I wanted to get a job where I could travel, and wouldn't be replaced by a computer (like I was when I was a travel agent). I had an opportunity to go back to school, and the best way to meet my desire was to teach English. I decided on Taiwan/China for a number of reasons, such as need, number of potential job openings, domestic safety (Middle east? No thanks!), as well as need for knowledge in the US on the foreign culture after the fact.
Taiwan is my ultimate goal, China has been always intended as a temporary landing point (it's a larger place to get to). My first job was a complete bust, my new job is much better, though I've had to wait to get a full paycheck (first one was on Dec. 15th), now I'm trying to catch up with bills that I haven't been able to pay until now. With 2 years experience, the pool of possible employers will greatly expand. I'd loved to jump to TW already, but due to the lack of funds, I had no safety net, nor could I even afford to make the move.