Does Anyone Ever Get Burnt Out On This Place ?

[paulian]

I’ve been visiting Thailand since I was a Pilot during the Vietnam war. Somewhere along the way and many trips I made here during my career, I decided to retire here, as I did a couple of years ago. I can remember when I was working a high stress City job in Los Angeles how I looked so forward with excitement to my yearly trips here. and ... when I was injured on the job, like the time I accidentally got shot and then shot again ..... I spent over a year here. Guess that’s when I decided to retire here during one of many of my “recuperation's” from my job.

Now that I’m here, things are not the same. The allure seems to be gone, I am not as happy as I was when I used to visit, I do not travel around the country as much as I did when I was a tourist and generally am not as happy as I was in Los Angeles. I find myself increasingly going into semi isolation and have far fewer friends than I had in LA. At times, I get so burnt out on the place I just have to leave so I return to LA for a month or vacation in Europe for a few weeks. When I return, I normally feel much better about the place and myself. I sometimes think it might be the lack of money, as I have access to much less now, or the culture itself as I sometimes feel uncomfortable by the unknown looks of the people surrounding me and even the unfamiliar climate and food. You would think after so much time spent here I would be used to all this, but I find much of it drags me down emotionally.

My question is does this happen to any one else or are most of you just thrilled to be here and have no desire to ever leave and maybe I need a psychologist instead of a forum ?

[zzaa09]

Could be worse.

Could be raining.....

[ExpatOilWorker]

You have lived a very active life so it is natural to feel bored or burned out when retiring full time in Thailand.

Try to get rid of the performance mentality of the western world and take pleasure in the smaller things in life, like a nice cup of coffee and a crispy new Newspaper.

Talking to friends is the best therapy in the world. We can meet if you are in Bangkok, you sound like an interesting character.

Edited October 10, 2011 by ExpatOilWorker

[HelloAgainItsME]

I suspect most people lose their initial enthusiasm after a period of time.

What is good here is very very good. But its very one dimensional. We are guests in a foreign land with its own proud culture which regards us as temporary paying guests that Thais have to put up with but avoid and ignore as much as possible.

My own friends have often felt bored and less happy after five years or so permanent residence.

Economics often keeps people here and a belief that it would be worse back home in farangland.

Once the unique obvious attractions lose their appeal, there isn't much here to fulfil you.

[welsh1]

Could be worse.

Could be raining.....

Been F@#king pissing down for the last 6 months

[MegaRanter]

Reality check. You feel normal, burnt out.

Anyone that have active mind and is not burnt out in time with thailand must be on something. Its takes a few years or for some the rest of their lives to realise that.

After 13 years, I have had enough. shipping out in a few weeks time. I am taking my infant son and her mom.

[Ulysses G.]

I suspect most people lose their initial enthusiasm after a period of time.

It took me 20 years, but I still prefer Thailand to anywhere else, so try to be grateful with being content.

[paulian]

Reality check. You feel normal, burnt out.

Anyone that have active mind and is not burnt out in time with thailand must be on something. Its takes a few years or for some the rest of their lives to realise that.

After 13 years, I have had enough. shipping out in a few weeks time. I am taking my infant son and her mom.

Yea, I do feel burnt out, at times, after only 2 years living here. Odd, back home it took almost 30 years of everyday stress and abuse from my job and environment before I felt burnt out. The thought of me staying here 13 years is inconceivable !

[eslteacher]

You have lived a very active life so it is natural to feel bored or burned out when retiring full time in Thailand.

Try to get rid of the performance mentality of the western world and take pleasure in the smaller things in life, like a nice cup of coffee and a crispy new Newspaper.

Talking to friends is the best therapy in the world. We can meet if you are in Bangkok, you sound like an interesting character.

Bingo, alot of people overlook this aspect and don't realize how important it is. Start enjoying the simpler things in life.

Edited October 10, 2011 by metisdead
Do not modify someone else's post in your quoted reply, either with font or color changes.

[MegaRanter]

Well, the requirement to stand with your missus in front of your house to take a picture for one year visa extensions does look funny after 10 years.

[MegaRanter]

I spent 6 weeks out of Thailand recently and caught with the rest of the world, I found out that I have some serious catching up to do now, I am 42.

I have basic monthly income of 200 000, some months its triple that amount, but its no longer fun for me.

Edited October 10, 2011 by MegaRanter

[eslteacher]

What do you do for a living MegaRanter, if you dont mind me asking?

[Richard4849]

I get burnt out of any place if I have to stay too long without a break, but I haven't found anywhere I wanted to base myself more.

I have a nice break at least every two to three months to keep me sane.

[paulian]

I spent 6 weeks out of Thailand recently and caught with the rest of the world, I found out that I have some serious catching up to do now, I am 42.

I have basic monthly income of 200 000, some months its triple that amount, but its no longer fun for me.

