louisxander Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 I went through the whole "being an English teacher" thing before I found my way into a decent career. Teaching provided an income, but not much of one. I was able to stay in S.E. Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam), but that was about it. Anyone else have a story about odd jobs that they took just so that they could stay in Thailand? Was it a good experience or a horror story? I've got plenty of the later. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YimSiam Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 Of the latter, I suppose you mean. Cheers for making a go with the website, the header pics are very nice -- the look of the site is quality, but it's got to be matched by the content, including stuff as simple as running a spellcheck, if you want us to check in on a regular basis! I think I took an approach to getting to Asia that you might approve of - once I decided that I wanted to spend some time over here, I looked into careers and education that would serve me well. Rather than come immediately and teach English, I went back to the States, worked and studied for about five or six years, got my professional degree and relevant experience, and have been able to work in a great job - throughout Asia - for the past five years. It can happen, but it takes planning, not just a plan ticket and a TEFL certificate in your back pocket (though that might be your thing - it wasn't mine). I'll leave it to others to reply with 'blow', 'hand', etc... YimSiam Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louisxander Posted January 21, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 Thanks for checking out my site YimSiam. It's just a hobby right now, but I'm trying to turn it into something with a respectable amount of quality. Yeah. When I look back, I think the route you took is the preferable one. However, I have found that the experience/knowledge that I picked up from being in the region for so long is useful in my current job (adverts). Perhaps I simply went through a different kind of education. BTW: I think you meant "plane ticket" not "plan ticket." Spell-check not lest ye be spell-checked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashermac Posted January 22, 2008 Report Share Posted January 22, 2008 I've been a writer, copywriter, editor (full time & part time) and university lecturer. Unfortunately, none of them pay very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samak Posted January 23, 2008 Report Share Posted January 23, 2008 I went through the whole "being an English teacher" thing before I found my way into a decent career. so you made a decent career in SEA or at home? you did not tell the story! i was actually sent here by my employer. i did not have the intention before to come here for work. however i changed my job in the meanwhile and stayed in the region... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fidel Posted January 23, 2008 Report Share Posted January 23, 2008 I passed through LOS in 2000, on my way to live and work in Australia for a year. I got hooked on Thailand, moved from Sydney to Hua Hin and got a job teaching English in a Catholic school. My next job was as an English language trainer at a a 5-star resort. After 3 years teaching English in Thailand, I decided I needed to do something more challenging/well paid. I went back to Uni for a year and ended up working with the government of Laos' National Economic Research Institute for a while. Now in Pakistan, but visiting LOS multiple times per year, saving some decent cash and planning a return to the region I love in a better paid position with better prospects than when I first decided to make LOS my home over 7 years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Munchmaster Posted January 23, 2008 Report Share Posted January 23, 2008 In Feb 92 I was transferred from my position in Taiwan to be office manager (QS company) in Bangkok. Company went bust a year later, owing me about Baht 900,000. Set up a new company with the help of a couple of other guys working in related fields. Closed down in September 97 due to the Asian economic crash. Never made much money but had a good time doing it. Finally left LOS for Dubai in April 99. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
louisxander Posted January 23, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 23, 2008 samak, I was able to land a job as a AD in an advertising agency in Viet Nam and subsequently worked in Hong Kong and L.O.S. "Decent career" is relative, I guess. While I'm not making six figures, I'm comfortable and have enough marketable experience that I can choose where I want to work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drogon Posted January 24, 2008 Report Share Posted January 24, 2008 Was project coordinator for a big multinational company in Asia from 2002 to 2004, I asked to be based in BKK. Was a great time :grin: Then in 2006: Was project manager for a subsidiary of the same company, as I was hired only for the project (1 year) I opened in the same time a small business to test the waters and see if it would be wise to invest more. I luckily pulled my shares in time (with a small profit) and decided to go back to Europe as I was offered a good position....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samak Posted January 24, 2008 Report Share Posted January 24, 2008 what is a AD in a advertising agency? was this a international one like Young Rubicam, Ogilvy Mathers, Saatchi etc.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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