The way people generally think
is absurd: from daily life to work, you will come across instances that are impossible
to understand.

That is true.

If you are looking for a life where you are surrounded by people whom you understand, whom you "generally think" like, you should not work in a foreign country where the culture is vastly different from your own.

If, however, you have an inquisitive mind, a respect for other cultures, embrace change, possess a philosophy that questions the quality of your own 'knowledge' of the world, you will find that living in a foreign country will expand your world and your self.

Each of these personal qualities are characteristic of accomplished teachers.

This is not to say that you will always be comfortable. Personal growth is seldom comfortable.

I'm sorry that you did not enjoy your time in China, Maggie. Chinese schools, like all institutions, are frustrating. Many U.S. teachers feel frustration, as do most U.S. government employees and the millions of workers at U.S. corporations that work without pensions, job stability and health benefits. The Kafkaesque nature of institutions is not limited to China.

Teaching in China is not for everyone. But there are many, like myself, that value our time here.

Teaching anywhere is not advisable if, like two forum contributors who will no doubt ridicule this post, you are confident in your unassailable knowledge of the world, women, history, politics and parenting.