Another unsolicited job offer. - Ajarn Forum

Sanuk Canuk · 29th February 2008, 14:30

I had an old friend and colleague send me a job offer today via Email. This is the third such offer I have received in the last year and they are getting harder and harder to turn down. I love living in Thailand but my first 6 months of teaching was not the rewarding/fulfilling experience I had hoped for. Granted I know 6 months in one school is not nearly enough experience to judge the future of an entire career on but still I wonder if I am crazy to be passing up on these good jobs back home.

I still like my idea of opening up a restaurant because I think that would work as a good little earner for the girlfriend but I am really not sure what I want to do with myself. Maybe I will take the job in Canada and just vacation here in Thailand when I can. Man it is tough to know what to do. The recent blip on the stock market has reminded me that I am very venerable to reverses in the equities market and if things continue to go down working might become a necessity rather than an option.

The thing that is enticing me back to the frozen north is purely the finances, I figure for every year I stay there I could save enough to live in Thailand for 3 years, not to mention that that would be a year where my investments would sit unmolested hopefully growing at a modest margin.

What to do, what to do…….I don’t really know why I am posting here, maybe just to try get stuff straight in my head. Hard to know what I really should do at this point. I figure I have 3 options, stick with teaching, return to the frozen northland or try exist on a modest return from my investments, while hoping that my future returns will provide both income and modest growth. Since I am only 39, it seems strange to contemplate retirement at this age but that really is what the third option amounts to.

I know that this sounds like whining when I am in a good position but I am really conflicted ….. Comments?

toong tao daeng · 29th February 2008, 14:43

A couple of questions first if you don't mind...

How old are you?
Do you have children, or do you plan to?

Sanuk Canuk · 29th February 2008, 14:47

39 and no kids, get along well with the g/f but not married or anything.

Lotuslevi · 29th February 2008, 14:55

Have you considered some other type of work in LOS? Working for the Bangkok Post, working for tour agencies? Getting certified and becoming a sucba instructor? The guy I was working out is married here and realized that teachig just aint his thing, so he got a job making much more money writing articles for tourist magazines. I dunno.

Me personally, I'm headed off to Japan next month with the hopes of someday coming back to live with the ease of Thailand, not the working situation.

toong tao daeng · 29th February 2008, 15:05

Well, we're in similar, but not exactly the same boats then.....I'm 40 and married with no kids.

I too have been recently considering other employment options--still teaching, but in countries that pay a significantly higher wage. I know this thread isn't about my situation, but my point is that I believe we're at an age where it would be prudent to increase our capital. For example, I believe my peak earning potential will end in 5-7 years (probably 5), and I think it would be wise to take advantage of it. How long do you think the types of offers you referenced in the OP will be available to you?

Since you're not married and don't have kids, I'd go back for approx 3-5 years...as you pointed out, that will give you enough to live here for 9-15 years...which would bring you to approx 60 years of age....when you could then live off your investments and savings.

Three to five years is a long time in the snow though.

Just my two satang.

Good luck.

Jon · 29th February 2008, 16:20

What kind of job offers and how much money is involved, if you don't mind? That matters a lot.

tosser · 1st March 2008, 18:22

My advice to you 'boys' is to do as much as you can at your age to make yourselves 'fireproof'.

When you get older you do not have the energy to do any of the 'extra' work many of you do here to secure the 'extras' you desire.

I'm 62 with a reasonable pension from the U.K. with more to come in three years time.

I'm married with a couple of kids living in a nice house near a beach - stress free.

Planning for your future requires a huge amount of skill.

Being old and poor is an unenviable scenario.

Being old and poor in Thailand doesn't bear thinking about.

russellsimpson · 1st March 2008, 18:33

Fort McMurray ain't really that bad. Especially with trips out to Edmonchuk. I'll bet there are even Thai folks in McMurray, take the girlfriend for a visit.

I'd say in your situation it's pretty much a no-brainer. Get yea back to where the money is.

natalie8 · 1st March 2008, 18:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon

What kind of job offers and how much money is involved, if you don't mind? That matters a lot.

And being in Canada, you would only get 2 weeks' holidays, or are they upping that?

russellsimpson · 1st March 2008, 18:39

Quote:

And being in Canada, you would only get 2 weeks' holidays, or are they upping that?

Jees nat. he's not talking stateside here. most canadian get average three weeks to a month or more plus. Very few two week vacation jobs.

been there done that · 1st March 2008, 18:40

Two questions:

How much do the women weigh where you'd go?

How much is a liter/gallon of gas/petrol?

Couple things you'd be faced with EVERY day....

natalie8 · 1st March 2008, 18:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by russellsimpson

most canadian get average three weeks to a month or more plus. Very few two week vacation jobs.

Where? In the government? I'm talking about businesses.

russellsimpson · 1st March 2008, 18:48

Both Nat.

Hm...Now I'm questioning your "Canadian" credentials. Not one of our southern neighbours flying the maple leaf for good luck I hope ?

Sure there are Ma and Pa shops only give you two weeks. but that unusual.

natalie8 · 1st March 2008, 19:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by russellsimpson

Hm...Now I'm questioning your "Canadian" credentials. Not one of our southern neighbours flying the maple leaf for good luck I hope ?

I don't understand your language. I worked in Canada in sales up to 2004 when I moved to Thailand. Companies were cutting back on holiday time and forbidding employees from taking one or heaven forbid 2 weeks off at one time. You had to take only long weekends.

Cawphad Guy · 1st March 2008, 21:43

Have you asked your girlfriend what she thinks of going to live in the cold, she may not be the fun loving / always smiling / no worries kind a gal if she's stuck in a house because it's too cold to go outside.

You say the only reason to go back to Canada would be the money, what's more important - having money or being happy?

The grass ain't always greener