The term “LBH” (Losers Back Home) has become a punchline in expat circles, a shorthand for English teachers who’ve traded their home countries for life in China. It’s like that one friend you haven’t seen in years wearing plaid pants; you can't help but chuckle every time they pop up on social media.
But what if I told you there's more to the LBH label than just stereotypes? What does it take for an English teacher to earn their stripes and move beyond this nickname?
What drives people to move abroad, taking such challenges as teaching in a foreign country with limited resources or struggling language barriers while working towards earning respect from peers at home who think they’re "Loser Back Home"?
Success is defined not only by the number of students but also how well you can handle your life being turned around after leaving behind comfort and safety for an adventure.
Some English teachers in China are indeed running startups or teaching yoga classes while working as a teacher. Others might be struggling to balance work-life, still managing to excel at their profession despite facing challenges along the way that they never thought could exist before moving into such situations where every little bit counts – like when Emily moved after college and initially struggled with language barriers but found herself wearing plaid pants on purpose (just kidding).
But taking time off from school wasn’t her choice; it was more a result of financial constraints. She faced some tough times, eventually landing an English teaching job.
When people say “LBH,” what do they really think? Do we assume that everyone who moves abroad is running around in plaid pants or eating instant noodles all day?
It takes courage to move across the world for work; let's give these expats credit and show them support, rooting them on as winners instead of labeling their actions with an “Loser Back Home” tag.
Sure, some might say it’s just like any underdog story – who doesn’t love a good survivor tale? But here is where things get interesting: The LBH moniker isn't about teachers' skills or resumes; rather the system they are navigating. Think of this as an absurd game with rules written in languages no one understands.
You’ve got to juggle lesson plans, cultural differences, and deal with a “Why do you have facial hair” question from students who've never seen it before – but hey at least that isn’t exactly walk-through work right?
Let’s not forget the LBH label is also about how expats can be drama queens themselves. There are teachers passed over by their home countries for various reasons; some chose China to escape 9-to-5, while others simply chased adventure.
The real problem might lie in treating these individuals rather than labeling them “LB” (Losers). Imagine being a teacher with questioned credentials and low salaries – weekends spent battling language barriers that feel like an endless puzzle.
This isn’t exactly confidence-inspiring but shows resilience; after all who else would take such risks?
It’s not just about you, or the ones back home worried sick over how their family member is doing in another country
Categories:
English, China, Label, Teachers, Home, Expat, Work,
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