Of course if I had that much monthly disposable income it would make it easier, however, I do not. Although, I have some savings and investments and own my place here in Pattaya, I have to watch my money in case I live "too long". I never feel like I have to catch up with the world as I have always been in control of my world and the things around me. I feel Thailand needs to catch up with the world, if it did, I think I would be happier. Too many things here, "not right" and out of order, although much is unique and those are the things that draw people here.

Edited October 10, 2011 by paulian

[paulian]

I get burnt out of any place if I have to stay too long without a break, but I haven't found anywhere I wanted to base myself more.

I have a nice break at least every two to three months to keep me sane.

What kind of breaks ? Leaving the country or traveling to another province ?

[thaicbr]

"and own my place here in Pattaya"

That may be part of the problem. Living in Pattaya. that would drive me crazy, burnt out as well

Seriously you went from a busy highly stressed job to ............................. nothing. Not sure if your feeling burnt out or just plain bored out of your skull.

Get around the real Thailand when you can not just the Pattaya disney land.

[Richard4849]

I get burnt out of any place if I have to stay too long without a break, but I haven't found anywhere I wanted to base myself more.

I have a nice break at least every two to three months to keep me sane.

What kind of breaks ? Leaving the country or traveling to another province ?

I mean going somewhere outside of Thailand, whether for business or pleasure. Usually Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Japan.

After a few days away, I'm always happy to be back.

[samran]

Grass is always greener so it seems.

Best bet if you are really had it is to take a year off and head back 'home' maybe. You'll come to one of two conclusions, you made the right move or you are desperate to get back. I'd bet in your case it might be the latter.

[MRTELLYOUSTRAIGHT]

A hobby is the best medicine for being on the brink of insane.

[Darrel]

Thailand has changed hugely since the 70s/80s (and, on average, not for the better) so it is hardly surprising that you dont feel the same way about it now as you did then. I dont either. It's nowhere near as much fun as it used to be.

As for being "burnt out", my most complex decision on a normal day is where to have breakfast, closely followed by which T-shirt to wear. And that suits me just fine.

Give me another 20 or 30 years of excitement like that, then let me die in my sleep without losing my marbles in the meantime. I ask for no more.

[paulian]

"and own my place here in Pattaya"

That may be part of the problem. Living in Pattaya. that would drive me crazy, burnt out as well

Seriously you went from a busy highly stressed job to ............................. nothing. Not sure if your feeling burnt out or just plain bored out of your skull.

Get around the real Thailand when you can not just the Pattaya disney land.

Yea, I think Pattaya is a big part of my problem. Great for tourists, however, how many times can you do the same things over and over. It would appear to visitors this is the greatest City in the world and at one point that's how it was for me. But ..... now, Been there, Done that, attitude.

[Richard4849]

Thailand has changed hugely since the 70s/80s (and, on average, not for the better) so it is hardly surprising that you dont feel the same way about it now as you did then. I dont either. It's nowhere near as much fun as it used to be.

I'd debate that one.

I remember when...traffic was a lot worse than it is now and the streets were a lot dirtier. No metered taxis. No BTS or MRT. No air-conditioned buses. No modern cinemas or shopping centers. No English programming on television. None of your favorite farang products in the grocery stores. No budget airlines. Few decent foreign restaurants and no fast food chains (for those that like them every now and then).

There's a lot of talk of "rose-colored spectacles" here...at least I don't wear them looking back at Thailand in the 70's and 80's. It may have been fun back then, but it really was a mess.

[thepanom]

Grass is always greener so it seems.

Best bet if you are really had it is to take a year off and head back 'home' maybe. You'll come to one of two conclusions, you made the right move or you are desperate to get back. I'd bet in your case it might be the latter.

I lived in Thailand for 18 years, I was fed up, and decided to return to Europe, it tooks me lesser then one year to know that i took the biggest mistake in my life, I am very very happy to be back here

[NanLaew]

I lived the 'high life' in Pattaya between 1980 and 1990, then went away for 15 years. I was initially thrilled to go back there but the guild came off that lilly within a couple years and I moved to Udon. Now, when I get Isaan cabin fever, I head for Pattaya for a reality check. When Pattaya starts doing my head in, I head for Udon for... a reality check. Also doing some work in Bangkok keeps it all in some sort of perspective but I agree that I enjoy the place more after being in another country for a spell.

[janverbeem]

Let me share my memory's with you.I came her the first time January 1994 then at a 16 days visa exempt.Stayed Bangkok 2 days and Pattaya the other 14 days.When I flew home I thought by myself " been there done that ",but when I landed in my homecountry at - ? degree celsius I booked a return flight within the next 6 hours to arrive back only 12 days later.

This time I made a tourist visa,but before the visa was expired I was happy already I could change my flight home to an earlier date.

To make a long story short,every time I arrived in my home country i couldn't wait to book my next flight,I made 7 return flights in 1994,but when I stayed here for a few weeks I would have thoughts about renting a pick up with a MI 50 and enough ammunition installed on the back instead of a hiring taxi to go to the airport.

