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[Spiderman Too]

The opening commentary of Stickman�s February 5 on-line column certainly provides food for thought for anyone contemplating going to Thailand to live and teach.

During my first year in Thailand, back in 1987, I didn�t make ends meet. In fact, I went backwards by USD7,500. Admittedly, my lifestyle at that time was the primary cause.

Still, I think the exotic, hedonistic, lifestyle that is so easily attainable in Thailand is the true attraction for many. I wonder how many newbies possess the degree of self-control necessary to avoid Thailand�s infamous vices.

My second year was, more or less, a break even situation, but I did not recover my first year �losses�.

A combination of factors including a deeper knowledge of Thailand�s TEFL scene, knowing helpful people, being able to speak the language and some measure of pure luck saw me prosper during my third and fourth years. At least, financially. Affairs of the heart continued to be a roller coaster ride.

My fifth year was largely uneventful and that lead to my feet again becoming itchy, and my departure early into my sixth year.

I do not regret my time in Thailand, not for one minute. And another stay in Thailand after I retire, in 20 years time, is a definite possibility.

For all newbies and would-be-newbies, my suggestion is that you limit your time in Thailand to a year or two and consider it as a �time out�, not a permanent escape, from your regular farangland life. Prepare yourself for expenditure of up to USD10,000 over and above what you can/will earn in Thailand.

At USD5,000 per year for a year or two of exotic, almost surreal, lifestyle, the cost is not that great. By comparison, some people spend USD5,000 on a 2 - 3 week holiday.