A New Yearly Update


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May 23rd 2013
Published: June 2nd 2013
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It's time for your yearly update of what's next in my world. After five wonderful years I've decided to leave China. These five years have been some of the best and have forever changed me and my life.

But don't worry, the adventures will continue! I've decided to move to Bangkok, Thailand. I've loved Thailand every time I've visited and last summer I knew it was where I needed to go next.

The Thai ESL market is different than other places, mainly due to high demand by teachers for jobs. Many companies and schools want to see you face to face before they consider hiring you. Further, Thailand operates on "Thai time" and I've noticed many jobs aren't even posted online until a week before they need someone to start. Or the Thursday before the weekend they want to do mass interviews and hire someone for Monday.

I will leave Guangzhou one day before my China visa expires. Until then, I intended to plan, panic, and try to enjoy my last days in China. I may come back someday, but right now it's not on my horizon.

I'm preparing some special "last of China" blogs and plan to share them over my last month here. I hope you enjoy them and continue to enjoy reading my blog when my adventure moves to the next phase!

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3rd June 2013

So you didn't move to Hong Kong, but the Bangkok instead!
My son Will, who taught English in Bangkok last year, then traveled the Silk Road and the Baltics with me in March/April, ending up in Rome, couldn't find a job there for the summer. So he returned to Bangkok on 24 May, had several job interviews immediately, and started teaching again at a private language school on 2 June. He will return to Europe on 21 September to attend law school. Hopefully, you will find a job just as quickly. You should also try a private language school as the public schools started their year in early May. Private schools also pay more!
3rd June 2013

Great advice!
Thanks for the info. I've read much of the same online and heard rumors to the same effect, but it's always nice to hear from someone who has first-hand experience!
4th June 2013

Thank you, and good luck
Hi Kris, I wish you the best of luck with your big move. And thank you for writing this blog for the past five years. I’ve been teaching in Zhuhai since August, and your blog has been one of my major sources of information about living and working in China, covering everything from Jusco to the 10,000 Buddhas Monastery in Hong Kong (which definitely has to be seen to be believed). I look forward to reading your final thoughts about China...
4th June 2013

Thanks!
Thanks, Seth. I've got a few things in the works. I've loved my time here and I'm really glad I can look back on it all and feel good about it. I know a few ppl who weren't so lucky and left feeling sour and burned out. I hope you keep reading. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions while in China--I'm happy to help!
10th June 2013

WOW!!! how exciting~!!
Kris -- Wow and Congratulations on your new wonderful adventure. I am looking forward to hearing all about Thailand and your new position there. I've so enjoyed your posts from China and now we get to explore another region with you. -- Hugs Sweetie and safe travels! Vicki

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