The International Schools Review Forum

As I witness colleagues enter the job search market at the fairs and on their own, I've been thinking about whether or not next year will be my last one at my school.

From those of you who are experienced overseas teachers, I was wondering how you decided for yourself that it was time to move on. Was it negative: mediocre pay, lack of resources, difficult relationships with others? Or was it positive: desire to discover new cultures, grow as a professional, be closer to family or friends? If it was a combination of factors, how did you decide what was most important?

Thank you for any feedback you might be able to offer.

I've been happy here and extended my contract last year. I'm moving on, though, as I'm not getting any younger and there are whole continents I haven't see yet. I'm afraid my age will be working against me; I know already I'm too old for some countries.

You know its time to move on when your administration makes it very difficult for you to stay. Unfortunately we didn't pull the trigger this year and are stuck for another painful year.

You know it's time to leave when you don't want to go to work...not to be flippant, but when that happens more than a couple of days in a row...time to go.

If you are enjoying your job, making good money so you can live well and save for retirement and kids college, enjoying the location you live in and are professionaly fulfilled then STAY!!!

I have many friends who really regret moving on from a good situation because they wanted more, more, more...only to discover that the grass was not greener on the other side.

On the other hand if you are waking up dreading going to school, you are being overlooked for career development, you can't afford to live where you are or you are just totally bored then MOVE ON!!!