Usually would be an understatement but you're quite right.
My daughter received a Masters in Early Childhood Education from a State University for which I was quite proud of her.
While she was attending University I wondered as to exactly where all of her studies would land her.
With a Masters in her hand she could not find a position in Seattle/ Bellevue metro-area that would afford her living independently in her own apartment.
The area was and is quite expensive due to the growth of high-tech, commercial airline mfrg and aerospace as well as becoming a very "hip" , desirable place to reside in the US.
I suggested that she broaden her approach for finding a job outside of greater Seattle and possibly out-of-state. She looked at me with her "No way, Dad" look.
Though she could have landed jobs outside of the metro-area she decided to work her way into a position.
She cut her knuckles working for under USD 18,000 at private Montessori child-care/ pre-school while living under her parents roof (free lodging and grub). Believe it or not , many of our children and grands are doing just that due to economic factors.
After a few years armed with a Masters and actual classroom experienece she is teaching Kindergarten at public school in Bellevue, WA earning
over USD 40,000 (THB 1,300,000) that provides full health, disability and retirement benes including approx 14 weeks time off (fully paid).
Not bad for a 35-year-old single-lady now living in her own Seattle pad who I am so very proud of.
Each day I thank the Lord she learned
everything from her mother.
Don't get me wrong she works her ass off. You can't even imagine how extensive the lesson plans are for kindergarten.
Bottom line:
she loves what she does and she loves the truly professional environment that instills commitment amongst the cadre of educators that embrace and truly value teachers like herself.
Why wouldn't she be caught dead teaching in Surin, Thailand and putting up with the broken system for 25% of her current salary , negligible benes with severely limited resources ?
I might have once thought it was only because Surin didn't have a McD's , Taco Bell or Pizza Hut.
I was wrong.
Sure , teaching in Isaan is fun if you truly enjoy teaching.
Isn't that what it is really all about ?
(I've noticed far and few female teachers in Surin for the 'long haul'...with the exception of Gilley who returned to UK.)
I just hope some who don't have a nest egg can live on the fruits of their labour when the time comes to retire. shrug1
One might find that Thailand may no longer be the "Simply Amazing" shangri la that one once thought it to be.
(Based on the facts along with IMHO). Peace.