When I first started teaching English abroad, I was excited about the travel opportunities, the cultural experiences, and the adventure. What I didn’t realize at the time was how much it would transform my day-to-day life—especially when it comes to work-life balance.
Let me share a few ways my life looks completely different now, compared to the 9-to-5 grind I left behind.
1. Eating Out is Cheaper (and Easier)
Confession time: I haven’t cooked a meal in over ten years. Yep, you read that right. And no, it’s not because I’m lazy—it’s because eating out is just so affordable in many countries where I’ve lived. (And, I hate cooking!)
Let’s break it down:
- No More Grocery Shopping: I don’t miss spending my weekends wandering around grocery stores, battling crowds, or trying to figure out what to cook for the week.
- No More Cooking or Cleaning Up: I no longer spend hours preparing meals, washing dishes, and wiping down countertops.
- Delicious Local Food: Instead, I get to enjoy amazing, authentic meals every day—whether it’s a bowl of steaming pho in Vietnam, spicy pad Thai in Thailand, or fresh tropical fruit from a local market. (And yes, the occasional pizza and burger!)
Now, if you do love cooking, don’t worry—there are plenty of local markets where you can buy fresh produce and ingredients. But for me, being able to skip cooking entirely has freed up hours of my week that I can spend on things I actually enjoy.
2. I Have a Cleaner and Use a Laundrette
Here’s another perk of living abroad: I can afford a cleaner. She comes regularly and handles all the cleaning in my apartment, leaving me with a tidy home and zero stress. In fact, most accommodation in Asia comes with a cleaner included.
As for laundry? I drop it off at the laundrette, and it’s ready the next day—clean, folded, and hassle-free. No more spending my weekends hanging out laundry or folding piles of clothes.
It’s not about being lazy—it’s about valuing my time and focusing on what truly matters. Instead of getting bogged down with chores, I can spend my evenings and weekends doing things that bring me joy—like taking a Muay Thai boxing class, catching up with friends over coffee with a view, or even pursuing my passion project, which turned into my business!
3. Work Hours Are Manageable
One of the biggest differences in teaching abroad is the workload. I only teach about 18–22 hours a week, leaving me with plenty of time to recharge, pursue hobbies, and truly enjoy my surroundings.
Because I’m not stuck in a constant cycle of stress and exhaustion, I’m fresher and more present in the classroom. Teaching feels rewarding and fun—there’s nothing like seeing your students light up when they learn something new. I honestly think I’ve laughed at least once every day for the past 12 years.
4. Sundays Feel Like Sundays
You know the dreaded “Sunday night feeling”? The one where you realize your weekend has flown by and you’re already stressing about the week ahead?
That feeling is a thing of the past for me. Teaching abroad has completely changed how I approach my weekends. Because I’m not bogged down with chores or overwhelmed by a demanding work week, I can spend my Sundays relaxing, exploring, or doing something I love and I am happy to go to work on Monday again.
5. More Time for What Matters
Ultimately, teaching abroad has given me one thing I always struggled to find back home: time. Time to explore new hobbies, build meaningful connections, and fully immerse myself in the moment.
And the best part? I get to do it all while building a career I love, living in beautiful places, and growing personally and professionally.
Ready to Create a Life You Love?
Teaching English abroad isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. It’s about escaping the grind, finding balance, and living a life full of adventure and purpose.
So, what would you do with more time, less stress, and a job that makes you smile every day? Whatever your answer, teaching English abroad could be the key to making it happen.
It’s time to trade in the daily grind for something better. Are you ready?
Want to get started? Book a call!
