Job Discussion Forums

[ronald_reagan]

I would like to hear thoughts from some folks who have lived in Thailand for some time or have, basically, made it their home. I am just curious. I am thouroughly enjoying it here and could see myself staying for about a year. But what about two or three or four? I have met various people, in various countries who had come to each of those places for a year or two and then found themselves staying for a long period. I get this sense with a lot of farang expats in LOS. It seems that the prevailing opinion of some of my new colleagues and friends is, why be under constant stress and worry under the contraints of continious work and bills and the like, and the general hustle and bustle in the UK, US or other western countries when one can have a less stressful time in Thailand and make a enough money to live comfortably, teaching? I guess it comes down to perception, aye? I think that my salary is more than sufficient and if one chooses to stay for a longer time, I am sure salaries grow or one can ask for more. How long have some of you stayed on as teachers? Would you say that you are a career Thailand teacher? What about saving for the future, and I mean far into the future? Are any of you wiring your dough to IRA accounts or other savings accounts back home for the future? Perhaps saving big is a pipe dream in Thailand, but I think it seems possible so long as you are a simple fellow.

[roguegrafix]

I've been in Thailand longer than my first year university students have. What happened with me was that by the time I'd discovered enough about Thailand to feel partially fulfilled (about 5 years), it was virtually too late to return to a career in my country (no doubt I could have but the prospect didn't thrill me). I worked for 8 years here before moving into teaching--I expect to be teaching until no longer physically able (I'm not counting on a pension from my country) and yes, after time you find ways to augment your salary and you tend to settle down more thus your expenses trim.

Living here you learn to live with a lot of uncertainity--whether that be about work, visas, money whatever. And eventually you come to terms with uncertainity (perhaps not "enjoy" it but put up with it) The longer you stay here, the less you worry about it (what will happen will happen) and you don't think too much about the questions you are asking. The only real serious thing is that you have to create your own safety net--what if I got the sack tomorrow? What would I do? There's not much to it and you don't spend sleepless nights worrying about it, but if you've got that one covered, then enjoy the rest of life.

[sigmoid]

Good post above re: uncertainty

Basically you can stay in Thailand for a long as your visa is valid, usually one year. Then, you'll have to leave and get a new visa, if you have a new job. Sure, you can do that as long as you're working. There are other types of visas (marriage, retirement...) but you need to put money into a Thai bank account for those, a fair amount of money.

Many people do stay for years. I was in Bangkok for 10+. The majority of people I know have also left, usually for more stable countries where TEFL teachers can earn better money and save without much difficulty.

After a while, living in Thailand becomes stressful, very stressful indeed.