Job Discussion Forums

[Lao Wai]

Hey everybody,

I'm a PNET who is trying to decide which direction to take my life/career in the next few years. I'm 26 (almost 27) and really having a hard time deciding whether I should stay in HK for a few more years, or go back to Canada and get into the 'system'. I've been here about 7 months and my contract ends Aug. 2007. There are pro's and con's for staying and leaving.

I really like Hong Kong. There is so much to do and see. I also like having a nice apartment and money to spend. However, I'm none too impressed with the education system here. The primary schools here remind me more of the secondary school system back home. Very exam oriented and an over-reliance on the textbook. I've taught primary grades in Canada (teaching practicum) as well as at an international school. I really enjoyed those experiences. I just find that I get very little job satisfaction from teaching English here. When I teach native English speakers, they get my little jokes, are enthusiastic, and really seem to enjoy being in my class. In my current school, the class sizes are huge, the classrooms tiny, and the local teachers seem to quash any innovative lessons I put forth (we 'co-teach' or are supposed to anyway).

Now, I've talked to other PNETS that really like their schools, colleagues, etc. So, it could just be my school. Actually, I'm pretty certain that's what it is. Still, I do miss teaching math, science, social studies, health, IT, etc. What do you BEd. primary teachers think? Do you miss teaching other subjects?

If I go back to Canada, I KNOW I'll have to be a substitute teacher for at least a year before the potential comes up for a contract. So, that means being poor for a while, and still being poor the first few years of a contract. I'm also thinking about pensions too. I should start thinking about the future. Still, I could probably save a lot more money in HK than back in Canada. That money could be invested or saved for retirement.

I guess my real dilemma is that while I enjoy my lifestyle here, I don't really like the job. In Canada, I think I'd enjoy the job but the lifestyle will suffer. My first nephew was born while I was here, and I'm kind of missing being away from the family. My parents aren't getting any younger either. I should point out that this isn't my first year being overseas. It's going on my 4th year away from Canada.

So, that's it. Any advice? Anybody else out there feeling pressure to 'get it together' and 'settle down' at home?

[ChrisRose]

If you were to change to an Internatonal school, then you would have more opportunity for a broader spectrum of teaching.

With regards to the EMB Enhanced NET Scheme, well that is soley for English teaching.

At the end of the day it's all a question of job satisfaction. That is something soley for yourself to decide.

Chris

[Horizontal Hero]

Lao Wai,

Unless you find a better school or manage to negotiate doing some more interesting stuff at your current one, you will probably get bored, and then ultimately cranky. But you are still young, so I'd suggest finishing your contract while applying for other jobs. Canada is not the only option. Just check out the other job discussion boards on Dave's and the international job board. Check out web sites advertising international school positions too. Try a group called Search Associates (Google for their web site), who specialise in this area. They list the job fairs where international schools recruit. All the best with it!