Standing at a crossroads... 60.45-54 and 4.4,6-40

[em ching]

Hello all,

Could really do with a little help here. I am currently living in China teaching English to children which I have overall been really enjoying although I don't feel I'm the best teacher and that I'd want to do it forever! However at the moment it's a way to earn money (well not enough to save on my current salary but basic needs covered), get work experience, travel, meet people and explore a country that holds much interest for me not least because of the I Ching.

My current position ends in July and I am seriously considering committing to another year teaching, but in another location in China and for a higher salary. Last week a job came up that I felt really enthusiastic about. However, this past week was a holiday and we returned for teaching on Thurs and Fri only. I was v tired and also, for the first time really, felt I didn't want to be stood up there teaching. And children are so perceptive! If your energy, enthusiasm and sincerity are down they can tell!! So the last couple of days of teaching have not been great, and I feel quite ambivalent about my life/direction, but still that I want to see more of China and that it doesn't make sense to go home (no plan B to speak of and it'd be good to make some money at it).

I had the interview yesterday but was not able to be my best on the phone due to lack of teaching enthusiasm this week, and am not sure I'd be the best for the job although I was offered it. It would be in Ningbo - one of the best sounding cities here and a good starting point for places in the South I want to visit. I was warned however that I would be in a group of about 25 other foreign teachers in Ningbo, of whom I would be the youngest and only 3 are girls. However he said there was a lot to see and do there, entertainment and culture wise. I also mentioned my interest in creative writing and we even talked about getting a group going as they're creative people etc. Sounds good. But at the same time, the pay isn't great as you have to pay for your accommodation (better than here though), but primarily I wonder at my teaching interest/ability. I also am not sure how it'd be socially but that's always pot luck so am not too worried about it

I asked the I ching for a reading after the phone interview
60.4,5 - 54

I then asked whether I should just do it
4.4,6- 40

I later asked should I reject this offer? (I said I'd confirm either way by Monday)
18.1-26

It would be a year commitment and wouldn't start until Sept which suits me well as it'd allow me to go home for a month before beginning. It also is only part time hours.

I have thoughts on these readings and especially reading Lise's interpretations has helped (and he uses the subject of teaching to describe hex 4!) But as I said, I feel completely suspended here with no internal wind pushing me in either direction

Thanks so much for any help and for reading!!

Em :bows:

 

[tigerintheboat]

Youthful Inexperience, Wait for the Right Moment to Advance

But at the same time, the pay isn't great as you have to pay for your accommodation (better than here though), but primarily I wonder at my teaching interest/ability. I also am not sure how it'd be socially but that's always pot luck so am not too worried about it

I asked the I ching for a reading after the phone interview
60.4,5 - 54

Yi says you need to exercise self control (H60), set limitations on yourself that are not harsh, and that the best kind of self-control comes from working on balance and self-discipline. It is suggesting that you apply this to the situation. It suggests that you will (once again?) be in the Marrying Maiden (H54) situation, and that "undertakings/to set forth brings misfortune. There is nothing for which this is beneficial."

I then asked whether I should just do it
4.4,6- 40

Youthful Inexperience...you got line 4, which brings humiliation, not line 5, which brings good fortune and you got line 6, which talks about punishment, not very auspicious. (Maybe Yi is just commenting that your life is not like a Nike commercial!)

I later asked should I reject this offer? (I said I'd confirm either way by Monday)
18.1-26

Work on what is spoiled, remedy old patterns of behavior that have outgrown their usefulness. H26 counsels restraint and accumulation of your resources and to wait for the right moment to advance.

Yi wants you to take your time, be more restrained, I think, and look for something better...it seems to think you are an impulsive youth, who needs to learn limitations. This is truly advice from an old Uncle to a young person.

Best,

Tiger

 

[peter2610]

Hello Em Ching,

Just to let you know that I fully agree with Tiger's interpretation. These readings are all pointing in the same direction - the situation calls for self-control; be content with your present circumstances. Hex 4.4.6 is a clear warning against 'just going ahead' - the resulting Zhi Gua, Hex 40, Release, is urging you to move away from potential danger, or dangerous thoughts. By turning down the offer you will rectify (work on what has been spoilt - Hex 18) the potential error. The resultant Hex 26, Taming Power of the Great, indicates, as Tiger states, waiting for the right time to move forward - overcome the powerful urge for change.

Peter

 

[em ching]

Thanks to you both.

I am still undecided and have told my potential employer that I would like more time to think it over. I also voiced some of my reservations about it and he fully understood and addressed them. He's a very friendly person and the school is British run so I do trust the whole setup. Getting a teaching job in China that doesn't mess you around or fob you off is pot luck - never quite perfect I think - maybe reflected by the 'marrying maiden'. There are also opportunities within this job to increase your position etc, and the location sounds great. But definitely I am still in two minds.
I will see how teaching goes this week.

Thanks again,

Em :bows: