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Posts: 2531

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Q: Do you reflect poorly on yourself for being in China?

Everyone has an opinion on other people. In China, you quite often see people looking down on each other. Some foreigners are called "Losers" by Chinese, while some are considered gods... like damn "Da Shan".

 

But how do you perceive yourself? 

 

I notice a lot of foreigners treat them time in China as a sort of "vacation" or "break" in their lives and plan to go back to the west to do something "productive". Some foreigners are happy with just being and living in China without much care. And then there are people that really try to carve something out of their time in China like build a family, business, career or something.

 

I find most foreigners in China fit into these categories. Except the insane, crazy rejects (like me!).

 

So do you think your time is well spent in China? Are you kind of just living it one day at a time here, or do you have a plan? 

9 years 14 weeks ago in  Lifestyle - China

 
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I don't disparage myself. It comes down to having a basic level of self-esteem and pride that runs deeper than the job you do, the situation you're currently in, or the words that others speak about you. I've heard a hell of a lot of foreigners in China put themselves down, sometimes in the most caustic language. It appalls me because self-flagellation is not harmless; it negatively affects others and it helps perpetuate stigma. So pay attention to your words, esp. the ones you write about yourself! People who identify with you may read your stuff and then internalize these views. 

 

Having met migrant workers, villagers etc. in China, one of the things that strikes me is that  they never rubbish themselves or their character in the same way that I've heard some foreigners do to themselves. It's the same with the older generation of blue-collar workers in my home country -- They have something that's a bit lacking today: working-class pride and solidarity. 

 

I'm not saying don't strive to improve your lot in life; just don't let others wantonly disparage you without standing up for yourself. And certainly don't do their work for them by writing yourself down.

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9 years 13 weeks ago
 
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China has been my home for 4 years, I met my wife before going to China, so I've actually never visited China alone, it's always been family visits and being settled with the wife. I think for me this means pretty much no change. Don't think I don't bitch about stuff in my home country, it's part of my culture. 

In many ways the move to China was less of an event in my life as e.g. meeting my wife and living together with her in my home country, that certainly was a big change. 

 

I don't spend a lot of time reflecting on myself, I don't really care what other people think of me, and I do walk a path of honesty and integrity so how bad can I be ? 

 

(Note: China was a bad career choice for me, but an important step for my relationship with my wife) 

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9 years 14 weeks ago
 
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Shifu

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Who or What?

China was neither my first job abroad nor my first time in Asia

Rodinya Matt and Hanguk land were those

China has lasted longer, partially due to the nice laws, and partially due to the women.

But what bothers me is the bad habits.

Sure back in 2008, or 2009, post recession making money with a free house was a good deal, but it spreads and spreads. I'm not special anymore I'm 30. I've been doing this since I was 23. It's too damn long and doesn't get you anywhere. A blond dude from UCLA could steal my job tomorrow.

 

I've drunk to much here, lost three teeth, cracked ribs, concussions, and vision damage in my left eye. That's funny but now it hurts to hold my hand over my head...

 

So I'm working on leaving with the fiance. It is too easy to live here and do nothing...and hate yourself every day.

 

Robk:

What happened to you that you got so banged up? 

9 years 14 weeks ago
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rasklnik:

2 bar brawls and a fall off a porch.

9 years 14 weeks ago
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Robk:

What were the bar brawls about? Locals didn't like you hitting on the Chinese women?

9 years 14 weeks ago
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9 years 14 weeks ago
 
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I have a plan. 

 

Next question?

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9 years 14 weeks ago
 
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I came alone. I was candidate to a research fund, without thinking that it would be accepted. I didn't have much of a plan apart from doing what I like. My current job, I got it by talking to a random guy in an elevator. Meeting my wife was similar, completely random. Expect nothing, but makes good thing likely to happen : don't confine yourself to a narrow role living a narrow life. 

 

So I don't feel like I'm a looser by being in China. The bad thing about being in China, for me, it's the cultural wasteland. Back home, people have argumented debates about tons of relevant topics. Art and media are not neutered by a bunch of prudish paranoids jealous of their own power. It's happening, while I am far from the scene, watching from the wasteland. 

ehill1515:

Oh, look! A China troll, pining for home - how refreshing! I bet you're very popular in your town.

9 years 14 weeks ago
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DrMonkey:

@ehill1515  Welcome to the forum, ehill1515. I don't quite see where I am trolling, do you mind to elaborate ?

