilitating, and that's why I refer to it as a disease. I suppose I'm guilty of this myself a little bit. Although I am in general a pretty happy person.

This is quite a persoanl issue and a lot of people find it hard to talk about it honestly. What do other people think about this?

[johnslat]

Dear gungediana,

"Do people think that people who choose to teach English abroad are particularly affected by the 'grass is always greener on the other side' disease?"

Some likely are, others probably aren't. For example, I taught abroad for about 22 years, but I spent 19 of those in one country (Saudi Arabia) with one employer (the Institute of Public Administration).

What I do suspect is that such people may tend to be a little more curious (in both senses of the word), more adventurous, more interested in seeing some more of the world than your average stay-at-homer.

Others, of course. are likely fleeing felons.

Regards,
John

[Marcoregano]

I have always been 'afflicted' by the GIGOTOS condition, but that's not what got me into TEFL, it's just the way I am. I agree with John that most TEFLers are more inclined to take a risk, or have an adventure, than most people. I got into it because I got hacked off with being semi-employed (or unemployed) most of the time. Many people I knew at that time are still there, still doing the same thing, which in many cases is not much. I'm certainly not envious of them.

[parrothead]

The grass is plenty green where I am now, but that doesn't stop me from feeling curious about other countries and hoping to experience a little more of this world we live in. A lot of factors go into deciding the next move. Sometimes it's the "GIGOTOS condition", but sometimes it's pay, or relationships, or as John suggested, an arrest warrant. For me it is curiosity.

[spiral78]

I consistently find the grass greener in the regions where I live and work - and have for over ten years now.

[Marcoregano]

[spiral78]

Also rainier
But still greener!
I mean the CR too - I live there and work here, kinda....

[hollysuel]

Probably a reason why I came to Finland for a nine month contract and am still here after ten years-->can't imagine anything greener (or whiter in the winter)...