Job Discussion Forums

[Cheza]

Here�s the deal. I�m currently working at a small language institute in Central America, and barely making enough money to pay the bills. I like my job and have great relations with all my co-workers and boss. I was just offered a position at a newer more upscale institute at three times the salary. But they told me that they will only hire me if I leave my other job right now (due to conflicting schedules), which would being going against my contract (which was just a verbal agreement, I never signed anything). I dont want to leave my current job in the middle of the course (which ends in 6 weeks), but I need more money, I�m going shack-wacky because I don�t have the money to go out at all.

So being relativly new to the TEFL scene I would like to know if this sort of job offer is common. Is it just a scare tactic to get me to start right away, so they can fill in the gap in their staff? Any other advice would be welcome.

[Gordon]

If you don't feel right about leaving your school in the middle of the term, than don't. Think about it another way, how would you feel if they fired you with no notice because another teacher would do your job at 1/3 the salary. Perhaps almost mathematically impossible in your situation, but ..... Other than a low salary, which you yourself agreed to in the first place, your school is doing nothing wrong, at least from what you've told us.
I would be leery about a new school that is asking you to quit your current job with no notice. Not ethical at all and says a lot about what their own business practices are like. How do you know they won't do something similar to you?

[moonraven]

I agree with Gordon--If it looks too good to be true--especially in this business--it generally is.

[Cheza]

Thanks for the advice. Thats been the direction Ive been leaning towards. There are some other things in the contract of the bigger place that seem a bit fishy. But still, I gotta wonder why they have such a good reputation.
After talking to my boss today Ive decided not to leave my current job in the middle of the term. But on the other hand I have to do something about my current economical situation. My school has offered me more hours and a possible promotion/raise at the prospect of losing me. I should milk this for all it�s worth .

[vre]

It seems that you have come out on top in this situation. Good luck.

If the other school does really want you, it will wait for you.

If your school wants to keep you (and it sounds like you have a good relationship and they like what you are doing for them) and if you have expressed your financial concern to them clearly enough to scare them, then they will try to make it better for you.

I would have agreed with the advice the others gave to you as well but always bear in mind that you should not stay somewhere where the financial hardship makes you an unhappy person and you are not enjoying your experience. Life is too short!