Tuesday, August 5, 2008

My 1 year Taiwanniversary

Yesterday, the 4th of August, marked my arrival in Taiwan exactly one year ago.

Even though I've been on the move the previous two years, it feels a bit strange that I've been here for so long. Maybe it's just the fact that I've been in one place for so long.

Either way, I've decided to stick around Taiwan for at least another year (although a lot of my friends think I will be here much longer).

Here are some of the main reasons why I decided to stay:

1) I have no idea what I would do if I went back to the U.S. Probably work some meaningless job for a few months before I got restless again and moved to another country.

2) I like children. I still like not having children (don't worry, Mom), but I like children. The kids here are adorable and it's the only job I've had so far that doesn't make me hate waking up every day.

3) MONEY. There's not enough of it in the US, and here I get paid for doing what I naturally do anyway (speaking English).

4) Future money. I've been reading a lot about investing and here's one bit of advice by Jim Rogers, one of the world's best investors:

"If you were smart in 1807, you moved to England. If you were smart in 1907, you moved to America. If you are smart in 2007, you move to Asia."

He also advises, "If you are young and ambitious, learn Chinese. If you have ambitions for your children, make them learn Chinese."

I think these quotes best sum up the explosive economic force Asia will have in the next 20 years, and I want a piece of that action.

5) Cost of living. Even though I could probably EARN more money back home, the amount I can actually SAVE each month is much greater here. Major things such as gas, healthcare, insurance, rent and food only take a small chunk out of my earnings. I figured that I save about 40-50% of my monthly income in Taiwan. Quite a big difference when you consider the average American only saves 2%.

6) I don't have to work 40 hours a week. For my new job that starts in September, I will work from 9-12 and 2-5. Getting off earlier and having a break mid-day allows me to study a foreign language and go to the gym frequently; something I couldn't possibly imagine doing when I was working 52 hours a week in California.

7) And last, but not least; I have a great girlfriend. I couldn't possibly imagine leaving that behind and going back to dating boring American girls.