The decision was fairly obvious ... coming back to work another year at our school, Nanyang Model High School in Shanghai. This will now begin a 3rd year starting in September.
I was wavering on this one back in December, not surprisingly, and the winter holiday time helped straighten out the decision making process. After looking at what other nearby schools have to offer, ours is really a better gig.
In all likelihood I'll be signing a 4th year contract for the following year. Financially, it is becoming necessary as I'm on a rather serious investment track these days, and the masters degree has been re-evaluated to take 4 years to complete, from the previous 2 or 3.
A huge discussion ensued at the restaurant yesterday on the whole issue of Canadians paying taxes overseas and the non-resident issue. Not surprisingly, nobody had any solid factual evidence or conclusions on what needs to be done. Everyone had a different opinion or experience, and the conversation got very heated. This was exactly what happened last summer when I had conversations about the whole tax issue overseas and it's not a pleasant topic. Very controversial.
That being said, I'm going to at least try and get some information from the source, namely the Canadian Consulate here in Shanghai and see if perhaps there is a form to fill out or some other way to establish the non-residency.
Interestingly enough, why is it that people from North America living in Asia are considered "expats" or "non-residents" whereas people from Asia going to North America are considered "immigrants"? Practically speaking there is no difference from what long-term "expats" are in Asia, except for the name given to their status, and the fact that the "expats" can't actually get a passport from their adopted country.
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