Job Discussion Forums

jhhnow · Joined: 05 Feb 2009 Posts: 6

You could volunteer teach ESL to get some experience and a teaching reference.

Cubism · Joined: 04 Jul 2008 Posts: 283 Location: US

I think it's laudable that you want to do this, but you do need to be able to take some blows. (I also come from OK.) The last post was good -- but then, things look differently to me.

My credit cards went years ago, and I continue to survive. And curiosity is just about foremost. Joy of life, self-respect, escaping Oklahoma (you should see where I came from).

Things I'd do differently, though, over here in ASia/ things I'd recommend:

I think I'd pay more attention to using my talents in high-paying markts (Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore) before I reached 50. Those places are exotic enough; then hit the more desperate places like the PRC when you're closing in on 60. I'd pay more attn. to Vietnam, too. Remember, you're male, so are adored instantly.\, at any age.

I would also keep some nice firm ties in the states, even leave plenty of stuff for return jaunts. Even the govts. have R & R for their employees & move them every few years. It's necessary for your sanity. Hope this doesn't get me torched, but there is a good spot of ethnocentrism toward foreign teachers.

And regarding sanity, you MUST keep your self-respect and love of Western civilization. Otherwise, you really do feel adrift. Remember something you adore, like Bach preludes or one particular Harvard School of Economics professor -- something. Keep that interest alive.

I also started the big move late in life -- think in my 40's.

It had to work for me, still has to. I enjoy all this. There are thousands of us, by the way. Look at some expatriate boards, too. And you're still young enough for embassy positions (they pay well and have plenty of work in the cultures.) Do it.