Plans After June

My contract at my current school ends in June. I don't have an exact date yet, but I am preparing for the worst by thinking ahead. I wouldn't want my contract to randomly end in early June; that would leave me only a few weeks to decide what I want to do. My boss said that if we end early we could stay in our housing until June 30th. I would rather not take his word for it because he tends to give misinformation and even outright lie, but that's another post.

I recently returned to China after having a nice month long break for Spring Festival (also known as Chinese New Years). I went back to NYC and spent time with important loved ones and friends. Unfortunately, I didn't get to my family because they majority still reside in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and my parents are in Alabama. Regardless, it was a relaxing time that granted me much needed space and time for reflection.

Back when I was first interested in teaching in Asia, I only considered staying for a year. When I left for China in October, I decided to be open to the idea of staying another year. I figured why close myself off to the possibility if it felt right. If June came and I really wanted to stay then why not do it?

So, here are the options:

• teach in another country in Asia (Taiwan or Japan)
• teach in another city in China
• move back to NYC
• move to another city in the U.S.

Right now I am only contemplating the last two options. I officially decided over break not to stay abroad. I think I will always explore other countries. I knew coming to China that I didn't want to pursue being a teacher as a profession. Teaching is something that I have always wanted to try; many important role models in my life have been teachers. Teaching my kids has been amazing, but I know that I need to figure out what I want to do with my life. Staying another year would leave me with the same questions. I might as well face them now. I need to figure what I want to do for my career; staying abroad will only delay it.