Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I moved back to the United States after completion of my contract in April, 2016. After such, I started teaching in a public school in sunny Florida in August, 2016.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

I worked there twice. Once for a one-year stint in 2010 - 2011, and more recently from 2013 - 2016.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

I had been working at furthering my qualifications, and I was somewhat worried about the limitations of what I would be able to do in Thailand with such. As part of this, I had attained my teaching license and wanted to get some home experience, both for my CV as well as to see what it really was like (both the good and bad!).

Also, as someone in his thirties, pension, healthcare, and buying a home are all things that have been on my mind for some time. Prices of quality housing for foreigners was especially a concern for me in Thailand, as we only have an option to purchase condos at exorbitant prices.

Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?

To be honest this is a rather difficult section to write. I will say that I am loving owning a car and rolling around town. Also, the weather out here feels very much like Thailand so I'm not losing much there. While the savings per month isn't as good, I am happy to contribute to my social security (assuming it survives to my retirement) and pension funds.

In regards to my school setting, working in a public school in America is a much more formal affair in many ways than what I experienced in Thailand. It's also amazing that in my current position (teaching migrant students) I can practice Spanish and I feel encouraged in my progress in this. Finally, while we don't have union protections I do feel a bit more secure in contracts and continued employment than I did in Thailand. (This isn't a criticism of my last school in Thailand, as I felt they took very good care of teachers there).

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

To be honest very much, and there were many times throughout this school year I thought of returning.

As a guy, c'mon let's be honest it's always nice to see the lovely ladies in Thailand. They have a beauty and a charm to them but I think we all know that.

The laid-back lifestyle was nice in Thailand, and while Bangkok could be hectic, dirty, and smelly at times the city has a charm to it. Also, I felt less stressed both in my life and work there. I also have to admit that I do miss my colleagues there, as they were professional and fun folks. Also my school in Bangkok did well for its teachers while I was there.

Eating out was something I became very accustomed to while working abroad, and Thailand had plenty of variety in the department. One could get fed well on a budget in Bangkok, or if one wanted to splurge for farang food. Either way, there was always something great to eat which kept this fat boy happy.

Also, nights out with the lads was always fun and it simply isn't the same here. More often people socialize at home it feels and while that's fine it's not the same atmosphere as found there.

Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?

Well, I'm of two thoughts on this.

For an ESL teacher? Absolutely it's worthwhile to do! It's a fun place, you'll meet interesting people, and regardless of what others say (and I certainly didn't mean imply such) there are good teaching opportunities in Thailand.

Oh, and for folks who are working there without pursuing qualifications. If you're a young fella go on and sort those out. I'm of the opinion having a variety of great options is never bad and getting those will help.

I think for licensed teachers it's much more difficult to start abroad and then come home to teach (as I did). One constantly finds themselves thinking about what they're leaving behind, and to be quite frank I felt that teaching in Thailand was for the most part easier than what we do here. It's much easier to get toughened up by the teaching environment in the states and then go to Thailand. Also, having experience and success here is nigh on a necessity for moving into international school positions.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

For vacations I could absolutely see (and plan) on returning for. It's a great place and I do miss many of the people I know there, such as teaching colleagues and personal acquaintances.

For a job? I could see it happening once I've gotten some more experience here. Of course I may end up sinking my roots in too deep at my age in the states, but if a tasty position is available in an international school or high paying private school in Thailand, I could see teaching there once more.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

For me, the decision to move on was difficult and I can't honestly say I am better or worse off for it. While I am building a pension and having career enhancing opportunities here, I feel that quality of life in Thailand was better in many ways.

My thinking was (and continues to be) that there will always be good teaching jobs in Thailand and other countries so don't be too fussed about moving on, as many people told me "Thailand will always be there".

Also thanks to ajarn.com, as it has always been a great site and even being here I still like to keep up with the teaching situation in Thailand.