9 years 14 weeks ago
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icnif77:

Go get him ehill It's Christmas

9 years 14 weeks ago
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9 years 14 weeks ago
 
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Coming to China got me out of the very deadly spiral that I was in at home. If I had stayed thefre I would have died over a.year ago.
Every day that ends with me still alive, is not wasted time.

expatlife26:

Who downvoted that?! Good on you for building something positive. I guess china can be a goos reset button

9 years 14 weeks ago
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Robk:

I agree. Who would down vote a guy turning his life around for the better? 

 

I think someone just mis-clicked, I refuse to think that someone exists that is utterly that trashy. 

 

Good on your Spiderboenz. I support your change and I hope you use the time to keep moving yourself forward. 

9 years 14 weeks ago
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laowaigentleman:

Good for you. It must have taken a lot of drive to lift yourself out of a situation like that and bring yourself halfway around the world to a different culture.

 

Few could handle the transition you made, that's for sure.

9 years 14 weeks ago
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royceH:

You are correct.  Well done, and keep it up.

Btw...good to read more than one sentence from you.

9 years 14 weeks ago
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9 years 14 weeks ago
 
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Shifu

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I came to China after college to ride out a recession. I didn't treat it like a vacation, I worked as many hours as I could and then some on the side for extra cash. It never bothered me that some Chinese might have thought I was a loser, because even though I was working a lot for an expat, I still wasn't working as hard as they were and I was making more money (usually). 

 

My life certainly didn't stall while I was in China either. I got married and learned some of the local language. Once the recession ended my wife and I moved back to the US. We were able to find jobs pretty quickly, both of us at around 6 weeks after we stated looking.

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9 years 14 weeks ago
 
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Shifu

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I came to China 14 years ago,I did not plan on being here this long.since I have been here I have been married then got divorced,then I married again.my first wifes father died and I watched the machine being turned off,then I had to help prepare the body and go to a Chinese funeral.

 

I have survived drug addiction,I was addicted to ecstasy for 4 years while in China  and it took alot of will power to get myself off the drug.I have been in the same job for  12 years.

 

I am married now to a wonderful Chinese girl and we have a 16 month old boy.my Chinese still sucks even though I have tried to learn  I just dont know how to make it.

stick.

 

I am not a loser,I have seen death,I have been through alot since being here,my friends have come and gone.I am 47 years old and I dont have anything back in New Zealand.I also think I have been here too long but at my age I just dont know what I would do if I went  back home.

 

I feel you have to be strong minded to live here,its not for everyone.I have good days and bad days.I enjoy teaching kindergarten children.I am a very good teacher.I can Rock a class of 40 children.

 

if you have any questions feel free to ask

Robk:

Nice perspective and one I can respect. 

 

Death doesn't care about social status or self-respect. Good to hear that you got out off that addiction because I have seen many foreigners that can't and are slowly wasting away. 

 

Personally, I think rocking a class of 40 children on a daily basis is an achievement in itself. I don't care what other people think... doing that takes a ton of energy and patience. 

9 years 14 weeks ago
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royceH:

Yeah Rob, goodonyer mate.

You sound like the sort of bloke I'd like to share some time with.  I lived in NZ for 12 mths when I was a young bloke and have always wanted to go back there.  Reckon I could live there if I had some kind of steady income.

Kiwis like sport and beer and so do I.

 

9 years 14 weeks ago
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9 years 14 weeks ago
 
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I came to China 2 years after graduating by curiosity, my initial goal was to live a year in each Asian country starting with Japan, then South Korea, then China, and so on up to Indonesia or Papua. So obviously I didn't take my stay in China very seriously at first.

 

But I have been in China for 5 years now, I work for a HK based educational company, mostly on the Mainland, sometimes go to HK head office for a few days (I hate it there, too professional, too serious, but have to) and make above 80000 USD yearly which is very good for my age and for China,even for HK.

 

I intend to stay in China many more years, honestly I often criticize China but that's because I care about it, because I like it and expect it to be my home for a long time so I would like it to become better.

 

I have a lovely Chinese girlfriend who is now studying at the best uni in HK but originally from Foshan, Guangdong. She is very smart, much more than I am, she is at the top of her promotion and has been every years. I want to make my proposal, but I prefer to wait until she finishes her studies next year.

 

I do not consider myself as a loser, what people think doesn't matter, they are insecure and try to put me down to feed their ego, too sad for them it doesn't work.

expatlife26:

That's great to hear you've done so well in education. I actually didn't know that was possible but that's awesome props my friend.

