This is a really relatable dilemma, and a lot of international families eventually hit the same crossroads. The financial stability of working overseas can make life feel more secure, but the emotional and logistical cost of being so far from family is very real—especially when flights home take a full day and a huge chunk of the yearly budget.

Some people choose to stay because the long-term financial benefits (savings, retirement, quality of life, school environment) outweigh the travel hurdles. Others eventually move closer to home because the constant distance—both emotional and financial—starts to feel heavier than the economic advantages.

There isn’t a right answer, but a few things to consider:

How often do you need to visit home? Some families shift to visiting less frequently to reduce the cost and stress.

How sustainable is the current setup for your kids as they get older?

Would the lower salary near home still allow for a comfortable life, even if leaner?

Which stress feels bigger: financial strain or distance from family?

People who stayed often say the stability and school quality made it worth it. Those who moved closer to home usually say the emotional relief outweighed the lower salary.

Whatever you choose, it sounds like you’re thinking about it in a healthy, realistic way—and many families have made either option work. If you want, I can help you break down pros and cons based on your specific region.

It’s definitely possible for a teaching couple to work at different schools, especially in larger cities like Hong Kong or Singapore where there are many international schools close to each other. It’s not the most common setup, but it does happen, and some couples prefer it if their specialties don’t align with openings at the same school.

A few things to think about:

Commute times: Big cities can mean long travel times, so living somewhere central becomes important.

Schedules: Different schools may have different start times, PD days, and holiday calendars.

Contracts and benefits: Schools may offer different packages, so make sure both setups work for you as a household.

Workload balance: You won’t have the shared planning or shared schedule that couples at the same school enjoy.

If you stay flexible and look in areas with lots of schools, it’s completely doable. Many teaching couples make it work and still enjoy the international teaching lifestyle.