Now I live here for the past 17 years it is still the same and my opinion is,it's a paradise as long as you don't have to get involved with the local's on a daily base.

Before the rose tinted glasses people jump in,buying beer or food from the locals doesn't account as getting involved.

[Beetlejuice]

The answer to our Paulian`s question, is a big YES!

I feel that way sometimes and not afraid to admit it.

Especially as we get older, the budget seems to get tighter and a lot of the fun and novelty of Thailand has faded away.

When I first came here I had great expectations of living the high life. Girls, socialising, more friends than I could handle and that money would be no obstacle. But it didn’t work out that way and sometimes fear that I’m going to end up as a secluded old fart.

But I am still very happy here in Thailand and I would never trade it in for going back to the West.

The thing to bear in mind is that it is no good dwelling on the past and old memories. Back in the old country most of my close friends have now gone their separate ways, gotten old or are dead and buried. Even many of my relatives have now long departed. So if you did return to the States, I doubt if anything would be the same anyway.

Unfortunately there is no such Kingdom as Utopia and we just have to make the best of what we have.

Of course everyone does reflect on their lives sometimes, that’s only being human, but it does pass.

[qualtrough]

Thailand has changed hugely since the 70s/80s (and, on average, not for the better) so it is hardly surprising that you dont feel the same way about it now as you did then. I dont either. It's nowhere near as much fun as it used to be.

I'd debate that one.

I remember when...traffic was a lot worse than it is now and the streets were a lot dirtier. No metered taxis. No BTS or MRT. No air-conditioned buses. No modern cinemas or shopping centers. No English programming on television. None of your favorite farang products in the grocery stores. No budget airlines. Few decent foreign restaurants and no fast food chains (for those that like them every now and then).

There's a lot of talk of "rose-colored spectacles" here...at least I don't wear them looking back at Thailand in the 70's and 80's. It may have been fun back then, but it really was a mess.

I first washed up here in 1980 and I could have written what you wrote. The main negative change, in my point of view, is that Thailand is more developed and there are fewer and fewer 'unspoiled' areas. But on the whole, life for expats here is orders of magnitude more convenient than it was back in the day.

[paulian]

Let me share my memory's with you.I came her the first time January 1994 then at a 16 days visa exempt.Stayed Bangkok 2 days and Pattaya the other 14 days.When I flew home I thought by myself " been there done that ",but when I landed in my homecountry at - ? degree celsius I booked a return flight within the next 6 hours to arrive back only 12 days later.

This time I made a tourist visa,but before the visa was expired I was happy already I could change my flight home to an earlier date.

To make a long story short,every time I arrived in my home country i couldn't wait to book my next flight,I made 7 return flights in 1994,but when I stayed here for a few weeks I would have thoughts about renting a pick up with a MI 50 and enough ammunition installed on the back instead of a hiring taxi to go to the airport.

Now I live here for the past 17 years it is still the same and my opinion is,it's a paradise as long as you don't have to get involved with the local's on a daily base.

Before the rose tinted glasses people jump in,buying beer or food from the locals doesn't account as getting involved.

I think many of my problems living here are culture related pertaining to the values and mores of the Thai people. It is so much different from what I am used to and different from many 1st world countries I have spent time in. You say everything is fine as long as you don't get the locals involved ..... That's pretty hard to do in their country. We're the visitors, not them. They control it all or at least try to.

Edited October 10, 2011 by paulian

[janverbeem]

Let me share my memory's with you.I came her the first time January 1994 then at a 16 days visa exempt.Stayed Bangkok 2 days and Pattaya the other 14 days.When I flew home I thought by myself " been there done that ",but when I landed in my homecountry at - ? degree celsius I booked a return flight within the next 6 hours to arrive back only 12 days later.

This time I made a tourist visa,but before the visa was expired I was happy already I could change my flight home to an earlier date.

To make a long story short,every time I arrived in my home country i couldn't wait to book my next flight,I made 7 return flights in 1994,but when I stayed here for a few weeks I would have thoughts about renting a pick up with a MI 50 and enough ammunition installed on the back instead of a hiring taxi to go to the airport.

Now I live here for the past 17 years it is still the same and my opinion is,it's a paradise as long as you don't have to get involved with the local's on a daily base.

Before the rose tinted glasses people jump in,buying beer or food from the locals doesn't account as getting involved.

I think many of my problems living here are culture related pertaining to the values and mores of the Thai people. It is so much different from what I am used to and different from many 1st world countries I have spent time in. You say everything is fine as long as you don't get the locals involved ..... That's pretty hard to do in their country. We're the visitors, not them. They control it all or at least try to.

You can do that if you come here as a tourist,but you can't when you try to make a living here.That's my point,and it's also the reason why you feel different now from your holidays.

[zorro1]

Some people need to understand they will never be happy with the external stimulation that change provides. The problem is often on the inside and its difficult to slow down and enjoy the simple things whilst the internal demons are raging.