Thread: Thailand or Romania?

Been back in Thailand for 8 months or so, and I have to say that, for the most part, I am pretty happy. The job is fine; I can't really complain about the pay, and management issues would be very minor. Outside of work, life is also good in all areas. So, why the problem? While not really seriously looking to move, I decided to stay in the loop on the international school circuit and apply for a few places. I thought Schrole has mighty slim pickings this year, perhaps that's just me. Anyway, I got offered a job in Romania on Friday, and I have until Monday to decide. It ticks a lot of boxes - progressive, backs onto a forest that we can use, good pay and package. On the other hand, I am happy where I am, but can't help thinking that this is a very good opportunity. What would you do?

I don't believe you have ties here - property, LTR, kids - so I would take it, you only live once and Thailand will still be here after the 12-24 months contract ends. After 8 months I doubt your current position is a job-for-life position, and I'm sure there would be plenty of opportunities here for you to come back to. Relatively young, no ties. I'd personally take it and experience living in Romania for 1-2 years. A change from living in Asia would possibly a nice change, and there must be some pretty amazing places to holiday within a 1-2 hour flight from there. A hop over to Italy, Croatia, Greece during your weeks/months off. Then move back here if you wish. I'd definitely take it compared to continuing to stay here.

Will you be breaking contract? (Because most international schools only offer two year deals).

No, would not be breaking contract. But I do think 2 years at one place looks better than 1. Getting this last visa for Thailand was a time consuming process as the documents needed where quite different from the last time. No shock there as that was 8 years ago. Would be a shame not to stay longer after all that effort perhaps?

Main difference Russians arrive here by plane, in Romania, with long Trancesylvanian border with Ukraine maybe by tank?

The Romanian language sounds like Italian - not a surprise since they're both romance languages. Maybe you'll have better communication with the locals. The Romanians that I know - they all speak English (but then they're uni graduates).

I agree with Malmomike. Since you don't have ties in TH (no wife/ GF/ kids/ house/ apt/ land) then why not try a new place?! You could explore the neighbouring countries & you'll have new adventures.

Winters would be pretty miserable.

I changed planes once in Romania in March.

That was enough for me.

Originally Posted by cyrille

Winters would be pretty miserable.

I changed planes once in Romania in March.

That was enough for me.

was it business class ?

Had a friend that spent two years traveling around the world just a few years ago. He stated that Turkey and Romania were his favorites. Thought I would throw that out there. Good luck whatever you decide.

I should probably have mentioned that my work life balance is the best it's ever been at the moment, and I am cautious to gamble this away on a chance.

Originally Posted by Edmond

I don't believe you have ties here - property, LTR, kids - so I would take it

Eddo cheddo on the money.Grab an opportunity for a new episode. Thailand will still be there.

Originally Posted by Mandaloopy

I should probably have mentioned that my work life balance is the best it's ever been

I am sure that a fellow who routinely drinks Moet by the bucket in pubs can afford to call the shots with work life balance wherever he hangs his boots!

Originally Posted by katie23

I agree with Malmomike. Since you don't have ties in TH (no wife/ GF/ kids/ house/ apt/ land) then why not try a new place?! You could explore the neighbouring countries & you'll have new adventures.

Now I know how Baitoey felt when I called out Bua. :/

Originally Posted by Looper

Eddo cheddo on the money.Grab an opportunity for a new episode. Thailand will still be there.

Indeedio.


Sounds like not doing it would end up being more regretful than going there and maybe coming back to Thailand sooner rather than later.

Never try never know.
Better to regret something you did than something you didn't. *deep*

Originally Posted by Mandaloopy

I should probably have mentioned that my work life balance is the best it's ever been at the moment, and I am cautious to gamble this away on a chance.

Work life balance best it has ever been.
can't really complain about the pay,
management issues very minor.
Outside of work, life is also good in all areas.


Im struggling to see what the issue is? FOMO?

Indeed.

If it ain't broke don't 'fix' it.

Go to Romania in the 'summer' holiday.

If you like it try and fix up the job for 2025.

@edmond - sorry, I mistook your post for malmomike's. I didn't look at the name thoroughly & just saw the avatar in passing. Soweee!

^ and ^^ what Cyril & willy said. I guess Mandy can go on a month-long trip of Eastern Europe in the summer, if he wants to. Don't know how long is his summer break. Re: winters in Romania, he was able to withstand the cold in Mongolia, so I think he'll be OK.

Originally Posted by katie23

sorry, I mistook your post for malmomike's. I didn't look at the name thoroughly & just saw the avatar in passing. Soweee!

Nothing a nice meal in Trattoria da Gianni's won't fix, K-Pop.

Originally Posted by cyrille

Go to Romania in the 'summer' holiday.

If you like it try and fix up the job for 2025.

Sybil The Oracle.

^^Oh, I could withstand it.

A forested area in the winter has its charms, doubtless.

Some urban areas in Romania look well grim, though.

That's why in Mandy's situation I would 'try before I buy'.

I'd imagine that seeing through your contract would look better on your CV. You've said you are content, given the way Mongolia ended why not see this one out. I'd imagine opportunities will be there in another 6 months to a year and reassess then, you are young enough. In the meantime enjoy what you have, better the devil you k ow atm, and that is from a person who went through quite a few jobs during a certain 15 year period in my life.

Originally Posted by malmomike77

I'd imagine that seeing through your contract would look better on your CV. You've said you are content, given the way Mongolia ended why not see this one out. I'd imagine opportunities will be there in another 6 months to a year and reassess then, you are young enough. In the meantime enjoy what you have, better the devil you k ow atm, and that is from a person who went through quite a few jobs during a certain 15 year period in my life.

I imagine the opportunity is for 6 months time. But the problem is hiring season is now.

Indeed, it is for a mid August start, so no contract broken. Pretty much decided to stay in Thailand. Some solid points Dr.Willy and Cy.

Originally Posted by tomcat

.the swamp tends to suck you in when you're not looking.

Pretty much can be said of any destination. Granted I've only lived in half a dozen countries, but in each place I met long time expats or 20 or 30 years and counting who had only come for a year or so. In fact, I met a Brit lady who had gone to Albania for a weekend and is now a naturalised citizen...

One detail not mentioned so far.

Mandy has Romanian roots - so living there for a while might get him more cash from his wealthy antecedents.

Originally Posted by cyrille

One detail not mentioned so far.

Mandy has Romanian roots - so living there for a while might get him more cash from his wealthy antecedents.

Feeling spicy, cy?