Expanding My Brand

In China, there are many pros and cons to being a foreigner. When I first arrived, I was pleased to see that Hefei had a good-sized community of foreigners. I have met people from all over the world. Most of us are teaching, and there are few that may have a side business as well. On Average, Foreigners make way more than the locals. We work less hours...maybe between 15-25 hours a week. Even when, they raise the price, and give us the "it cost more because your foreign" discount, it is still cheaper then what most of us would pay in our home countries. With the night life, We are treated like celebrities, and the club owner is just grateful that we make appearances. And for most foreigners, that is enough. That is all that they require. That is their Chinese experience. They are complacent with being the puppet....behaving the way foreigners are expected. They work a little bit, Go out after, and recover the next morning. And, maybe, if I was just "running".... that would be okay with me too. But, I want more. There has to be something worthwhile to gain from this experience.

I remember three things that my Father used to always tell me: "If you can sell yourself, you can sell anything.", "Be content, but never satisfied", and my favorite...."Those who forget their past, are condemned to repeat it".

So first on my quest for "more", I decided that I was going to become a student of the language and the culture. I downloaded Chinese learning software. I have a Chinese grammar and pronunciation tutor twice a week. I am becoming more observant and inquisitive about the behavior and meaning of the culture. Slowly, my courage is building to begin using the simple words in public...like Hello, and Thank you lol. My teacher is always getting on me about talking with my neck. But, every word has four different tones and meanings. So, you have to say it with the right tone, or it could mean something you don't want it to. So, as I process the word in my head, I say it with my body to make sure that I am using the right term. She and the other teachers get a kick out of it lol, but it works for me. I am intrigued by there daily lives. I do my best to understand why they behave the way they do. I find similarities, as well as differences. Many times, I notice that we all have the same issues, it just made better sense to them to handle it in a different manner. For example, the Chinese are very straight forward people. So, when it comes to driving, beside them or behind them means nothing. In America, we rely on our mirrors, our lights and our signals to tell other drivers our intentions and to make the safest move. Yet, here in China, the horn replaces all of that. Because other drivers are not going to pay attentions to what is not right ahead of them. And the number one goal is to reach the destination by any means necessary. Using your horn in the U.S. for anything other than an extenuating circumstance is likely to get you cussed out, shot, or killed lol! But here, it is polite. It is the manner by which the roads are kept safe. Seems impossible, but China has one of the best driving records in the world...Go figure! The point is, taking the time to learn and understand a different culture will make it easy for me to adapt in a number of situations. Having this skill and experience makes me more marketable.

Secondly, I am constantly searching for more work. Not just more teaching, but corporate as well. I am looking here and at home. I love my job. I actually am beginning to like the kids. But, it isn't enough. I am doing my best to be proactive in finding the next best move. I am keeping my options open. I don't want to sit still and become complacent with my current life. I am focused on what comes next, and most definitely not going backwards. When I look at how far I have come, it is impossible for me to be satisfied. I know how easy it is for everything to slip right through your fingers. Sometimes my search for greatness leads to many restless nights. There is almost a fear of going backwards. At the same time, there are thoughts of self sabotage that creep up. I must remind myself to live in the blessing; and to take progression one step at a time. Sometimes, I have to slow down, but I refuse to give up. The Chinese are hard working people. Many of them, never get to enjoy the luxuries that their own city provides. In living here, I can't see myself just lounging. So no matter if next year comes, and I am here, home, or somewhere else, I want to be able to say that my next move will be greater than this one. I want to truthfully be able to say that my life was a blessing to me and to those around me

I took this journey mostly to find answers to questions that I did not even know how to ask. Yes, its true, I was running; but this trip has become so much more than that. I am expanding my brand. I am a greater commodity to whatever job I take next, or to the life of any person I may meet. At first, I was really home sick; and pretty disgusted with the manners of these people. I have since found that my opportunities here are endless. This trip has the potential to broaden my horizons fare greater than just going to go visit the Great Wall. I am two months in, and I am looking forward to the next ten to come. I refuse to spend it getting wasted all night, and the bulk of my following day recovering. I wake up earlier. I call my family, and then there is business to be done. I could have stayed home and partied. I much rather be up filling out resumes, practicing my Chinese, and then followed by a dance or yoga class in the evening. Then, when my foreign associates ask me where I have been, I tell them, and watch the look of confusion take over their face. Don't worry though, I plan to do a lot of sight seeing and touring; and it is fun to go out every now and then. However, I want to really experience China. I like doing what the locals do. That is the stuff that makes you great, and not being in VIP.  That will definitely be an upcoming blog, Chinese Night Life....

Anyway, sorry this was late. I hope you all enjoy. Miss you guys dearly. Feel free to share, and keep me in your prayers!

Look for my next blog coming soon: Dancing Out!