Q1. Where did you move to and when?

Northern China, the end of 2011.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

Two schools. One government school and one private school for a total of two years.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

The corruption, overworked, underpaid. The thought of going back to teaching the maximum 24 hours, across four grades in three different subjects, plus extra activities, compulsory summer camps still makes me shudder!

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

Shorter hours, near double the pay, all utilities including accommodation free, plus air flights, plus holidays where the word ‘holiday’ actually means free time. The chance to actually teach and not just entertain.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

I don’t. I still regard it as my home and with three months paid holidays a year I’m able to return twice a year and actually enjoy the time I spend there with my wife.

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

Get the experience in Thailand and then move on. Many people work in the west for six months and then live in Thailand for six. It’s quite possible to do that in Asia also.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Thailand is both my twice annual holiday choice and my retirement destination.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Some countries have good living amenities and some are ideal for work, but rarely do you find both in one place. I think the secret is to find a place to earn a decent amount of money and a place to settle. As much as I enjoy living in Thailand, given the burned out offerings on show in many of the schools, the overwork, the low salaries and the continual stress, it’s a teacher’s graveyard.
Thailand will suck you in and burn you out in record time, with legions of unwary backpackers ready to take your place at a moments notice. Long term, it’s best left to those who believe the dream package utopia hype.