Job Discussion Forums

[iraqikiwi]

I don't intend to get too political at all times but when I first registered, I saw a few outstanding topics in politics concerning the current situation in the Middle East, so I somehow introduced myself politically lol. Anyway, you probably guessed the question. In certain countries, there are no age restrictions for employees. However, in my experience, some Middle Eastern countries like United Arab Emirates and Jordan have age restrictions for people who want to continue working till the very end. Personally, I just heard the age restriction law for doctors in UAE has lowered down to 55 years of age rather than 60. Now with teaching there, the rest of the occupations are still at the age limit of 60 years of age where then, they have to eventually be called to leave their job permanently or in some cases, be given a lower level qualification job.

What is the age limit in being able to work in where you live? Do you agree with it? Do you think the age of a teacher or any employee restricts them from doing anything that is required to do in a job? Have your say, as I'd like to know more about it.

Cheers,
Sara.

[Glenski]

[basiltherat]

generally speaking, age seems to be of little consequence here in syria. where i work, we have 3 instuctors well over 50 n i cant see them leaving anytime soon. A while back, we had one guy in his sixties. He left, but not for reason of age.
experience seems to be key here; esp in middle east.
basil

[Sheep-Goats]

60 is the mandatory retirement age in Thailand, and it's neigh impossible for those who are older to get work in goverment schools here once they turn that age. There are lots of private options after that line, but they prefer young faces too.

[carnac]

Basil is correct. Middle East generally gray beards are respected. Age respected other places, but not as teachers. I think two (at least) reasons for this: impression that younger means more energy, plus older not as easily suckered by duh contracts.
Sheep-goats- "nigh" impossible, nigh old word for "near". "Neigh" is word for horse noise, pronounced "nay". Sorry 'bout that.
Damn English!
Anyway, Middle East is last refuge for competent teachers above certain ages, and generally pays better, also.
If there are other areas that have respect for "graybeards", I'd like to hear about them. And if possible, your thoughts on why.
Karrknack

[iraqikiwi]

Glenski,

I referred the age restriction question to the job 'you are working in' currently what ever it is you are teaching and its level of education. Surely, the age restriction for different education teaching levels differ which is why I only liked to see a general idea of it rather.

It is 100% true that most Middle Eastern countries seek for level of experience in terms of working years. My mother got a job as a doctor in one of Dubai's (UAE) hospitals only because she had over 20 years experience regardless of what qualifications she owned. I don't know from first hand experience about teaching in the Middle East, even though my father is a university professor in Agriculture himself, but the last time he tried applying to teach in universities, he was told that his 'qualifications' were just 'too' much in terms of the job requirements. In other words, he was called 'over qualified'. I see that being quite stupid because who wouldn't want a high level professor teaching? Or maybe could it be that his qualifications just didn't match the job requirements? Anyhow, well, my father isn't working anymore because of that but he'd love to go back teaching or even doing researches in labs. However, even lab research employers won't accept him. The same thing happened in New Zealand and in Australia. But employers here also took in consideration of his age as a disadvantage. So, what does an unemployed father and husband do? ....ahhhh, more study! lol Now, he's in a post graduate at university studying GIS, Geographical Information Systems. GIS is a new technological form employees now use with the hope that he could be more eligible in getting a job in regard to that certificate. We will see the result but no guarantees as usual.

Regards,
Sara.

[Snoopy]

The Middle East would drive a youngster bonkers.

[basiltherat]