Not your average 9 to 5

Three years ago I decided to wave "bye-bye" to the United Kingdom and travel around Asia, not entirely certain as to where I might end up, how long I'd be gone, or when I'd be back. Asia has some funny affects on westerners. We are always treated with respect, very rarely understand what's going on and many of us, never really think of returning home. What surprised me initially, is the vast amounts of westerners who are part of the whole Asian experience, and not only businesses men who are jetting from Singapore to Hong Kong every 10 to 15 minutes, but restaurant owners, hoteliers, off-shore riggers, people with families, teachers etc etc. I got involved in the last occupation - teaching. A friend of mine working out in Thailand recommended that I do a TEFL/TESOL course, if I wanted to stick around then I should apply for a teaching position, the problem was that I was barely a student, how on earth could I be a teacher. But after giving him my own personal "is this guy sane?" test, I deliberated on it for around 30 seconds and was sold. I'd become a teacher, I'll more than likely crash and burn trying, but at least I'll be able to stick around Thailand a while longer... Except I didn't crash and burn, I fell in love with it in a way that wouldn't have been possible back in England. A took the TEFL course in Kamala, Phuket, and once I got that certificate doors swung open like an old school Saloon. I took a job in Phuket and have remained here ever since, I don't see a reason to go back home, not right now anyways. The reason I believe I wouldn't enjoy it back in the UK isn't because of the more vigorous teaching methodology, but because it simply wouldn't be as fulfilling, I wouldn't receive as much respect and generosity, my standard of living might actually decrease (teachers get a pretty good wage in Thailand) and I wouldn't live on a tropical Island paradise that people save up to visit each year! I'm not degree qualified and I was never a particularly attentive student, though this has not hindered me in the slightest. The TEFL course is only 4 weeks, that’s it, 4 weeks and your a teacher! But it truly doesn't make a difference. My concern was that I'd be sat with a bunch of postgraduates who, after their little gap year, would go on to become that Doctor, Lawyer or Marketing guru. In actuality about 30% of the students didn't have degrees; all went on to teach in Thailand, all remain good friends.

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