Job Discussion Forums

turkishlover25 · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 142 Location: Charleston, IL USA

Well unfortunately money is always a problem for me - not much of a saver while in college - but I might be up for it. I guess those are plans for AFTER I buy my ticket, but luckily my roommate's sister works for Turkish Air so I'm not too worried about that. She's even helping me to be able to transport as much luggage as I need, so that is a real life-saver. I'm in the middle of selling my car, so hopefully that goes well Very Happy

DukeJob · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 22 Location: Everywhere

Yeah, same here with saving money. Thats cool that you have a connection with Turkish airlines, that should help out a lot. What branch are you planning on working for? I was planning on working for K2, so i'll be living in Kadikoy. Is that gonna work out for you? Also, what ball park date do you have for arriving in Ist?

I gotta sell my car too. I just hope i get it sold before i head out.

turkishlover25 · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 142 Location: Charleston, IL USA

I would like to work there if possible, though I have not been given a choice yet, or even told where I will be working. My roommate is Turkish and his family lives really close to Kadikoy, so it would be nice to have some contact with them.

Basically I won't be able to go until I can sell my car, but I am shooting for the 1st or 2nd week of February.

DukeJob · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 22 Location: Everywhere

I don't know if you remember from before, i'll be arriving in Ist. on Feb 21st. So, if you find a good apt. or just kinda stake things out before i get there. Make sure to keep in touch when your over there. We'll have some GT's. And if you're never gonna date a turkish girl, then more for me right? Wink

turkishlover25 · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 142 Location: Charleston, IL USA

Well when I say never I mean "I won't date ANOTHER turkish girl until I'm over the last one": can't let all you other newbies have all the fun, now can I? Besides, I speak the local language so I've got that on ya' Razz

But yeah, I'll definately stay in touch, though I haven't really been checking out the apartment scene yet - just trying to worry about getting over there. If you use HOTMAIL or YAHOO you can add me on either - my addresses are on my profile.

justme · Joined: 18 May 2004 Posts: 1944 Location: Istanbul

Wow. Here I am, back from vacation and none too happy about it, and then I see here that you guys posted 2 pages' worth with no arguing, nastiness, petulance, or antagonism.

I haven't seen anything like this on here for ages. It's very nice. Thanks.

yaramaz · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 1:10 pm Post subject:

It's because they are newbies and have yet to be corrupted by the ways of the Turks... or grumpy fellow teachers Very Happy

justme · Joined: 18 May 2004 Posts: 1944 Location: Istanbul

The newbies took over during Bayram. It's all sunshine and lollipops now, with their bright shiny faces, eager idealism, and positive outlooks. Turkey virgins, if you will.

They'll be grumpy teachers soon enough, but as long as they don't tease or annoy or correct or nitpick or insult or antagonize or vex anyone here, I'm happy with them.

I've got some grumbling to do now...

turkishlover25 · Joined: 27 Sep 2005 Posts: 142 Location: Charleston, IL USA

well i certainly think that an optimistic outlook on life is much more productive and healthy than always being negative. I mean, what's NOT to like about moving to a foreign country and living in a city as historically important and culturally-charged as Istanbul? Sure, it must have a downside or two, but thanks to all the GREAT advice we get from all you experienced teachers, perhaps we newbies can be better prepared for this life-changing choice. And if not... well... we know where to come to grumble and groan, though for now I'm trying to enjoy the rainbows Very Happy

DukeJob · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 22 Location: Everywhere

yes it is all sunshine and lollipops. And thanks to you experienced teachers and all your good advice and cautionary tales, we newbies won't have the lollipops smacked out of our mouths, just gently yanked out, right? Wink

hopefully not though. I think we newbies will be just fine.

justme · Joined: 18 May 2004 Posts: 1944 Location: Istanbul

I, for one, do not intend to smack or yank lollipops from anyone's mouth.

It's easy to get grumpy about teaching-- it's a job. It's a lot harder to get grumpy about Turkey.

When all else fails, at least Turkey is really funny, even after 4 years....

yaramaz · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 6:54 am Post subject:

I'm still giggling after 4 years as well. Maybe its something in the water...
*giggle* I promise to be gentle on the newbies. Pessimism is not a foregone conclusion after a few years in Turkey. I'm terribly optimistic. That's why I am still here. If I were negative, I'd have run for the (easier) hills by now.

molly farquharson · Joined: 16 Jun 2004 Posts: 839 Location: istanbul

I agree, grrrls. There are always new adventures here, and as long as you keep a positive perspective and an open mind, it really is a fabulous place. It is not Kansas, Dorothy! That is much of its charm...