Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I moved back to Los Angeles, CA in June of 2011.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

For about 3 years.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

To be honest, I was having a pretty good time as a single guy in Thailand. but like so many others, I fell in love with a sweet Thai girl who works in one of the 5-star hotels in Bangkok. Once I had a 'link" into the life of a Thai person, and the mistreatments and nasty behaviors she would have to deal with from her employers I needed to get her out of there. Her chance for a better life, fulfilling any of her dreams, and growing as a person were next to none. And I believed her growth would not only be slowed down, but she may regress from her current state. She deserved a chance to experience a better way of life, professionally and emotionally.

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

Every place has some good and bad. For me I am working at a job that pays five times as much as I would make in Thailand, and my wife is making three times as much. But of course things are more expensive here. But we do get to have more experiences, food, entertainment, and travel here. She also gets to grow her independence and self confidence.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

I do miss my free time and my mini vacations around Asia. I miss the varity of expat friends from around the world. The random silly stuff we hear,see,smell, and taste.

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

If you are young and you have zero experience and you have a decent amount of money saved in the bank, then yes. Plan a 2-3 year tour, but save your money because you'll need it for your next move to Vietnam, China, or Korea.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Oh yes, I love Thailand. I hate the people..( This is what my wife says too now that she is out) Thailand is an amazing 5 senses at 100% 24 hours a day. It is great at first because you are so jazzed up and love the feeling. It's like a major drug at first. But it will crash you out after a while. I will visit often, and maybe set up a retirement there, but will limit myself as regards the amount of interaction with the "nation" .

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Do not go to Thailand if you are broke, you'll never get out because you can't make enough to move anywhere else. Starting a business is so hard that it's not worth it. Teaching is a joke and don't expect any..ANY results. And if you get annoyed easily or get angry quickly - please don't move to Thailand.