Q1. Where did you move to and when?

Moved back to Western Europe in May 2018

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

Four years - which should have been two.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

Dead end job with a Thai boss trying to squeeze out more and more of your time and effort. Finally stopped looking through pink-colored glasses and saw Thailand as a whole for what it really is.

The main reason for moving is that I would be ashamed to have my child grow up there while he can grow up in a first class world and have tons of opportunities and develop a proper mindset instead of only thinking "sabai or sanuk".

Q4. What are the advantages of working where you are now compared to Thailand?

Communication, clarity and feedback.
Straightforwardness
Pension scheme
Can express myself by talking LOUD !! haha

24 bottles of quality beer for less than 400 baht
tires stay inflated

But on a more serious note:

juridical system is on my side
no visa
better healthcare
free first world class education

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

Riding my scooter from the gym to lunch to swimming pool to massage shop to ..............whatever.

Q6. Would you advise a new teacher to seek work in Thailand or where you are now?

Sure, give it a go but please do not think it is anything serious. It's a laugh, so have a few and move on. Just live by the following phrase to make your teaching life easier:

"Thinking is hard, serious is worse yet !" 555

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

Thailand is like a warm bath.....once you are in, it's hard to get out, But now I am out, I have no desire to pay big bucks for a tiring 14-hour flight while a 3-hour flight will get me a good time in Southern Europe.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

Just a few things to ponder:

While you are having a great time, more sensible folks back home have started building a career and an accompanying pension plan.

You are helping Thailand by teaching its children and getting rewarded by paying double the entrance fee for national parks? What on earth is that all about?

The school administration pockets a percentage of the teacher budget, even more for Filipinos. Business first, education second!

Why should a qualified, experienced Filipino teacher earns less than John the backpacker coming fresh off the bus?

Don't become a lifer!