When I first started teaching, I thought work-life balance just came with the job. You hear things like, “At least you finish early,” or “You get all those holidays.” But now, years into international education, and especially after working in places like China and Dubai, I know balance isn’t something you’re handed. It’s something you have to fight for. Teaching isn’t just a job. It’s personal. It’s all-consuming. Depending on where in the world you’re doing it, the experience changes — in ways that affect your time and well-being.
In Dubai, the work week is shorter — often just four and a half days — but that doesn’t mean it’s easier. In fact, I’ve found it to be more intense. The pace is quick, the standards are high, and the environment is incredibly competitive. Everyone’s bringing their A-game, which pushes you — sometimes to grow, sometimes to the edge. You constantly juggle planning, meetings, data, parent communication, and curriculum alignment. It doesn’t stop when you walk out the school gates. And while Dubai offers opportunity, it also demands a lot — mentally, emotionally, and physically.
There’s also a paradox here. With so many expats, you’d think finding a support network would be easy. But sometimes, because everyone is an expat and life moves fast, those deeper connections can be more complex to form. People come and go. The energy is vibrant but transient.
What I Miss About China: A Close-Knit Community and Openness to Experience
One thing I miss about working in China — especially in a city like Nanjing — is the strong sense of community among expat teachers. We were a smaller group, and maybe because of that, we looked out for one another more. It wasn’t just about surviving the school week but about making life outside the classroom meaningful together.
There was a different kind of openness — one that fostered friendship, encouraged trying new things, and allowed for saying yes. I stepped outside my comfort zone more often, not because I had to, but because I wanted to. I still remember spending New Year’s Eve at Wing Station — a casual spot that somehow became a second home to many of us. It wasn’t about fancy dinners or big plans. It was about community, showing up, and creating small traditions far from home.
That sense of connection made even the toughest weeks feel lighter. It gave balance a whole new meaning — not through perfect schedules, but through shared moments, laughter, and support that felt real.
Balance Isn’t a Given — It’s a Choice
What I’ve learned is that balance doesn’t just appear, no matter where you are. You must carve it out, protect it, and sometimes remind yourself that it matters.
For me, that’s looked like:
- Turning down “just one more” responsibility.
- Honoring rest as productive.
- Reaching out when I feel overwhelmed instead of pushing through silently.
- Creating small rituals that bring me back to myself — even in the busiest weeks.
Balance isn’t always about time. Sometimes, it’s about energy. And where, or with whom, you feel most like yourself.
About the Author
Adam G. is an international educator and curriculum designer with a passion for science education and global learning. With experience teaching in diverse settings across the Middle East and Asia, he specializes in creating engaging STEM programs and supporting educators in building inclusive, student-centered classrooms. A lifelong learner, Adam also shares his reflections and resources through his LinkedIn newsletter, Teach and Travel Edu.
Fun fact: He once tried stinky tofu in Changsha, China—and loved it!
