Wife and children, lack of political correctness (i.e China is not a "Nanny state" as far as foreigners are concerned), one can do what one is capable of, rather than politicians deciding who can work where (again, political correctness).

Although, it seems the good times are coming to an end thanks to the current leadership.

Money, lifestyle, travel, future prospects. Do i love it here? Nope. But i dont hate it enough to start over back home. But ill keep my ear to the ground for opportunities in Taiwan, singapore malaysia and HK. If it happens it happens. If it doesnt it doesnt.

Wife is from here, she had close to zero exposure to anything non-Chinese before meeting me. It's not easy for her and her family to just go to greener pasture. They are very, very risk adverse, so we have to be progressive to make it right. It's getting along well.

I found *the* job for me, I love it, it's useful, it have a long-term future and it pays well enough to not worry about money. It's not easy to find this, so I don't want to drop this, especially that I'm likely to be a dad in a couple of years. Currently working to keep the job and work remotely in our eventual future new home, far far away from China.

Living in Suzhou is good enough for me to no go bonkers yet.

Wife pretty much, I am kind of a nomad soul and hate staying planted. Had goals I wanted to achieve like learning Chinese and understanding the culture and people but I think I know have pretty much done all that in the years I have been here. 

I make enough now to go where ever I want and it is a totally mobile business. Getting itchy feet so I may not be here too much longer. Entertaining the idea of relocating to:

- Cebu, Philippines to expand my business

- Singapore, since they speak Mandarin and English. A nice, diverse and modern city

- Hong Kong, same reasons as Singapore basically

- Tapei, Taiwan, same as above.

Or maybe Japan

I have stayed because of my job, at times it stresses me out with revenue pressures, but I make great money and what I do makes a difference. I got a job offer back in the states for the same money, I am discussing it with the future MRS. B. She is Chinese and we have lived together for the last 4 years. She didn't want to leave China, but is coming to grips with it. My boss found out about the offer (they probably read my email at work) and has been sucking up to me for the past couple of weeks telling me how important I am to the company. Had dinner with the CEO last week and got the same from him. Decisions decisions.

I have stayed because of my job, at times it stresses me out with revenue pressures, but I make great money and what I do makes a difference. I got a job offer back in the states for the same money, I am discussing it with the future MRS. B. She is Chinese and we have lived together for the last 4 years. She didn't want to leave China, but is coming to grips with it. My boss found out about the offer (they probably read my email at work) and has been sucking up to me for the past couple of weeks telling me how important I am to the company. Had dinner with the CEO last week and got the same from him. Decisions decisions.

Triple post, damned slow internet at work hehe. I wasn't even sure it posted.

Cause I know Mandarin, Cantonese, English and my mother tongue.

China seemed the most logical choice at some point and I'm doing OK so far, in a place that has such a broken education system that I have zero competition to fear ever.

Plus I have a thing for wild post-apocalyptic sceneries. China made me ready more than movies and videogames would ever do.

I like my job, like the students and I can work my side 'job' at night. In two years I'll be qualified to do the same job at home. How's that for irony? 

Can't read the signs to get to the airport.

Wanted:  Dead or Alive

* lying lower than a snake's belly