I also understand what you are going though. It is so depressing even if there are a few things you like (the job itself and some colleagues) overall you have a sense of frustration because you hate where you are --the situation, the country, the administration, etc. Marlow had the right idea. Find something you really like doing, and do it. I found that socializing with the colleagues that I really liked helped me. I had people over for dinner parties, card games, DVD nights. Anything social that put a smile on my face. Finding someone to travel with and traveling to as many places as I could. It's a bit of a strain on the pocketbook, but it was worth it. Sometimes the travel was such that I actually looked forward to coming back! Most of the time it gave me the release I needed.

I kept telling myself that I could do anything, put up with anything for a year (for 8 months, for 6 months) until the time came when I didn't have to put up with it anymore.

And if you haven't done it yet, Get Going On Recruiting For Next Year!!! The Sooner the better!

I know that a lot of people on this site will see themselves in you and totally sympathize, whether from past experience or present, know that you are not alone.

Good Luck.

Ok boys, zip up your pants and lets get back to the topic.

I am contemplating going back to the States for a variety of reasons. Number one, I miss my family. My parents are getting older (very old) and I would like to spend as much time as I can with them now. I don’t want to think later on, “oh if I had only gone home earlier, ….â€

Thank you so much for the opinions and insights so far. Unfortunately, my husband is not a teacher, so some overseas post are out of bounds. I've only been overseas for 12 years, taught in the States for 10 before going adventuring, so I do remember the unmotivated, the When-am-I-ever-going-to-use-this-stuff questions, the ones with the Just Want to Get Out of Here attitude. But after a while you do forget some of the bad things, so thank you for reminding me about the reality of teaching in the States. Reality does bite. But there are some good with the bad. Although I hate standardized testing, I would love to have the opportunity to be a member of a union again.

As far as traveling goes, my husband really wants to see the States. You see, to him, that would be an adventure. Now as to all that money you make when you are an overseas teacher. Only in some schools. And if you have stayed too long (like me) you go on local salary! Yikes, taxes are now being paid by you and you no longer get the housing allowance. So for me, staying here is not as financially rewarding as it once was. However, having said that, I still don't want to go where I am worse off!

JISAlum - you are in the Chicago area, and know it well. Do you know how it is downstate?

Does anyone out there know if my Ill Certificate will work in other states?

Again, thank you so much for the info. mobydick - I'll be looking up that site you sent.

You've just got to love this forum!

Lately, I've been thinking about going back to the States. Mainly family reasons - parents getting older; husband would like to live there (he's a British Citizen) etc. I would like to hear from those who have done this or have tried going back. Were you able to find a job? Being from Illinois I did not have to do continuing education courses to keep my certificate registered (just pay the $25), so I am worried about not have the right endorsements. I was fine when I left (pre-Bush and pre-NCLB) but I'm not sure I am qualified now. What about salaries? I've got more than 20 years experience, will they count? The thing is, I don't want to start the process (give up my job and home here) when I am not really employable back home. I know I am employable in the international circuit, but that’s not the same. What is wanted in the international system might not be wanted in the States.

Any insights, suggestions, advise would be very welcome

Why not look into ISS Bangkok. It happens the week after Search. I think their cut off date is Dec 3, so you still might have time, if you hurry.

I just got my information the other day. January 8 (Tuesday) is the registration at anytime with the orientation in the early evening. January 9 (Wednesday) early morning is the mad dash for signing up for interviews ( can you feel the anxiety already) with interviewing beginning somewhere late morning. Interviews go on until January 12 sometime in the afternoon. Sorry I don't know the exact times for it, just the days and generally the times things happen (left my stuff at home.)

Hope this helps

I am from Illinois and I do not have to get the required hours. Why? Because I am not teaching Illinois children at this time (and that is who they are concerned about), they don't care if I get the hours or not! Well, that is at least how it was explained to me. I pay my $25 for a 5 year renewal and I'm done. Of course, if I ever go back to teaching in Illinois I might have to take 30 hours just to be up to date on my required hours since I've been gone so long!!! But I'll cross that bridge when it comes to it.

Hope this helps.