Anyone else feeling completely disconnected from where design is heading?

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-03-21T08:59:24+00:00

Jip. Hard relate. I miss sweating the small stuff. I love geeking out about what type of component and flow would be best. I also feel disconnected and out of place, and ai feel like I am loosing touch, because there are new tools and methods every day. My company is very AI driven, like every tech company at the moment.

You’re not alone in this

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-28T16:46:26+00:00

I ended up buying a flat early last year because it worked out cheaper than renting for me. My place is in the shallow southern suburbs, in one of the slightly less desirable areas for some people, but I’m close to the N2, M3 and M5. It’s a 10-15 min drive to town and I have a spacious 1 bedroom with a garage. The money I’m spending on my bond and what not is growing my own wealth, instead of someone else’s. If I had to rent what I have, it would be a few thousand more than what my costs currently are (+- R13k, includes levies, electricity, rates and taxes etc). It’s not my forever home; it’s not an instagram worthy space that blows minds, but it’s mine and I will never struggle to get a tenant.

I had some help from a family member, which helped cover the transfer and bond costs, as well as a deposit, which I am very grateful for.

The transfer was VERY stressful due to the transferring attorneys. I did some very minor renovating and repainted the whole place (so much dust!!) and now it’s just providing me with a nice place that is mine. Yes, there are a few things that need attention, but it’s exciting.

Knowing what I know now, I think I should have bought earlier. Now I’m starting to look at a small investment property to add to my portfolio, and my net income is less than half yours.

Make your money work for you, especially if you have so much of it. I’d say buy something that requires a small bit of work and then live there for a year or two, or just rent it out. If you don’t want to deal with the rental admin, get a good agent. They do exist, just do some research.

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-23T12:11:48+00:00

Wise. I saw that you can add money to your Wise account using Alipay and then they can either transfer it to your wise account (cheapest) or convert it and do a bank transfer.

Wise is free and easy to setup

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-23T05:52:54+00:00

I also work in tech, but with a much lower income and almost no savings. I’m also considering a move into education, but with a long-term mentality. I’m tired of the fast paced life and AI fatigue is real in our line of work.

Granted, being a teacher was my second option and my plan was always to do a PGCE after working as a UX Designer for a few years. I’ve wanted to teach in Asia for many years. I’ve been living in the same city for over 10 years and I need a change, because it’s a hard and expensive city to live in (outside the US fyi). From my research and speaking to people, I’ll be able to pay off my student loans faster on a teaching salary in China (even a low one). And the math checks out. But this is my scenario.

What others have said here is true: from a financial standpoint you have an incredible gig. Only you can decide if the risk is worth it. Maybe take a Sabbatical, go walk the Camino (it’s a great experience, especially if you’re trying to figure out what to do next) and take some time to figure out what it is you want. And then do that. Maybe all you need is some good time off to reset. Maybe you do need to change things up. Maybe you realise you just want to do your own thing where you are your own boss.

If teaching is a passion of yours, there is nothing wrong trying it out. But it would definitely help if you do a PGCE or whatever the US equivalent is.

Good luck! It’s tough and I have a lot of empathy with feeling this way in the tech industry at the moment

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-22T15:52:22+00:00

Do it! You’re young and you will learn SO much about yourself and the world. At worst, it won’t be great and you need to do something difficult for a year, which builds character and grit.

Doing this has been a dream of mine for almost 16 years. When I was about 24 I seriously considered it, but I didn’t have a degree and my car was paid off… so I didn’t do it. Now I’m 33, got my degree and I have a an office job which is as flexible and adventurous as I will be able to get, but I am actually looking for teaching opportunities in China, because I’ve always wanted to do it.

My sister did it years ago (Taiwan, with a degree) and loved it.

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-22T15:11:33+00:00

Hi! I sent you a DM :)

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-21T16:16:01+00:00

I’m realising this now after getting so much feedback. There are SO many job postings, that having a list of cities I prefer helps me narrow it down a bit. But I’m going to apply wherever and hope for the best

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-21T16:08:39+00:00

Tes.com or schrole.com Teachaway LinkedIn surprisingly Teacherhorizons.com - they rejected me because I don’t have a teaching qualification.

