Big Life Changes Ahead?
Posted by Stuart at 09:04 PM on September 17, 2006The new visa regulations that I wrote about in my last post appear to be for real. Several articles have now shown up in the regular media, so it looks like the days of unlimited visa runs are now over. This will obviously affect me, since I have been relying on these visa runs for a while now, but the question is, what should I do about it?
I came up with a list of about 10 options for myself, but it seems like the best two are: 1) start teaching at the University again and get a work permit and work visa, or 2) become a student in Thailand and get an education visa. I am not quite ready to start teaching again, so maybe becoming a student is a reasonable option.
I mentioned this to a few friends, and one of them recommended that I get an undergraduate degree at the University I was teaching at before. And it's not a bad option. I've seen the exams for most of the courses, and I think that I already know enough to pass. Especially if I major in something like Business English. I won't even have to go to class. Or, better yet, I can get a degree in Computer and Multimedia Studies. Afterall, I was one of the ones who designed the curriculum, so hopefully I would do well in the classes!
Seriously though, this visa situation has thrown me for a loop, and has made me re-evaluate my life and what I am doing and where I am going. In 2006, I have had a pretty good system worked out: a good work-life balance with lots of travel (which I of course love). But now things will have to change. To be honest, it's not a welcome change.
This soul-searching has been weighing heavily on me this week. Why am I in Bangkok in the first place? Are potential future red-tape hassles going to be worth it to stay here? Or should I think about moving somewhere else? I still have the luxury of living pretty much anywhere in the world that I want to. I am very appreciative of that luxury of choice, but I have been happy where I am and have not seriously considered moving. Until now, that is.
So I am really not sure where to go from here. And I know I am not the only one in this position. A friend of mine and his wife are moving back to England at the end of the year because of the visa issues. And judging by the ThaiVisa.com web boards, there are a lot of people who have big life changes ahead of them as well. Who knows how it will all turn out
There are rumors of a coup on the TV. Is everything ok for you? Sorry I have not been in touch in so long.
Kristy: Yes, I think that change can be very good. And don't worry, I was just kidding about going back to school and getting another bachelor's degree. That's not really a serious option. As you mentioned, that's not progress.
We'll see how it turns out. I have a few other options that I am
weighing now. :)
- Stuart
Hey possibly this will be the best thing in your life! Change is to be embraced and it allows one to re-evaluate our life so that we dont get stuck. THink of where you can be of help in life and how you can give while traveling and doing the things you love. If you place yourself in a senseless loop ( as in the school situation) the question is Will you be a progressive individual. That is if you would like to be a progressive individual? Only thoughts to ponder!