@PsyGuy

Am already fortifying my perspective to reduce the load, I am just a bit stunned and existential about it all. Before moving to this place now, one parent became increasingly ill, the other suddenly died, and my health started to change. Then once I moved, took a pay cut, unexpected bills and then my health took another turn. Just now seeing my health and bills stabilize a bit (knock-wood), so I need a minute. Initially planned to shore up some funds, acquire any necessary certifications/endorsements, and step into a decent international school or university to ultimately walk the path to retirement somewhere if here were no longer viable. Having to move plans up with less then what I thought I had, less than two seasons after the trauma of arriving here is impacting my perspective a bit (to say the least). Good advice and insight is truly crucial for me right now, so I am profoundly grateful for yours!

Can't think of other places in Asia with little crime, high quality of life and healthcare besides Singapore, Korea and Japan. What regions come to mind for you?

Your assessment is accurate. As I noted earlier, I have a few versions of my resume. Am looking for other examples so that I can fine tune and utilize the connections I have currently. Any suggestions on where to find quality resume + portfolio examples?

@PsyGuy

It seems like a catch 22 right now. The pay is so thin that it's see-through. It's beginning to look a lot like financial suicide, really. It took a few thousand dollars to move towns before the currency dropped, and I got neither reimbursement, write-off, nor assistance to do it. I moved through that nightmare alone, with my own back. Having to do that again in a few months honestly disturbs me right now.

In a deeper vein, I have also had several of the most peaceful years of my life here, and the idea of leaving that to go to who-knows-what for proper pay and more experience gives me great pause at the very least. Maybe I shouldn't be torn about this, but I am. I really, really am.

Was thinking before the move that this could be a 2-year stepping stone, before the currency dropped. But if I have to move regardless, it should be somewhere worth the trouble so that I can afford to get the extra endorsements/credentials. Wondering if it is better to find something better paying here for a year and then head out, or somehow prepare to head out in a few months? Is there something I'm missing? Another option?

Again, sincerest thanks for your keen help! I really don't know what I'd do without it right now!

@PsyGuy

Thank you again for taking the time. I've been having issues logging in-- my apologies for the delay and the new handle.

Some of your response missed the mark a little (e.g., not worked in a hagwon, had certification before licensure, teaching AP, etc.), but it doesn't really matter as I get the gist. It's a lot to digest and I am processing. I've had my resume previously looked over by several teachers before now, and it has been streamlined to a single page that can be digested in less than 3 minutes. You've supplied suggestions I'd not before considered, and will adjust my portfolio accordingly.

My current contract is up in a few months and funding from the city has been cut for teachers next year, so I don't know if I will be renewed. Moving costs an absolute fortune, so I need a short and long term plan to get to the end goal. I know I would like to retire from a leadership position, and had not considered teaching business to children (though I had implemented facets of it in some of my high school classes). Would it be feasible to get into a leadership role from teaching business?

The CSML seems like a good secondary step, preceded by additional endorsements. I understand that I should look to get in where I fit in on some entry level. What should I realistically be looking for in the next few months? Is an IS placement a real possibility this year or do I try and wing it here another year?

I value your feedback and honesty. It packs a wallop, but I appreciate it.