Thanks JB for the reply - appreciated. I do wonder about the transition back, and would be going with eyes open.

Part of the decision process is also retirement - If I have 20 years left of working, and want to live a fairly comfortable life, it's either have a pension or save approximately 1.2 million CAD. That's a tough one, and a pension that is worth around $4-5K a month in Canada equates to about having 1.2 million saved give or take. It's almost like sacrificing now for future pleasures or enjoy the IS life and hope for the best later on.

The other thing is the school my kids will attend - obvious benefits from going to a top tier international school (albeit in a very Urban environment) - and also benefits from attending a public school that is surrounded by amazing nature, enough extra curricular, and solid schools to not worry too much about what they are 'missing out' on.

Of course as many have noted, nothing is forever - it would be easy to go back, get 3-5 years admin experience, have all my previous Int'l experience, and then see about getting back into admin at an International School and be able to sit back and wait until I get an offer I like - without having to worry as I'd always have my current job.

Choices choices. Thanks all for your time.

What? And give up the Expat life? Hear me out - and offer any advice. I've been overseas for 15 years teaching at top international schools. I've been quite fortunate.

I'm looking to move into administration and it's been fairly challenging - partly because I want to stay in top tier schools and seem to come up, understandably, against candidates who have 'VP' experience.

So I'm looking at moving back to Canada in a VP role - and then who knows - maybe go back out after a few years - or stay and live the good life :) The pension is hard to ignore. As is the International lifestyle. Choices choices.

So I ask you - is it a good move to go back, get VP experience in a public school, and then go back out - will that be marketable?

And would love to hear any stories from people who have perhaps headed back to NA - thanks all.