What's Next - My Options

After nearly 5 years of teaching in China it may be almost time to "pull up stumps". As expected, the school has been unsuccessful in renewing my Work Visa for another year, because of my age. So, my options are:

1. Look for a teaching position in a province or country where they value the knowledge, experience and wisdom of senior people.
2. Stop teaching, apply for a Business Visa, and increase my involvement with IELTS Examining.
3. Return to Australia and try to occupy myself with casual teaching, or take up a hobby.

At this stage, I'm exploring option 2 as it would mean travelling around China (at the British Council's expense) examining the English level of candidates wanting to continue their studies abroad. What's more, it would mean working mainly on weekends, with most weekdays free!

Failing the necessary requirements to qualify for a six-month Business Visa I would favour returning to Australia, unless some super job comes up in some attractive location (especially if it were in Europe).

I guess I'll know where things stand in a couple months or so. In the meantime, I'm happy to be in Dalian, China, and am looking forward to warmer weather in summer.

Regardless, I will return to Melbourne in July: either as a holiday or to stay. Besides, at that time, there are some 50 students from my class of 2010 who will be going to LaTrobe University - I'd like to welcome them to Australia.