These are fair points, and one which make teaching here quite attractive. I don't know where you are Riv, but I am presently in a 3rd tier country city (town is a better description!), and I have never had it so good!

Food and beer is cheap as chips,locals are easy going and friendly, I'll ignore the realistic posting of Warren, who says we should all be saving for retirement. Computers are cheap enough in China also, easy to get a new netbook should you require one.

I spent a year of my life busting a gut in the gulf, good money compared to the PRC, but the stress and boredom levels are through the roof. Also you won't meet so many friendly fellow expats as they all have the claws and knives out, and everyone is out there to promote themselves, and earn and save as much as possible. I would never do it again, esp. as there are no girlies to clap eyes on and no cheap cold ones, unlike here.

It's swings and roundabouts. Give me quality of life over working to live anyday!