Jobs lure Americans away

Can't find a job? Try searching openings in China or Japan

It may sound ludicrous, but the 400 year-old trend of coming to the U.S. for work is slowly reversing. Latest estimates from the U.S. State Department states there are over 5.3 million citizens, known as "ex-patriots," working outside the country.

Francine, a 28-year-old former real estate agent from Nevada, moved to Xi'an, China for a chance at a better life. So far, she says her standard of living has gone up.

Her husband works at an import/export business, while she works as a freelance magazine writer and teaches at a learning center.

"After the market crashed, the only jobs that were available were temp jobs, or jobs with very high turnover. Either way, I knew that I could not get by like that or even dare to save money," she said in an interview with MSNBC. "So, after a grueling two month debate with myself, I finally decided to sell what little I had left of my belongings and put the rest in a small storage unit...and armed with $300, I flew to China."

Neighbors treat them politely, regardless of their economic status. Although the couple is in the process of learning Chinese, they have been able to find enough locals who speak English.

Little luxuries she couldn't afford in the U.S. are now readily available. For example, a massage and manicure costs $13. Familiar places like Walmart, McDonalds and KFC are a few minutes' walk from her home.

She and her husband plan to return to the U.S. after the job market improves, whenever that might be.

While communist China may not be the ideal place to live, moving out of the country for employment is not as out-of-the-box as it may seem.

I can readily think of a few people I know who are working overseas: one as a missionary in Ukraine, and five who teach English in Japan. While the employment was not chosen out of necessity, it was simply another choice.

For example, native English speakers are in high demand for teaching both Japanese children and adults. A friend of mine who used to give private lessons said families will often want to have you all to themselves, and are willing to pay top dollar for learning services.

And, of course, the experience you get overseas is an unforgettable one: learning a new language, trying new foods, adopting new customs and sightseeing. Additionally, it's easy to keep in touch with family and friends via the Internet or Skype.

My mouth is just watering thinking of tenmusu (rice ball with seaweed, tempura shrimp and sweet teriyaki sauce) and nigiri (sushi made with high-quality, thinly-sliced raw fish).

While moving overseas for a job is not for everyone, it's becoming an option to consider.