Job Discussion Forums

ricsalt · Joined: 25 Jul 2005 Posts: 1 Location: Gainesville, Florida

Dear Group members,

I've just recently registered for the forums although I've been looking at the job postings for many years now.

I am working in a research library in Florida as a technical assistant-ordering materials via computer, creating records, doing some reference work at the reference desk and I do our unit statistics in excel.

I guess I'm going through a mid-life crisis.

Long ago I traveled through asia with stops in Afghanistan, pakistan, India.

Then I was a student in Malta. I then lived in Morocco. From there I spent many years in Germany working on the US military bases. I taught German language and culture to GIs coming back from Vietnam.

I lived in northern Germany for a few years and taught English conversation in the Gesamthochschule and later dug ditches and planted shrubs along the Dortmund Autobahn

To make a long story short-I haven't done so well and am sort of pissed.

I guess I've picked myself up off the floor and have had a steady job for the past 16 years.

In 2000, after several tears of taking 1 or 2 courses at a time, I got my TEFL certificate from the University of Florida-luckily the school paid for it because I'm an employee.

When I look at some of the job postings on this site, I can't help but get that yearning for adventure and excitement. However, I don't want to screw up and lose what I have. (I've heard many of these jobs don't work out-been there done that!!!)

A librarian who sits next to me used to be in a similar job to the one I now have. She took Library Science courses online through Florida State and got her Library degree. After 2 years as a technical services Librarian where I work (she hardly ever showed up) she recently was hired by the public library system in Saipan, Marianas- I'm alittle jealous- However Library school is another 2 years of basically boring stuff. Most academic library jobs nowadays are computer jobs-better know your electronic resources and databases.

Those are the facts- now what does one do ?

vivaBarca · Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 2:08 am Post subject:

Go for it. You only live once - why sit back and lament what you should have done when you still have time to do it? Do your research...find a place that's suitable for you to go...and book the flight! Good luck.

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Your avatar says you are from Florida. If you are American, and you don't have a bachelor's degree, you can't get a work visa in Japan. One loophole to that is if you can prove you worked full-time for at least 3 years teaching English. Don't know if you can do that.

I'm sure other countries have similar rules on work visas. Where do you want to work?

SillySally · Joined: 26 Jul 2005 Posts: 167

There was a librarian in China who changed careers mid-life.

He went on to lead a revolution and father a new nation.

Chairman Mao!

cujobytes · Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 4:34 am Post subject:

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

Apparently people with no degree but a TEFL cert can find work in Thailand. It's difficult to make a lot of money, but life is fairly easy.

You might look into that possiblility.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

Assuming you don't smoke, you are likely to live another 30 years. When you're on your deathbed do you want to be grumbling, "I wish I'd..."?

Go.

rogan · Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Posts: 416 Location: at home, in France

Most of Western Europe is more or less out because you are not an EU national,

but Eastern Europe offers lots of possibilities - at least you can live (just) on the salaries and accomodation is often provided by employers.

If travel and living "abroad" are what you are seeking, then this part of the world could be interesting.

JDYoung · Joined: 21 Apr 2003 Posts: 157 Location: Dongbei

I took early retirement from a long term career. Got bored to tears within 2 months. I wanted to travel but not the short term kind. I want to meet people, get to know them and get some level of understanding of other cultures. My pension wasn't enough for that kind of extended stay travel. Teaching is a great way to get to know people. I know I get some flack about not being a "real" teacher because I "teach and travel" but I'd like to point out that teach comes first. I give my students my complete attention when I'm teaching because they've made it possible for me to see the world.

If you want to do this, don't put it off. Who knows what tomorrow has in store in the way of health problems or other things that may make it difficult for you to travel. Don't be in the position of sitting in the common room in a nursing home saying "When I was younger I could have ..."

stillnosheep · Joined: 01 Mar 2004 Posts: 2068 Location: eslcafe

It's up to you. People older than yourself have switched careers to TEFL and enjoyed it immensely. Try Rhoda on the China forum for more specific advice. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

(I too have used to dig ditches (and lay railtrack) in Germany).

Deconstructor · Joined: 30 Dec 2003 Posts: 775 Location: Montreal

Whatever you decide, if you want change you should be willing to put everything on the line. To me this is what it's all about: building one's house under a volcano.

QatarChic · Joined: 06 May 2005 Posts: 445 Location: Qatar

Go for it! You only live once. Nothing is easy at first, there will be lots of downs but plenty of ups Very Happy

as long as you know all this, then you'll be fine. I admire you for taking this step at your age, most people wouldn't have the guts to do it
Just do it after all, life's too short..........