I’m Back and Better Than Ever

I know it’s been a while. I haven’t forgotten about you; I just put you on the back burner for a while.

A general life update for you all.

Currently, Taiwan’s COVID situation is catching up to the rest of the world, and I think our CDC deserves all the hugs, gifts, and days off. They have been working non-stop for two years to keep us safe, and now that COVID has reached this small little sweet potato I call home, there is no stopping it. The CDC has instead tried to help society “learn to live with it” as it spreads super quickly.

Personal life updates in the most significant way

Going back to NC for Christmas 2021 and ringing in the new year for 2022 was what I needed. I was desperate for my family and familiarity. I always say it’s hard to exist in two places but never to exist entirely in one. It is the burden of an immigrant. Being back gave me the time and rest to figure out some things for myself. It helped me to clarify things and open my eyes to others.

I have eight teaching days left before teaching my last class inside a school setting.
After that, I am going to be a freelancer. I will be setting up shop as a virtual assistant and tutoring. I have stopped working for schools. It dawned on me that I have never really had a job that I don’t wake up and dread going to at some point, where I have felt fully appreciated, paid my worth, and had benefits that I deserve. I have never had a position where I have found peace and joy. Many of you will find this surprising, saying that I am a good educator.

To that, I want to say thank you, but the Asian education system has broken me down over time, and I am slowly becoming that jaded white person who teaches kids.

The fun of teaching was taken out. The ability to teach in my way had been criticized one too many times. I worked hard to obtain my teaching license. Eight years of education in schools had left me feeling that actual education is not considered. It is frustrating to no end. In my experience, the unfair treatment of teachers who care, fighting to be paid my worth based on my experience and education, and even being communicated respectfully have been consistent challenges in places I have worked.
I think it’s best to work for myself, even though I know it will be hard as hell. I need freedom and flexibility. I also really need the ability to work with people I approve of and agree with.

This will be a profound change financially, but I hope the benefits of flexibility and freedom will make up for the financial hit. I realize that it isn’t all about money. If you genuinely enjoy your work and it stimulates you, then that is the reward, and it is something worth keeping. I have the dedication to not quit or fail and the support from the people I care about most. That is all that matters to me.

(photo by Jakob Derner)

I will also put more time into this blog as I enjoy writing and reviewing things or discussing my travels and experiences. This is my little corner of the internet world, and I forget how therapeutic just typing can be.

I have been following astrology more, getting more into budgeting and financial things for myself. Building my own wealth and working off paying debts. Downsizing, and I realize that I fall hard for consumer culture. I have made a huge change in my spending habits.

The things I will continue to work on are eating less processed sugars, implementing more joyful movement, finding a daily routine instead of a scattered one, and just generally being happy. My happiness is my own and I can’t use others’ lives to guide what happiness and care look like for me.

If you need or are curious of what I offer for virtual assistant services you can find my website here or my IG here.

Stick around and stay updated for future adventures. Thanks for taking the time. Let me know how you are doing by commenting below. What’s been the biggest change for you this year?