Job Discussion Forums

[Kurochan]

And I don't mean to an angry spouse ....

I'm feeling burnt out on China, and I guess on living abroad in general. I've been thinking about going back to the US, but I'm scared to death about it. What if I can only get a job in some sort of podunky "Deliverance" kind of place? What if I have to learn to drive, or buy a car?!? What if people hate me for no discernable reason (as other Americans often seem to do)? What will I do with all my stuff here? Will I go from being rich in China to poor in the US?

I really feel I need to get out of here, and yet I'm really scared of going back!

[dmb]

Why not try a new country?

[nolefan]

in the wise words of Metallica: "wherever I lay my head is home"

I don't know about otehr countries but I am deadly afraid ofraid of a country that defends human rights, free speech and so on just to turn around and issue the PAtriot act, Homeland security and above all, Gitmo..... that is way scrier than people not liking me or going from rich to poor....

I had the same lifestyle as a bartender in the states as I do in China...money means some but what you do with it counts a hell of a lot more.

[lozwich]

I'm terrified of going home, and I've only been gone for 7 months!

I'm going to have to speak English all the time and deal in person with all of the things that I like dealing with only over email. I'm going to have to have various medical checks that could result in a diagnosis of various nasty forms of cancer or at the very least, extensive dental work. I'm going to have to deal with real estate, wills and work.

Of course, none of this usually bothers me, so perhaps its just me practicing a little avoidance because I'm not ready to go home??

Thank goodness I'll only be there for a couple of months before zipping off to a new country.

Have a good day.
Lozwich.

[Roger]

kurochan,
sorry to read you are "burnt out on China", I know this happens rather frequently, which seems to demonstrate that it's a fairly normal occurrence; go to cool off in the good old and, potentially, merry U.S. of A.; you will burn out there too (again?) and return to us.
Or to Taiwan.
Don't be afraid - seize on this unique opportunity to experience a new country (albeit one you think you are familiar with...).
A change once in a while is a good thing. Don't shirk it.

[gingermeggs]

I'm not afraid to go home..it's more like "there's no reason"...Plenty of other countries to go to....Consider...if I go home, I will be just one more miserable *beep* in the dole queue...I wouldn't teach there, and no-one else would give me a job....here, I stand out in the crowd, I am a valuable member of the society in which I live, and I get paid a decent salary for doing a good job....what's not to like? And..there is always Thailand, Vietnam, etc, etc....... A change is as good as a holiday.

[jebjeb]

going back to my "home" country scares me to death! ok, maybe not that much, but there are days that that's a major reason why i stick it out here. the idea of figuring out what i would do there, trying to come close to maintain the lifestyle i have here, trying to re-connect with friends who may or may not understand the appeal of international living, nevermind all the details (apartment/ house, car, jobs, etc) are enough to keep me put for at least another year or so. but, i also realize that there are things that would make it the right decision as well.
good luck in making your decision!

[denise]

I actually want to return home in a few years and teach ESL, and I'm not worried about fitting in (if I ever find that cushy ESL job, I will still be among English teacher-types). I am worried about losing the easy lifestyle that I've had both in the Czech Republic and now in Japan. I've never been an extravagant spender, but I do like being able to go out to dinner regularly, develop new hobbies, etc. On a teacher's salary in the States, such things would be difficult.

d

[ls650]

[johnslat]

If anyone's serious about "going back home", my advice would be to plan far in advance - at least a couple of years before you "repatriate". If you come back