anyone ever just think about throwing it all away......

[gigapet]

quitting your nice desk job, selling your house, car and your belongings and just moving to some foreign land to teach english or something... where the weather is warm, the people are warm, the lifestyle is laid back and people actually work to live and not live to work.......


Even though by most peoples standards they would say I have accomplished a great deal and am doing very well for myself......I can't help but wake up every morning miserable feeling like i'm wasting my life away......


am i alone here?

 

[BD2003]

The grass is always greener on the other side. Think about how ironic what youre saying sounds - you want to go somewhere else, so you can teach english, so people can hopefully live the kind of life you abandoned because you take it for granted.

You dont have to live across the world to live like that. You can do that right here.

 

[gigapet]

Originally posted by: BD2003
The grass is always greener on the other side. Think about how ironic what youre saying sounds - you want to go somewhere else, so you can teach english, so people can hopefully live the kind of life you abandoned because you take it for granted.

You dont have to live across the world to live like that. You can do that right here.

I don't agree

 

[Lonyo]

I'm not too keen on beaches, so no.
I'd rather move somewhere very moderate, with snow in winter, lakes and trees and hills. Where they already speak English.
ie: the English countryside in a part of the UK where it snows.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003
The grass is always greener on the other side. Think about how ironic what youre saying sounds - you want to go somewhere else, so you can teach english, so people can hopefully live the kind of life you abandoned because you take it for granted.

You dont have to live across the world to live like that. You can do that right here.

I don't agree

What dont you agree with? Youre fantasizing about a place that does not exist.

 

[gigapet]

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003
The grass is always greener on the other side. Think about how ironic what youre saying sounds - you want to go somewhere else, so you can teach english, so people can hopefully live the kind of life you abandoned because you take it for granted.

You dont have to live across the world to live like that. You can do that right here.

I don't agree

What dont you agree with? Youre fantasizing about a place that does not exist.

there are plenty of opportunities to teach english in other countries with tropical climates and local beaches.

and I also don't agree that I take it for granted....I have alot of stuff whoopty doo....I'd probably be more happy living in a 600 sq foot shack by the beach with a bicycle.

and I also don't agree that they would be wanting to live an american lifestyle.

 

[cKGunslinger]

At least twice per week..

 

[Theb]

I'm not going anywhere that doesn't have a high speed connection.


You could take one of these volunteering vacations and see if this kind of thing is really for you.
http://www.motherjones.com/news/feature/2001/11/jamaica.html

 

[thelanx]

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003
The grass is always greener on the other side. Think about how ironic what youre saying sounds - you want to go somewhere else, so you can teach english, so people can hopefully live the kind of life you abandoned because you take it for granted.

You dont have to live across the world to live like that. You can do that right here.

I don't agree

What dont you agree with? Youre fantasizing about a place that does not exist.

there are plenty of opportunities to teach english in other countries with tropical climates and local beaches.

and I also don't agree that I take it for granted....I have alot of stuff whoopty doo....I'd probably be more happy living in a 600 sq foot shack by the beach with a bicycle.

Sure the novelty is great, it is so different from your current state, but don't you think with a shack and a bike you'd get bored after a while and wish for internet and other modern amenities? Not to mention you might not like teaching english after a while.

 

[MisterJackson]

I've got a friend who's doing that in June or july after her divorce is final. She's going to St. Barts to live down there. I envy her actually. It's messed up because she was married right out of highschool, and stayed so, in a loveless marriage, for 10 years. It was all she knew. I've seen her really grow just in these last few months. She's more outgoing, she took up bartending and waitressing to learn a second skill to moonlight with when she's down there (she's a professional fund raiser for a large non profit as her main career).

She told me I can come stay with her as long as I like. I'm afraid I'll get down there and want to stay. I could open a pc repair shop right on the beach. They need computers fixed down there too I'm sure!

 

[RedCOMET]

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
At least twice per week..

same

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003
The grass is always greener on the other side. Think about how ironic what youre saying sounds - you want to go somewhere else, so you can teach english, so people can hopefully live the kind of life you abandoned because you take it for granted.

