Job Discussion Forums

[AcuDoc]

I'm thinking of teaching ESL in Southeast Asia and wondering if being in my early 60's will be a problem.

I have a Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine, been in healthcare for twenty five years, written a few books and have taught at Chinese Medical Universities and Massage Schools.

Will it be a problem getting a a job preferably in Vietnam or Thailand? Is sooner better then later?

[vabeckele]

I think you know the answer to that question yourself.

Perhaps, at tertiary level, you will be respected, even revered, but at any other institute you will be considered an old fart.

You know this already. I myself am trying to get ready for this inevitable future.

Thailand is going to be harder than Vietnam; presentation is a lot more in focus in Thailand than Vietnam.

Go for university jobs where experience means something. Or if that is a problem find another institution where age and experience mean something.

Failing these options, you could try setting up your own little 'empire'. I am sure that would be a good earner.

Good luck.

[skarper]

It will be a problem - sure it will.

Anybody who is not the exact perfect candidate in terms of age, qualifications, race etc has problems.

But if you persevere you will I think manage to work something out. It depends how much money you need and how fast.

I have seen 'old farts' working at the big chains - so it might be workable there even. How old do you look and act?

I am almost 50 and plan on teaching here until I die....

[AcuDoc]

Well I am far from an "old fart"...lol. I have all my teeth, all my hair and the only grey is in my beard and no I do not color my hair. I worked the last two years on cruises ships as an acupuncturist in the spa with about fifteen 20 something spa girls...their nickname for me was "the cool old guys". I've been told by many I could pass for my mid to late 40's easy (I'm 59 now).

I still have hope that I can secure a job teaaching esl. My goal is primarily to be there to focus on my photography, not to get rich. I spent a month in Vietnam last year when my ship was in drydock in Singapore and loved it there.

Thanks for everyone advice...

[vabeckele]

Yes, appearances are everything here. My advice then would be to hand in C.V.s personally. If you send them in by post or email, the D.O.B. will be a bit of a red flag and might get tossed - I am already being rejected by some because I am over 35.

Glad to hear 'the old fart' still has a full head of hair and teeth! This is a lot better than a lot of V'nese males in their 30s.

I have a nice picture now of me on a cruise ship sipping cocktails with many young girls in bikinis...mmm

[Tigerstyleone]

[vabeckele]