The idea that English teachers in China are the “LBH” (Losers Back Home) of expat life is a joke that’s been told so often it’s practically a cultural artifact. You’ve heard it in every expat group chat, every bar in Chengdu, every “I’m not judging, but…” comment. It’s the kind of stereotype that’s so baked into the fabric of expat life that even the most cynical among us might find themselves nodding along. But here’s the thing: while the term is often used as a punchline, it’s also a mirror reflecting deeper truths about how we perceive work, worth, and the messy, beautiful chaos of living abroad.
It's time to break down the myths surrounding English teaching in China. The reality is that this career path isn't all it's cracked up to be, and I'm not just talking about the infamous 80/20 rule, where one teacher gets paid $800 for a month of work.
1. A lot of people think being an English teacher in China means you get to travel around the country, exploring new cities and experiencing different cultures.
2. The truth is that once you've been assigned to your school and province, you're pretty much stuck there until you decide to move on or retire (and trust me, retirement plans are not something most expats put high on their bucket list).
3. Another common misconception is that teachers get a lot of time off during the summer months – in reality, this isn't always the case either.
4. And let's be real—English teaching in China isn’t exactly a glamorous career path.
I have seen friends and colleagues who've been working as English teachers for 5 years now, still living on what they say is "a tiny fraction" of their original salary (some put it at 40% or less). Yes, you read that right. Forty percent!
You think the pay might be low because you're not paid a lot when compared to Western standards. But let's set aside the financial side for now and talk about why this is still an attractive option for some people: Isolation vs Freedom – Some teachers say they trade off their freedom of movement (and social life) in exchange for higher pay that allows them to live comfortably.
1. On one hand, you have those who find it liberating not having to worry about work-life balance or navigating complex bureaucracy back home.
2. On the other side are those who miss out on experiences and connections with local communities because they're so isolated from their own culture – a trade-off that's hard for me to fully understand.
Do I really need to explain why this career choice can be both alluring and isolating at the same time? Has anyone else experienced something similar?
The biggest problem isn't just about the financial aspect, but how we perceive it. We seem to view teachers as being somehow less worthy of respect because of their profession – a notion that I believe is largely due to our own society's values and biases.
What do you think motivates someone who’s willing to take on this kind of career path?
Here are some possible reasons:
1. Desire for financial security
2. A sense of purpose or fulfillment
3. The desire to make a difference in people's lives (even if it is only through teaching basic English skills)
4. An escape from the monotony of daily life
5. Maybe even just wanting to be able to tell your grandkids one day that you taught them how to speak Chinese
Do I really need to explain why some people are willing to make this kind of sacrifice? Has anyone else experienced something similar?
The final thought: Are there any English teachers out there who can attest to the fact that being an "English teacher in China" is actually a pretty great job. If you're one, then please share your story and let's all hear about how amazing it is (just kidding – sort of).
Can I get away with just saying this: some people really do love their jobs as English teachers despite the challenges? I guess we'll never know for sure unless those people start telling us.
Some English teachers have reported that being an EFL teacher in China can be a great way to "learn about yourself" or gain personal growth.
But here’s the twist: the LBH label isn’t entirely unfair. There are plenty of English teachers in China who fit the mold—people who’ve given up on their careers back home, who’ve traded stability for a life of constant travel and questionable work-life balance. The irony is that many of them are also the ones who end up thriving in this environment, turning their “second chances” into full-blown adventures. It’s the kind of paradox that makes expat life so fascinating, and so frustrating.
The expat community’s obsession with LBH culture is also a reflection of how we navigate our own identities. We’re all trying to figure out who we are in a foreign land, and sometimes that means laughing at the absurdity of it all. The LBH joke is a way to bond over shared struggles, to say, “Yeah, I’m here because I’m a bit of a mess, but I’m also here to have fun.” It’s a way to acknowledge the messiness of expat life without taking it too seriously.
But let’s not forget that the LBH label is also a bit of a red herring. For every expat who’s a “loser,” there’s another who’s thriving in ways they never imagined. The real story isn’t about who’s a failure or a success, but about the diversity of experiences that come with living abroad. Some people are here for the adventure, some for the money, and some for the chance to reinvent themselves. The LBH label is just a catchy way to simplify a complex, human story.
Then there’s the matter of perception. In China, being an English teacher isn’t just a job—it’s a cultural role. You’re expected to be the “foreigner who speaks English,” which can be both empowering and exhausting. The pressure to perform, to be a “cultural ambassador,” and to avoid any hint of arrogance can feel like a full-time job in itself. It’s no wonder some teachers end up feeling like they’re stuck in a never-ending comedy of errors.
If you’re thinking about making the leap to China, don’t let the LBH stereotype scare you off. The expat community is full of people who’ve found unexpected joy in the chaos. And if you’re looking for a new adventure, consider checking out **Sanya Jobs Jobs in Sanya**—a city where the sun, the beaches, and the expat vibe might just change your perspective on what it means to “lose” and “win.”
At the end of the day, the LBH label is a funny way to talk about the absurdity of expat life, but it’s also a reminder that our careers don’t define us. Whether you’re teaching English, working in tech, or running a startup, what matters is how you navigate the journey. So next time someone calls you an LBH, just smile and remember: sometimes, the best stories come from the messiest beginnings.
Categories:
English,
Teachers,
Expat,
China,
Life,
People,
Teacher,