You dont have to live across the world to live like that. You can do that right here.

I don't agree

What dont you agree with? Youre fantasizing about a place that does not exist.

there are plenty of opportunities to teach english in other countries with tropical climates and local beaches.

And you think that youre not going to take THAT granted after you've gotten used to it?

Then you'll come here posting:

Anyone ever think about getting up, and going to a country where you can sit in an air conditioned office all day like, type a few things on a computer, and then go to a safe, large home, with more material wealth than you ever could possibly need?

By most peoples standards here I have accomplished quite a great deal, but I cant help but wake up this morning feeling miserable because all I do is teach english to ungrateful people who want nothing but to get out of this country...

 

[MisterJackson]

Oh and my old neighbor, who's 18 and I've known him and his family since he was 4 or so, is coming back from Tailand in a month or so.

He got asked by someone at his church a few months back if he'd like to move to Tailand and teach english over there. He said sure, why not, and was there in a week. Thing is, he can't speak a bit of Thai, but they said that wasn't necessary, go figure.

BTW, he took a total of $2500 with him to cover all expenses, including airfare, for 6 months. thing is that's lasted him even longer than expected.

So to those who say, it ca't be done, or do it here??? If you can do it in a land where you're exposed to a culture and life that you'd never know otherwise I say "why not do it?".

 

[puffff]

i've almost done it. i went on my year long vacation and was pretty close to not coming back. it was a difficult decision, there were many places where i loved the people, the culture, the environment...

several things would've bothered me had i did though. for one, it would cause those close to me a lot of worry. they might be disappointed that i threw away what they thought was a bright future, the american dream. it'd be incredibly selfish for me to not take that into consideration.

had i had no immediate family, i'm confident i would've just 'thrown it all away' like you said

 

[CVSiN]

Originally posted by: gigapet
quitting your nice desk job, selling your house, car and your belongings and just moving to some foreign land to teach english or something... where the weather is warm, the people are warm, the lifestyle is laid back and people actually work to live and not live to work.......


Even though by most peoples standards they would say I have accomplished a great deal and am doing very well for myself......I can't help but wake up every morning miserable feeling like i'm wasting my life away......


am i alone here?

every single day.....

 

[gigapet]

Originally posted by: thelanx

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003
The grass is always greener on the other side. Think about how ironic what youre saying sounds - you want to go somewhere else, so you can teach english, so people can hopefully live the kind of life you abandoned because you take it for granted.

You dont have to live across the world to live like that. You can do that right here.

I don't agree

What dont you agree with? Youre fantasizing about a place that does not exist.

there are plenty of opportunities to teach english in other countries with tropical climates and local beaches.

and I also don't agree that I take it for granted....I have alot of stuff whoopty doo....I'd probably be more happy living in a 600 sq foot shack by the beach with a bicycle.

Sure the novelty is great, it is so different from your current state, but don't you think with a shack and a bike you'd get bored after a while and wish for internet and other modern amenities? Not to mention you might not like teaching english after a while.

no I could easily live without all this bullsh1t. movies, video games, forums.....blah blah
and the english job wouldjust be something to start off.....If i got board maybe i could run tours for american tourists....possibilities are endless because I would have nothing keeping me tied down anywhere. Pick up and go whenever I wanted

 

[gigapet]

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003
The grass is always greener on the other side. Think about how ironic what youre saying sounds - you want to go somewhere else, so you can teach english, so people can hopefully live the kind of life you abandoned because you take it for granted.

You dont have to live across the world to live like that. You can do that right here.

I don't agree

What dont you agree with? Youre fantasizing about a place that does not exist.

there are plenty of opportunities to teach english in other countries with tropical climates and local beaches.

And you think that youre not going to take THAT granted after you've gotten used to it?

Then you'll come here posting:

Anyone ever think about getting up, and going to a country where you can sit in an air conditioned office all day like, type a few things on a computer, and then go to a safe, large home, with more material wealth than you ever could possibly need?