 

Guess if you take anything seriously enough there will be opportunities for the cream to rise to the top.

 

Surprised you don't like HK, I fucking love it there...probably because it's a bit more professional. I just feel like it's a much more competitive environment. 

9 years 14 weeks ago
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Eorthisio:

expatlife26 -> Oh I love HK, I hate the office there and the workplace culture overall, too serious, too intense, you can't relax 5 mins or the manager will be pissed.

 

The other offices in Foshan and Shenzhen are much more relaxed.

9 years 14 weeks ago
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Robk:

Yeah, there is a huge change in the air when you cross from Shenzhen into HK. But I honestly love that city too. It has so much energy and everyone is up to something.

 

That's a pretty good income especially for education as I don't see that achieved too often in that sector. I saw a job post for like $2 000 USD per week at some school in Shanghai (Teaching Business/Accounting) but you needed a Masters or PHD and a bunch of other stuff. 

 

I actually might move to Shenzhen if this marketing firm that is interviewing me offers me enough. I don't know if they will be able to... but if they do... I am off to Shenzhen. I wouldn't mind meeting up with you and Mike. 

9 years 14 weeks ago
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mike695ca:

@robk, Ill be waiting at the airport!

9 years 14 weeks ago
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Eorthisio:

Robk: No problem, let me know when you want to meet by PM.

9 years 14 weeks ago
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9 years 14 weeks ago
 
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Shifu

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Sometimes and I probably should but not really. I came to China directly after graduating from university. The plan was to stay for a year, teach, travel and get away from the personal issues I had back home. I'm still here after 3.5 years and I'm looking into exit plans but I'll be here for at least another 18 months. 

 

I graduated from one of the top rated universities in the world with a solid GPA. So why on earth did I come to China to teach at a language mill for a year? Well, I had some serious issues with substance abuse, gambling and severe depression and I had almost given up on life. I also had a really f*cked up childhood despite coming from a privileged background.  So I wanted to get away from it all and went to China. Since I've been here, I've fallen in love, gotten engaged and we're going to register our marriage next week. I've also moved into a more professional teaching role and now make over 20,000 rmb per month in a low cost of living city. I love my students (mostly) and I know they appreciate my teaching. I no longer have substance abuse problems, I quit gambling, started exercising and have never had a better outlook on life. I live simply and save something like 75% of my income. I've traveled to many cities in China, spent last winter vacation in Thailand and have traveled around America with my Chinese fiancee. Am I an underachiever according to traditional ideas of success? Sure. Lots of my classmates are well on their way to 6 figure secure jobs in the US. I'm now looking into master's degree programs and becoming a private school teacher back in the states or teaching at international schools around the world. 

 

I'm thinking about writing a blog post one of these days with more details about my story. So do I look down on myself? Sort of. I mean society would say that I'm wasting my time but I know myself well and I'm at peace with myself and the world which is something I've never been able to say at any point in my life. So I'm happy I came here and it's been a success in many ways. 

DrMonkey:

You fought your own demons, and won :)

9 years 14 weeks ago
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Stiggs:

It sounds to me like you're moving upward and in the right direction.

9 years 14 weeks ago
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Robk:

Well, looking through your story I think you are on the right track. We have to destroy what is holding us down before you can take flight, right? 

 

It sounds like you are just about to start flying. Society likes to judge people on wealth but I think it is better to judge people on potential. You obviously have a ton of it and sure at THIS MOMENT IN TIME, some classmate may earn more BUT do they change people's lives? Are they getting happily married? Do they actually love their jobs?

 

Even Steve Jobs with a bum roaming around India at one point in time  . Money isn't the main factor in a successful life, happiness and utilizing your potential (usually come hand in hand) are... good on you for beating your past. 

9 years 14 weeks ago
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9 years 14 weeks ago
 
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No, not at all. I know some people look down on teachers here but I really couldn't care less about other people's opinions. I'm here for my own reasons , I have my plan for the future and will move on when it suits me.

If I'm doing what I want to be doing and am content doing it but someone else is making 10 times more than me in a 'better job' and hating his life then I know who I would rather be.

 

The day I start judging myself based on what model of phone I have compared to the guy next to me, and resenting my neighbor because he has a car and I don't, or he has three houses and can brag more than me in the office because I only have one house.. that's the day I'll start looking down on myself. I don't want to be one of those empty, materialistic drones.

Robk:

Yup, I hear you. I don't understand why people that it is so important to have the latest mobile phones or most expensive cars... 