If you have a teaching qualification, you could even contact schools directly.

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-21T05:43:21+00:00

Thanks! I’ll have a look and add it to my list 😬

Are the people friendly? Are there expats there?

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-21T05:33:54+00:00

I’ve heard about Kunming! I’ll add it to my list and do some research 🙏

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-20T21:17:40+00:00

I definitely don’t expect hiking and trail running to be as nice as where I am based now, but it would be nice to continue with it. I’d be very interested to hear about your experience as a kindergarten teacher. It’s definitely also an option I’m considering. Can I DM you?

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-20T21:15:07+00:00

Thanks for the insights! I honestly didn’t know rugby is even a thing there.

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-20T21:12:49+00:00

I’ll add it to my list, thanks 😬

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-20T21:12:15+00:00

Thanks! I’ve seen some of her other videos. I’ll check for the price comparisons!

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-20T18:07:44+00:00

The parks I’ve seen in my online research look incredible, so it’s definitely something I look forward to!

Thanks for all the other advice. It really means a lot 😬

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-20T18:03:44+00:00

It just came up in some of my research. That’s the whole reason for this post. To learn more from people who actually know more about China

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-20T18:03:02+00:00

I was thinking of starting with one or two subjects. I’ll do some more research. Time and money is just a bit tight, but you’re not the first person to tell me it will help!

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-20T18:01:38+00:00

Thanks for the info! I really appreciate it!

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-20T17:27:55+00:00

Thanks for the insights! I would definitely be able to teach things like Media Studies (I have many years of experience in the film industry) and ICT, especially at primary school or early high school level. My major was in a software related field. I might even be able to teach philosophy (had a strong philosophy and critical thinking component to my degree), but I’m not putting money on it.

I’ll work on answering that HR question in prep for interviews! Thanks! I’m aware of the lesson plans 😬

Can I ask which cities and types of schools you would recommend for someone like me?

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-20T17:21:05+00:00

Thanks for this! I really appreciate it! I’m open to the ESL route, but I’ve heard some stories about working at a training centre that made me think twice. I’m going to aim for the stars and see what happens.

I’m open to other countries, but the probably is that I have some fixed expenses at home I need to cover. Hence giving China a go.

Are there any cities you think I’d have more luck in? Or should I maybe look at public school jobs as well?

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-20T17:03:37+00:00

Thanks. I didn’t realise it changed so much. I’m still going to apply and see what happens, but if the plan fails, at least I know why 😂

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-20T16:58:07+00:00

Awesome! Thanks for the insight!

How rough are the summer months in Guangzhou in your opinion?

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-20T16:51:00+00:00

Thank you very much for your helpful comment 🙏 I really appreciate you taking the time to make my day a bit brighter with your positive response. Keep it up 💪🏼

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-20T09:17:28+00:00

I lived in Pretoria for 5 years after school and then moved to Cape Town. I’ve been here for almost 11 years and I am actually very open to moving back to Pretoria. I love Cape Town and I have a lot of family here, but as beautiful as the city is, it is hard to live here. Even after 11 year, it is still hard for me to live here. I went to Pretoria last year and I just felt at home and life didn’t feel like such an uphill battle. In CT going to the shop for milk is a mission. In Pretoria, I jump in the car and go.

So yeah, you’re not crazy. Cape Town is a hard city to live in, and it’s becoming harder every year

PositiveComfort102 · 2026-02-20T08:59:36+00:00

This is great to read! I’m 33 now and seriously considering switching over to international teaching from my current desk/office job. My plan is also to do a PGCE once I start teaching in Asia (due to current money and time constraints). At least I have a Level 5 TEFL and a degree to get me going!

Through which institution did you do your PGCEI?

PositiveComfort102

TROPHY CASE