By most peoples standards here I have accomplished quite a great deal, but I cant help but wake up this morning feeling miserable because all I do is teach english to ungrateful people who want nothing but to get out of this country...

you dont get it...why would I want to sit in an office all day ever??? air conditioned or not. If' I'm on the beach...what more do I need. i'm hot I go in the water or the shade. and.....*gasp* they do have A/C outside of the USA.

IME other cultures that are less well off are more than greatful to accept yoru help(english) but are not interested in adapting the american lifestyle.

 

[K1052]

Not seriously, I'd be bored out of my mind after a week for starters.

I also have certain responsibilities/concerns here that mean something to me which I could not in good conscience neglect.

 

[ggnl]

I haven't given up hope that I can find a job I like without leaving the country (and all the comforts of modern amenities). But yeah, I'm acutely aware of how much time I've wasted sitting in this cubicle under the fluorescent lights while the sun is shining outside.

 

[FallenHero]

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: thelanx

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003
The grass is always greener on the other side. Think about how ironic what youre saying sounds - you want to go somewhere else, so you can teach english, so people can hopefully live the kind of life you abandoned because you take it for granted.

You dont have to live across the world to live like that. You can do that right here.

I don't agree

What dont you agree with? Youre fantasizing about a place that does not exist.

there are plenty of opportunities to teach english in other countries with tropical climates and local beaches.

and I also don't agree that I take it for granted....I have alot of stuff whoopty doo....I'd probably be more happy living in a 600 sq foot shack by the beach with a bicycle.

Sure the novelty is great, it is so different from your current state, but don't you think with a shack and a bike you'd get bored after a while and wish for internet and other modern amenities? Not to mention you might not like teaching english after a while.

no I could easily live without all this bullsh1t. movies, video games, forums.....blah blah
and the english job wouldjust be something to start off.....If i got board maybe i could run tours for american tourists....possibilities are endless because I would have nothing keeping me tied down anywhere. Pick up and go whenever I wanted

Shens on that. Take a month long vacation somewhere without all the extras, then see how you feel.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: thelanx

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003
The grass is always greener on the other side. Think about how ironic what youre saying sounds - you want to go somewhere else, so you can teach english, so people can hopefully live the kind of life you abandoned because you take it for granted.

You dont have to live across the world to live like that. You can do that right here.

I don't agree

What dont you agree with? Youre fantasizing about a place that does not exist.

there are plenty of opportunities to teach english in other countries with tropical climates and local beaches.

and I also don't agree that I take it for granted....I have alot of stuff whoopty doo....I'd probably be more happy living in a 600 sq foot shack by the beach with a bicycle.

Sure the novelty is great, it is so different from your current state, but don't you think with a shack and a bike you'd get bored after a while and wish for internet and other modern amenities? Not to mention you might not like teaching english after a while.

no I could easily live without all this bullsh1t. movies, video games, forums.....blah blah
and the english job wouldjust be something to start off.....If i got board maybe i could run tours for american tourists....possibilities are endless because I would have nothing keeping me tied down anywhere. Pick up and go whenever I wanted

But youre failing to see the obvious irony which should raise immediate red flags. The students there are not learning english for the hell of it - theyre learning english to go to american universities, to take "american style" jobs.

If theyre already living in the promised land, why are they so eager to leave?

Everything you are thinking of still comes back to america in one way or another.

The fact of the matter is, you can already live without all this BS. There are plenty of places in america, canada, etc that fit exactly the mold you describe. You don't have to have a stressful job, there are millions of them to choose from, right here. There are plenty of beaches, plenty of laid back people on those beaches etc...

Believe me, I know where youre coming from. I've been there, done that. Ive made changes in my life due to those exact thoughts. I've decided that working in an office wasnt the greatest thing - I tried other things, and working in an office is degrading in a very strange way, but there are much worse things.

Running away isnt the solution. Making the best of what you have, and changing your perspective likewise, is the solution.

No matter what you do, or no matter where you go, you WILL get used to it. That is part of our human psychology that is ingrained in us...it keeps us from staying in one place too long. I love the beach too. People who live on the beach, want to see the city. People who live in the city, want to see the beach. You aren't the exception to the rule - you have a human brain like the rest of us, that works in the same way.