 

It's like hollow people giving themselves a purpose or meaning through materialism because they are worthless.

9 years 14 weeks ago
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Shifu

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No, because I made the best of my situation my first year in China and now I have a job I love that uses the skills I have. 

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  At 46 i'm too old for the indulgence of negative introspection, suffice to say, I could have done better and I could have done worse. The glass is both half empty and half full (who says I don't get quantum physics?) and reality is a divine dichotomy of opposing truths. Choose the one that goes best with a glass of cold beer and get on with it, I say.

hi2u:

Having studied some quantum physics myself, I'd like to know what your half empty/half full is in reference to. Sounds like a reference to Schroedinger's cat, but that misses the mark. Please enlighten me. 

9 years 14 weeks ago
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mArtiAn:

  No idea, mate, just sounded a bit quantum physicsy at the time. Sure, let's go with that cat.

9 years 13 weeks ago
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Yeah, I'm a waster.  But that's ok, it's my strong suit.

And it doesn't bother me.  

My wife loves me, my family loves me, and I don't have any debts or enemies.

 

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I did for sure. I obviously have a different way of looking at things than some people here but the way I see it is if you would be along the same track back home as you are here then you cant really be called a loser for being here. Unless you were a loser back home i guess. . ...

But yeah i really was disapointed with myself for a long time. I left a pretty great situation back home and came here to teach. I felt embaressed when comparing salaries, I didnt feel proud of my job, and i felt any of the basic life things i could have back home were out of reach for me. I felt absolutly ashamed that i didnt have a plan for the future. I couldnt see any way to make this China thing work out and i would have to run home with my tail between my legs after wasteing years of my prime.

The one thing I had going for me was I was amazing at being a dancing monkey. From my first gig untill my last i was the highest paid in the company. I took it seriously and was respected. This mixed with the fact that I have no fear of changing jobs led me to higher and higher paying jobs with lots of contacts. Which led me to people and companies that felt I was valuable enough to train in other skills in order to keep me around. This in turn led me to my current situation.

I take home over 100K, i just bought a brand new Audi, gave my wife a dream wedding and im in the awsome part of newleyweds now were sex is demanded in order to make a baby asshole Mike. My salary stacks up well with anyone i know back home. Im able to care for my parents and siblings as well as her family, although they dont need or want it, and provide them all with trips around the world and memories they wouldnt otherwise get to have. I feel safe and secure here and the future looks bright. So finally i am proud and do not feel like a loser in the least.

But its never enough.... Not even close.

jetfire9000:

The last line is very telling.  It's never enough, not even close.  Lots of people want to make China work for them for different reasons.  Some of us like the different life model offered - not having to be faced with the crushing weight of polarized political correctness back at home...    or the vast speed (and simplicity) that improvement  takes here.  The government literally embarks on a propaganda campaign, advertising new rules on posters in subways and traffic crossings, and police enforce it - BAM - social improvement has just occurred.   Nobody tries stopping change from happening like they all do back home...  But despite liking some of these things very unique to China - its not so often people can etch out a life on par with a Western one here. Sacrifices always have to be made. 

 

For those few successful people, is succeeding here enough?  What's next on the totem pole?  I'm sure there are lots of voids that aren't filled by this place.   Good gyms, culture, entertainment...?   

 

 

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Shifu

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Why would anybody look down on being here? Is China actually part of their plan? Or did they just end up here because they had nowhere else to go? Even then, are they making progress? Saving money to get them out of their clutch? I think it is a bit laughable that people look down on themselves just for being in China. Even if you hate what you're doing, that doesn't mean you can't make the most of it. I guess it all goes back to people feeling a stigma against them for being an English teacher. That being said...

I am still not sure why people look down on teachers so much. I can understand why nobody is impressed by them, sure. But looking down? I guess that is just indicative of a few countries' greater attitude towards teaching - Teachers in America are paid squat diddly and it's more of a "calling" type career than anything else. I'm not even a teacher, but somebody once tried pinning the teacher label on me as a way of discrediting my opinion once. Gee, not so sure why. There's nothing wrong with teaching, at the end of a day it's a job that earns money and its a hellava lot more honest than other stuff.

expatlife26:

pffft ur just a dum teacher ur comment means NOTHING.

 

Get a clue jetfire!

