Many of the stuff that you may think I "worked hard" for was stuff I actually didn't ask for. It just happened to me. I put forth my conclusions based not just on my own experience but also weighing the experiences of others as well. You have your own opinion about things

It's a big problem for all of us sometimes as to whether or not our own points of view have any real substance or are fully or partially groundless. I know I am not always right when I think I am; the thing about being deluded is that we never know when we are deluded. I have this thing about Chinese food, and I tell all and sundry,in an aggrssive fashion, that Chinese food is really bad, and no arguments about it. The trouble is with my position is that it flies in the face of what most other FT's I have met think; their opinion is normally that Chinese food is good, and even the few who do not have anything else good to say about the county, concede that their food[the Chinese] is the country's one saving grace; therefore, I am at risk of making a total idiot of myself to myself and others, if I stubbonly stick to 'Chinese food is bad, period.' Logic dictates that I throw the towel in, and admit that in fact Chinese food is in reality very good. I should amend what I say to, the food is good, but personally, I do not like it. Better still, I should retry Chinese food and get to try and like it. I know years ago I maintained that blue cheese was disgusting, but now, I can't get enough of the mouldy stuff. You would be wise to retry China.

The problem for you corresponding on teachers' forums, is that you are bound to meet many like-minded FT's who agree with you that China is not a good place to work, for the simple reason that the majority of FT's which I maintain enjoy their lot in China, find no reason of recourse to grumble on forums, they are too busy kissing Chinese girls and having a good time. You must know yourself that you very rarely hear from people when they are having a good time; however, when things are not good we all need sympathetic ears; and when push comes to shove, we are forced to seek out, any ears, even people whom we have never met.

My suggestion to you is to return to China, and try and change your own approach, and you may, jusy may, join the majority of happy FT's in China. My word this plate of dumplings ain't that bad after all!