I reckon it's far better to be a big fish in a small pond than to be a small fish in a big pond.
So I prefer teaching in the less well-developed areas of the country.Not only can I experience traditional Chinese culture by doing so,but I can have more job security and much less pressure than I would have in the exremely popular developed parts of the country.
Of course,there are two sides to everything.For example,my movements after dark are restricted by curfews.Even worse,I'm often stared at and followed by ordinary Chinese while shopping in my free time.
But I reckon for me the advantages of a backwater existence in China far outweigh the disadvantages.Hence the thread heading,'Backwater Bliss in China'.
Am I unique,or are there indeed other louwai who,like me,prefer to make a living teaching in small Chinese cities off the beaten track?