Fushigi said:
Employment leads or housing? If employment, what kind of position & experience?
Sounds like a radical life change. Care to share what's driving the decision? It seems several of us are curious.
I would especially appreciate job leads. I figure I can find housing if I can find employment. It's also necessary for the work visa.
Generally I do system administration and desktop support. I'd like to get into training, work more with people. I can send a cover letter and resume if desired. Alternatively, I would also enjoy work in the outdoor recreation industry.
As for why, why not. I'm not married, not dating and no children. My parents and the rest of my family are in good health. I enjoy living simply and this requires few funds. I like meeting and talking to people and China has 1/4 of the world's people. I like to travel. If and when I return I'll move right back to Chattanooga. I love it here. I'm particularly interested in SW China and the city of Kunming. The geography would be familiar and the weather a little more moderate. But, I'd be willing to go to Hong Kong or Taiwan for a year or so as a stepping stone.
Although I'm sure I'll learn some new things I'm not thinking It'll be that big a deal. Time will tell. I'll still be the same person just living in a different place and speaking a different language and interacting with different people. I started studying "Standard Chinese" about a month ago and I'm progressing more quickly than I thought I would. I'll do my best to maintain y stateside relationships through email and hopefully my website.
I've lived overseas before but this will be the first time that I'm responsible for logistics and long range planning for myself. These are also my biggest weaknesses. Though, I'm comfortable living by the seat of my pants and making split second decisions and then "making do".
Thanks for the interest guys and any ideas.