Now that I have reached the 7 month period in Beijing (Where did the time go?), the question that is most on my mind is "What next?" Do I stay in Beijing or do I go back to Mei Guo? Have you ever had the feeling that you wanted to stay but then had the feeling that you wanted to go? If there is one thing I have learned in all my travels is that wherever you go, there you are. In other words, you can be happy anywhere you go.
As it stands now, I see three options that are before me:
Sign again with EF. I would have no problem doing this. It is a fun place to work, I have great coworkers and students, and they pay a decent salary.
I have a firm job offer from Desoto School in West Helena, Arkansas in the Arkansas Delta. This job would be teaching English and yearbook with some guidance counseling duties. I have wanted to work in a private school for some time and this would afford me the much needed guidance counseling work experience that is so elusive. Cons- Salary is comparable to what I make in China, BUT the money doesn't go as far in the U.S. Also, its the Arkansas Delta, need I say more?
Finally, I interviewed today for a guidance counselor/teaching position at the International Academy of Beijing. This is a Christian school serving primarily American and Korean students whose parents work in Beijing. It is about a 20 minute subway ride away from my apartment. While I don't have a firm offer, I am confident that I will receive one. The principal mentioned that by hiring someone in Beijing, they save a lot of money not having to fly me over. The salary is somewhat higher than what I make now plus it includes a 4000 yuan per month housing allowance plus one flight per year back to the U.S. (I currently pay 4000 per month, so its basically free housing)I would also work a traditional school year schedule with 3 weeks for Christmas in addition to all Chinese holidays. Cons- Its another year away from home dealing with the frustrations that come with living in a foreign country. For all of China's charms, when you spend three hours at the bank to conduct a transaction that would take 15 minutes back home, you start to wonder if you are crazy for being here.
All three are attractive options. Your prayers are appreciated as I decide where to go next.
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2 comments:
Hey Tim-- Tammy [Ficklin] Patton mentioned you to me.
She and I were great friends at Forestville, the church in Greenville/TR SC where she still worships. I am in Beijing, in my 5th school year. Drop me a line/text if you want to chat about Beijing's ups/down/ and the "should I stay or should I go now" process.
Kris
facebook: Kristin McCombe Winfield Baker
Tim: I know which one I would choose, but I'm not you. :) I will pray for guidance for you.... and that you make a decision you have peace with.
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