9 years 14 weeks ago
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jetfire9000:

For those reading this, please only take Expatlife's claims with a grain of salt.  He's been keenly singled out on other ESL forums (Dave's ESL cafe) as an embedded recruiter on this site. He is careful not to give English teaching a bad name, but he always promotes lies that expats can legally do other work!  *cough*

9 years 13 weeks ago
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dongbeiren:

Any evidence to support your claims about expat? I've become a little suspicious about his account though he often makes interesting and relevant observations related to work and career. Though his obsession with the C**U is more than a little weird for a "financial analyst". 

9 years 13 weeks ago
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PROs:
- 2 sons born here. Might have happened if we were back at home, but no guarantee.
- Savings go into a mortgage, while I was in no position to apply for one upon arrival. Relatives made it happen once the first bun was in the oven.
- Higher savings, mostly due to lower taxes.
- Automatic admiration for being in a (relatively) high salary group by virtue of my appearance/race, in a society that values appearances and money to a fault.
- Personal (cultural) values reinforced. A quick summary of a long story about what I learned from Chinese, their behaviour, and what it means for my kids.

CONs:
- No marketable work experience, or even much personal improvement to speak of.
- No safety net. If I'm sick, the family goes hungry.
- Horrifying education looming for my kids. Get-out-of-here alarmbells ringing louder as my babies get older.
- European immigration still not taken care of. It's a confrontation that was delayed by coming to China, but not avoided.
- Pollution, cancer risks, food safety, and just generally being vulnerable in a society that singles people out for being weak & different.

Was it wasted time? I faced the same question after doing my Master's in Evolutionary Biology, and subsequently making my part-time Security job full-time afterwards (because of higher salary, stabilty, Amsterdam housing/commuting issues, etc.). It was a hard sell to my mother especially, who was mighty proud of my study. In the end, she agreed I made the right decision (then I moved to China after a rough divorce).
Getting sidetracked now... To answer the question: No, I don't regret my study or my emigration. They weren't the fast-track to success, but I wouldn't trade those life experiences in for a chance to do things over: I'd lose what I have now, and probably screw myself up even worse.

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I do not feel like I have achieved any of my dreams in this country....just money....no piece of mind or anything....People here in the mainland are just so shallow that i find no redeeming value in my daily life besides my wife and daughter. It's sad but it's true....one of these days I am going to have to change that....maybe it's today.

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No, I don't look down on myself at all. I am actually proud of myself for doing what I have always done best since I was a child....listen to my gut / inner voice / instinct / whatever you wanna call it.

 

I originally choose to come to China, honestly, only because it was the easiest country to start working in as quickly as possible. I was living in Los Angeles, was working a high paying job and life was "great" by societal standards, but I wasn't happy and all i wanted to do was to see the fucking world. I had been studying hard and working since I was 15 years old, because my dream was work my way up the ladder into a CEO position at some corporate company by the time i was 28. If I had stayed, I probably would've have it happen, God knows I worked my ass off and was getting promotions left and right. But I realized i was 23 years old and i hadn't actually seen anything, or did anything exciting. Sure, i had money, a "luxury" car, and all those things people say that they want, and think will make them happy. I couldn't stand being in an office anymore, so I quit and decided I was going to work as an English teacher in different countries to earn money, and keep on traveling until i felt it was time to stop. 

Like i said, I felt like I needed to just leave as quick as possible or I was going to emotionally and mentally suffocate, so I chose China, and I chose this school. That decision I made will most definitely end up being the best decision I ever made in my life, I suspect. (well maybe deciding not to have children will actually end up being the best decision haha..God knows I don't really want a child). My boss quickly became my good friend, and now my business partner..we've done so much together, doing a lot of different businesses and plans for more in the future. And even with all of these different business we are doing..I still have a lot of free time so I get to travel around China and during the summer and winter I can go to different countries, so I'm doing exactly what I wanted to do as far as traveling, and I'm "half" CEO of my own company at age 24..so I got exactly what I wanted in the end and I'm just enjoying the ride honestly. I have no regrets. Plus people in my city do treat me like a God, so that's also nice to feel.

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I don't disparage myself. It comes down to having a basic level of self-esteem and pride that runs deeper than the job you do, the situation you're currently in, or the words that others speak about you. I've heard a hell of a lot of foreigners in China put themselves down, sometimes in the most caustic language. It appalls me because self-flagellation is not harmless; it negatively affects others and it helps perpetuate stigma. So pay attention to your words, esp. the ones you write about yourself! People who identify with you may read your stuff and then internalize these views. 

 

Having met migrant workers, villagers etc. in China, one of the things that strikes me is that  they never rubbish themselves or their character in the same way that I've heard some foreigners do to themselves. It's the same with the older generation of blue-collar workers in my home country -- They have something that's a bit lacking today: working-class pride and solidarity. 

