Bravo! An essay steeped in experience, and expertly articulated. I loved so much about my five years in China (2003-2008), but employment and several hideous apartments are not among the fond memories. Loved the students, loathed the employers. Glad in not there now.

READERS TAKE HEED! Oldhat knows what he's talking about!

I would not recommend anyone venture to China for ESL work at this time as Chinese employers are taking full, exploitative advantage of the lousy ecomonic and employment conditions in the west.

...and Korea is WORSE! Avoid at all costs!