going abroad

[sam82]

im kind of stuck on what to do. i have a very good job that pays well and they pay for me to go to day release college. i have plenty of experience in my field, although having the degree could benefit me long term.

my boyf and i have been thinking of just taking time out and going abroad to work, we just want a lifestyle change, although the work i would probably get is bar work usual kind of work u see at tourist resorts.

i dont know wot to do, im 23 and think Uni and the job i have will always be there, but should i just live life and throw caution to the wind (which im very cautious about nearly everything) or live out the next 3/4 years getting my degree, i already have 5 years very good experience in my field, HELP some points of view would be greatly appreciated

[hinge1967]

Live your dreams.

[justineo]

Hi sam82, definitely agree with hinge, go for it, I'm 43 now and the years have just flown by.  I wish me and my partner had done something exciting before we had children and responsibilities.  Life is too short to wait!

[louadams6]

i had a friend a few years ago, that was in more or less the same situation as youre in now and in the end she left for australia for twelve months and went back-packing with her boyfriend. she came back and said it was the best experience she'd ever had and was glad she'd took the time out to do it, she made most of her money picking fruit! said the people were lovely, the job paid well and it was such a laid back country she wished she could have stayed there forever! My advice would be go for it! lifes too short and you may never again get the opportunity to live out a dream! good luck

[Peri]

Thats exactly it hinge and justineo.  Go for it now sam you dont want to regret what you didn't do.  And as Justineo said before you have kids.

[stillroaming]

Please look at the latest question, i have put a good idea on there for you, hope you like it.

[Bob A Job]

I now live abroad after the type of lifestyle change you are thinking of.

GO FOR IT!!!!!!!

but my biggest suggestion is, Clear any debts before you leave the country, get some money in the bank (about �2k, for emergency return and safety net) and register yourself with the tax office as a non-uk Tax payer (or you will have to pay tax on you earnings when you return).

We left England with credit cards and overdrafts, big mistake, arranging money transfers, direct debits is a nightmare from abroad. funds take a week to clear, planning ahead will save you a fortune.

and also, only get yourself a one bedroom apartment. or like me you will be constantly visited by freeloading family 'Visitors'.... lol

[stillroaming]

Hi Sam82

I'm glad you liked the idea.  I took the course back in feb 2003.  They were back then, a new school that had only been running for 8 months, but already had good contacts, both in Samui and abroard.  You will take 6 hours practical teaching experience at local schools during the course which will give you some experience aimed at teaching Asians.  They did have contacts with a school in Vietnam - but at this point i want to say that there is a huge network of teachers in Asia, you will soon find them through meeting people around and on the internet.  But the problem when we finished, was that we all wanted to stay on the Island, unfortunately there wasn't enough work there.  From the 10 people who i took the course with, 3 got a job in Phuket straight away, with flexible hours, 1 got a job in Shanghai, 3 of us went to Taipai (very good money) and i never heard from the rest.  I also met 2 teachers in Taiwan from Canada who also went to Phuket.  The bottom line is... there is a ton of work out there as most of the teachers are just traveling around teaching from place to place.  Also you can use your TEFL back in England, Torquay, Bournemouth, Brighton etc.  It is a great experience ( a life changing experience! ), especially for you and your partner, the two of you traveling together will make it easier.  Also look at a months voluntary work in the north east of Thailand, this looks good on your CV, and it is definately something to write home about.  

please reply to my question if you need anymore info.

bye for now