Job Discussion Forums

[geaaronson]

what are the chances for getting hired as an English teacher anywhere in Mexico during the winter months of December, January or February. I am under contract to my university until September 24 and can not break free from here or else I would forfeit future recommendations from an institution I have taught at for 6 1/2 years.
I have a bachelors in english, am a native speaker, and a masters of fine arts in photography. I am working towards an TESOL certificate and will have it by the time I go to Mexico. Is it too chancy to move to the Yucatan in December and get work there? I have already established a relationship with two schools there both of which offered me part time work for last February, but both are hedging on any promises for employment for this February.
What are other job seekers stories about getting employment at that time of the year? Am I wasting my time?

[Ms. Atondo]

I arrived in Mexico in November and found work at a language school quite easily. Also, I left a full-time private school job at the semester break which left a mid-term opening there too. So, it is not impossible but it may leave you working part-time at a few different locations. I am not sure what kind of work you are looking for but if you need to find work you don't have much choice...

[geaaronson]

I am a bit curious as to which city those two events took place or are they the same city?
I am quite open to working several schools and actually would prefer it as it would mean it would take the pressure off me to be so kowtowing in a very difficult situation. With more than one part time ESL teaching gig if the teaching practices at one school are unusually restrictive or if I am not being paid on time, no bid deal, submit my resignation.
I have heard from several people that one needs to get about 25-30 hours of instruction to make it in Mexico and live somewhat comfortably without having to dip into savings. My most hideous expense is not eating out, or clubbing or luxury expenses but photographic. I spend anywhere from 500-2000 USD per annum on film, processing etc. as I am an artist and photography is my principal medium. My print sales are so sporadic that I don't ever count them as an offset to my expenses. But I am concerned about being able to continue my photographic endeavors. And no, I am not willing to go digital.

[ls650]

[geaaronson]

I actually do have two digital cameras and hate them both. I still use my film camera.

[Firecat]

It is not too difficult to find a job in mid-term. You will not see as many jobs as you do during the summer months, but the openings will start appearing in late November and especially in December. One thing to remember -- normally the schools that advertise at that time have just lost a teacher and need a new one quickly. You need to be ready to move fast.

My first job in LA started mid-term when a teacher ran out on her contract.

[MELEE]