 

I'm not saying don't strive to improve your lot in life; just don't let others wantonly disparage you without standing up for yourself. And certainly don't do their work for them by writing yourself down.

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undoubtedly the best thing I ever did for myself, moving to China .... I was wallowed in a silly world of government bullshit ...  a knee jerk thing brought me here to China....  worried at first, but over the past couple 3 years, best and smartest thing I ever did!!!...  my stress level is way down, beer drinking on a par, commitment to a schedule is gone, I am just enjoying LIFE   .....   little lazy some days....  should renew that hot springs/spa thing

 

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9 years 13 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1198

Shifu

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I'm a crap guy. I acknowledge that. The sooner that you acknowledge that you are crap the sooner you become truly free. Living up to the expectations of others is a fool's game - a game that seems quite popular here in China. If anyone passes judgment on me for my choice of lifestyle then they have made a huge mistake.  The mistake being that they expect that I will give a flying f**k what they think. I don't.

edit2403:

Personally speaking, I do have expectations that anyone I associate with is not a "crap" person. But as long as this criteria is met, I couldn't care less what job you do.Trust me, I've also met some fantastically crap people working in professional capacities (as well as some really great ones!)

9 years 13 weeks ago
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9 years 13 weeks ago
 
Posts: 548

Shifu

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When this adventure began, it was just to have a job and see what it would be like. I fell in love with China and Asia. As a result, I see myself being in Asia for many years to come. I doubt it will be permanent. The world is too big of a place not to try to see it in my lifetime. And, as an ESL teacher, I have a passport to most places in the world.

But, during my stay in China, I have developed a life here. I have many great Chinese friends. Not many foreigner friends (by choice). I volunteer my time, resources and finances to various projects and causes. For instance, I am helping as much as I can at a local orphanage. I love teaching my students and getting involved int heir lives outside of the classroom. I make efforts to be that non-official ambassadorto my country and talk to CHinese people about my home country and all it has to offer. And, I am working on my personal growth as a human being, trying to understand culture and concepts that bewilder me daily.

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9 years 9 weeks ago
 
Posts: 1838

Emperor

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Name :_____Liping____
Surname :_____Xi____
Gender :__Male_______
Marital Status :__Married (but have several secretaries)_______
Contact Address:______Great Hall of the People___
City / Postal Code :____Beijing_____
Country :______China___
Date of Birth :______Many___
Amount required as a loan :___100 million USD______
Term loan :__5000 years_______
Monthly / annual income :___3500 rmb (20 million rmb grey income)______
Occupation :____President_____
Purpose of Loan :______Winter Olympics Venue___
Phone :___Apple I-phone 6 (must maintain face)
 

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9 years 9 weeks ago
 
Posts: 544

Shifu

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I think I achieved something useful. I don’t much care to judge myself by others’ standards. I don’t make six figures, and don’t use bank account size as a measure of worth as a person.

I earn enough to live comfortably, and put away some for later.

I feel my time was well spent by my own metric. I’ve gotten seen students who had never made the effort to talk to non-Chinese, let alone made friends outside of their ethnic/cultural/national circle now seek out a greater understanding of the world outside China, and show genuine interest in meeting non-Chinese. I’ve had some of these students later on tell me how happy they were to no longer feel shy or timid around people they used to perceive as “too different” to interact with.

I’ve seen marked improvements in the writing of students who were motivated to keep working on their development, now much better able to organize thoughts, and support their arguments.

I’ve also done research, as part of my Master’s degree, into second language acquisition which has yielded actionable results, and have been urged to pursue a PhD.
 

I didn't approach my coming to China as an extended vacation, nor a way to get easy money, but as a way to improve myself.

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9 years 9 weeks ago
 
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Answer of the DayMORE >>
A:  "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "S
A: "... through ..."?  Only "through" comes to mind is "Shenzhen agent can connect you with an employer, who's authorized to hire waigouren ... and can sponsor Z visa." It's not like every 10th person you meet in Shenzhen's hood can sponsor work visa ...  The only way to change from student to labourer visa is just a regular way by: 1. Finding an employer, who'll apply for an Invitation letter; 2. Exit China and apply for Z visa in your home country's Chinese embassy; 3. Enter China in 30-days after Z visa was stamped into your travelling instrument ...As I am aware, you won't be able to switch to Working permit by remaining in China....,so make ready for a return to your home .... -- icnif77