Q1. Where did you move to and when?

I moved to teach in Seoul, Korea in November of 2014 so I have been here for almost half a year.

Q2. How long did you work in Thailand?

I did two years in Thailand at two different government schools. One was in Nakhon Si Thammarat in South Thailand and then for a change of scenery, I moved to work in Ayuthaya, which is about an hour from Bangkok.

Q3. What was your main reason for moving?

I was kind of caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. I hate large cities so working in Bangkok was totally out of the question. I honestly don't know how anyone could work there. However, I got tired of small town life as well after a couple of years. Even though NST and Ayuthaya aren't that small, you rather get tired of seeing the same old faces and everyone knowing your business. You also crave new surroundings and get tired of the same old small-town routine.

I suppose you might say I needed a change of scenery and a friend of mine from way back had moved to Korea and seemed to be enjoying it. I'm in my late-50s and only teaching English as something to do. Changing countries at my stage in life is hardly a career move anymore. I'm sure once Korea loses its appeal, I'll be moving on again.

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

I heard lots of horror stories about schools in Korea, particularly those outside the capital, but I love the language school I'm at. The management are very organised, they listen to any day-to-day problems the teacher might have and they are always available. The school helped me to find accommodation and to settle in. I've made some good friends among the teaching staff here as well. Oh and there is also a fantastic resource library.

I teach mainly teenagers and young adults in the evening and I do the occasional immersion course during the day. It adds up to about 25 contact hours a week - probably a little more than I would ideally like but it's not too stressful.

Q5. What do you miss about life in Thailand?

To be honest, not a great deal. I don't think Thailand is quite the bargain it once was and even in the two years I was there, I noticed prices creeping up steadily. I always managed to survive on my 30-35K salary but there wasn't much left over at the end of each month.

I suppose I miss the Thai street-food and the fact that no matter what time of day or night it is, you can always find a food-stall trading somewhere. I befriended a number of stray dogs in Ayuthaya as well and used to feed them most days. I know it sounds silly but I miss them a lot.

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

It very much depends on what kind of personality you have. If you're an easygoing type of guy like I am, Thailand won't cause you many problems. But you have to roll with the punches for sure.

If you're the type of person who likes everything organised and everything to run to a schedule, Thailand will test your patience to the limit.

But generally speaking, it's a great country to spend a year in and the people are very helpful to foreigners. I don't know if that applies to Bangkok though.

Q7. Any plans to return to Thailand one day?

That's a good question. I would never rule it out. I wouldn't mind giving somewhere in the north of Thailand a crack, maybe even Chiang Mai.

Q8. Anything else you'd like to add?

I enjoyed my two years in Thailand but knew when it was time to leave - and leave I did. I met many teachers who had grown resentful towards life in Thailand and frankly, they should have moved on rather than just moaning about their lot all day and every day.

It's a big world out there and there are loads of countries looking for good English teachers. When you feel that it's time to move on - it probably is.