Teaching in China: Why I am Leaving Wuhan

Leap and the net will appear, they say.
Shit or get off the pot, say others.
What do I say? Join me on a gorgeous Wuhan day as I explain my thought process and the decision I've made.

[spicykimchi]

I stumbled across your post while researching Wuhan. I'd say good luck with moving back to America, but I see that you posted a year ago. I've taught in Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guiyang, and I'm loooking for a change. I had an interview with (what seems like) a good school, but I'm a bit intimidated by Wuhan's weather. Have you been to Shenzhen? I survived two years in Shenzhen's humidity. If Wuhan is equally obnoxious, I'll be OK. If it's even somehow more humid, I might look for another gig in another city.

Nice channel. I'm doing a binge on your videos now. And by the way, are you from Pittsburg? My father and his side of the family (mostly passed) are from there. I was in Pittsburg a few times in the late '70s and early '80s.

[李Lee]

I was telling you on your video showing Hongkong I'm planing to visit there.
Well, I just came back from Hongkong.
Wow. what an experience. Such a beautiful city and whole area and everything and great pleasant people. Stayed in Kowloon Grand Harbour Hotel by the water. I was amazed it felt I could live there forever.
Thank you Jesse for your tours of amazing places you're always show in China ❤️

[pauladams]

Just a brief background on myself. I was a Teacher in China for 17yrs.I had to leave in 2019 because they changed the policy that you could not get a work visa if over 60, funny you say are 62.I left and went to Thailand, still here and loving it.I have stayed liquid, just rent .Been offered many Teaching jobs here. I could not live back in the States.I could rant on about the whys and wherefores, if you would like any views on this please feel free to ask me. Good luck in your adventure

[darren-in-china]

China is such a beautiful country, safe and with great people, why not retire there?

[Mina-frnc]

Brave decision! You can tell by just listening to you that you've made the right decision. I'm sure wherever you end up, you'll do just fine. I don't always leave a comment but I hope you continue making these videos - whether you end up in Thailand or America! I wish you and Summer a lovely time when you fly out to visit your family! 💛

[RED--]

I'm lucky I'm married to a Chinese citizen so I can stay here and we are almost buying our own apartment..
But many things still need to change in China for it to be a country that you can relax, especially for a foreigner.. it's hard to get the Chinese ID.

[embracinglogic]

Good luck, Jesse. I will be leaving China next April and am in a similar position. I can empathize.

[ErnestAutry]

Yes, very moving decision. I'm in a similar situation, but just the opposite--- interest in returning to China-- this time as an English instructor; previously worked there as an administrator-physician; recent acquisition of TEFL certificate. Is there a current need at Wuhan? Is there an age limit for teachers of English in China? Does the age limit, if any, also apply to private - international schools? Thanks for the info if you receive this inquiry :)

[newageoffreedom]

Hi Jesse, if you are still keen to teach in Asia, you can explore other alternatives in Asia. A few of my American friends have explored countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, etc. One of them is now teaching in an international school in Malaysia. Heard they are doing well over there. All the best in your future endeavor!

[wengezhu]

I was in Portland waterfront for a small conference early this month and I remember you have done some house hunting there. I was running along the Williamette river (Japanese cherry was blossoming) and I bumped into some really nice condo/townhouse right by the river. They look really nice. I went back and checked them out on the redfin, 1 bedroom condo is around $250k if you can stand the small footage. The HOA is high though, $548/month. Two bedroom will cost you around $300k. I can image living there retired and I really like the weather in Portland (too much sunshine here in SoCal). The homeless tents are all over the place in downtown, I don't find it unsafe though when I was walking past by those tents. The food trucks are dissappointing, but the restaurants are fantastic.

[jeslefl]

Let us know when you depart Denver for Pittsburgh. Kansas City is an 8-hour drive east of Denver, so a good place for an extended rest stop. Our home is not too far from I-70. May your last months in Wuhan be positively memorable, and I hope your exit is without incident.

[davidalexanderarnavat]

As you've noticed, things have changed (especially price wise) back in the US, so the transition back, will be harder in some ways. If you've already started the transition (looking for work/career retraining) it will be a lot easier. All that being said, you definitely made the right decision coming back as opportunities, even at your age, are more abundant here. Best of luck.

[马克饱杯]

I have been in China for 32 years and there is not one year they I’ve been thinking of leaving… but after these 3 years we’ve been thru, after resisting and adapting and coping and waiting and expecting, I know too that it’s pretty much time at least to seriously plan. Your hésitations about where to land next are totally understandable and healthy too. I guess you know that your place of origins is not the same anymore and will never be. 62 is still young and you can have a very good time in Thailand where you’ll still be discovering and having your curiosity satisfied. I like the idea of a transition in anything. Once you’re away, you’ll figure Evrtgh out a lot more easily. As J.Brel (Belgium singer) was saying : « going to HK is easy. You just need a good health.. but leaving Louvain to Brussels airport. That’s what is hard ».

[tonylong]

I'm not sure I'd be taking life advice from William Burroughs, but I admire your guts. Knowing you as I do, I think you'll be the proverbial cat landing on his feet.

[frankburns]

An English friend of mine has worked in Wuhan on and off...mostly on...since 2015. he loves it...and met his wife there.

[kaiki]

Sad to see you go.
Your perspective on China is enlightening

[SuperJannaB]

Wow!! (Note: I’d be more psyched to visit Thailand than Pittsburg, but regardless, looking forward to seeing you and Summer!

[terrydoyle]

I’m sure that you will enjoy retirement. I retired 10 years ago, when I was 64. Like you, I felt nervous, but it was a good decision, even though I had loved teaching and my students. I’m sure you will enjoy the next phase of your life!! Best wishes to you and Summer.

[Blinksbigmac]

It’s time! Glad you have the guts to make the right call!

[md]

Good luck on your new adventure! We are about four hours from Pittsburgh and an hour and half from Columbus. Feel free to stop by Athens, OH on your way. We would love to see you!