It sounds to me like you need a career change, stat.

 

[gigapet]

the way i see it.......even if I disappeared for 10 years.....came back in my mid 30s......would I be that far behind??? I don't think I would. I could get a decent paying job and be re established in a couple of years.

 

[Lola]

we (husband and i) often talk about leaving and i hope we really do someday (maybe in 5 years, maybe more, maybe less)
but where we want to go, housing prices are crazy and jobs hard to come by, yet we still have that dream or hope.

I say, life is short, why not make the best of it. Do what you want (if you can) and see what becomes of it.

If you can accept what *could* happen in a worst case senario, then you are ready to do it.
Life is full of experiences, not bad or good... just experiences. It's what you make of it.

 

[gigapet]

Originally posted by: FallenHero

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: thelanx

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003
The grass is always greener on the other side. Think about how ironic what youre saying sounds - you want to go somewhere else, so you can teach english, so people can hopefully live the kind of life you abandoned because you take it for granted.

You dont have to live across the world to live like that. You can do that right here.

I don't agree

What dont you agree with? Youre fantasizing about a place that does not exist.

there are plenty of opportunities to teach english in other countries with tropical climates and local beaches.

and I also don't agree that I take it for granted....I have alot of stuff whoopty doo....I'd probably be more happy living in a 600 sq foot shack by the beach with a bicycle.

Sure the novelty is great, it is so different from your current state, but don't you think with a shack and a bike you'd get bored after a while and wish for internet and other modern amenities? Not to mention you might not like teaching english after a while.

no I could easily live without all this bullsh1t. movies, video games, forums.....blah blah
and the english job wouldjust be something to start off.....If i got board maybe i could run tours for american tourists....possibilities are endless because I would have nothing keeping me tied down anywhere. Pick up and go whenever I wanted

Shens on that. Take a month long vacation somewhere without all the extras, then see how you feel.

I've already done it and I had the time of my life.

 

[puffff]

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: thelanx

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: gigapet

Originally posted by: BD2003
The grass is always greener on the other side. Think about how ironic what youre saying sounds - you want to go somewhere else, so you can teach english, so people can hopefully live the kind of life you abandoned because you take it for granted.

You dont have to live across the world to live like that. You can do that right here.

I don't agree

What dont you agree with? Youre fantasizing about a place that does not exist.

there are plenty of opportunities to teach english in other countries with tropical climates and local beaches.

and I also don't agree that I take it for granted....I have alot of stuff whoopty doo....I'd probably be more happy living in a 600 sq foot shack by the beach with a bicycle.

Sure the novelty is great, it is so different from your current state, but don't you think with a shack and a bike you'd get bored after a while and wish for internet and other modern amenities? Not to mention you might not like teaching english after a while.

no I could easily live without all this bullsh1t. movies, video games, forums.....blah blah
and the english job wouldjust be something to start off.....If i got board maybe i could run tours for american tourists....possibilities are endless because I would have nothing keeping me tied down anywhere. Pick up and go whenever I wanted

But youre failing to see the obvious irony which should raise immediate red flags. The students there are not learning english for the hell of it - theyre learning english to go to american universities, to take "american style" jobs.

If theyre already living in the promised land, why are they so eager to leave?

Everything you are thinking of still comes back to america in one way or another.

The fact of the matter is, you can already live without all this BS. There are plenty of places in america, canada, etc that fit exactly the mold you describe. You don't have to have a stressful job, there are millions of them to choose from, right here. There are plenty of beaches, plenty of laid back people on those beaches etc...

Believe me, I know where youre coming from. I've been there, done that. Ive made changes in my life due to those exact thoughts.

Running away isnt the solution. Making the best of what you have, and changing your perspective likewise, is the solution.

he doesn't have to teach english. he could open a guesthouse somewhere. he could lead tour groups.

america is diverse, but to live in a different country is still different. which is why there are expat communities all over the world.