Job Discussion Forums

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

I've been teaching ESL/EFL for going on 15 years now in 3 areas (Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan), but I am hitting a wall. Part of my frustration is with finding permanent employment, but part is just a desire for something new. But, be that as it may, I need to start doing more lesson prep for a new uni semester, and am wondering what I can do to kick up my desire again. Any suggestions?

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

Well, the one thought that occurs to me is that all your teaching has been in just three countries - all in Asia. What about a completely new area - eastern Europe, Latin America, etc?

Teacher in Rome · Joined: 09 Jul 2003 Posts: 1286

15 years is a hugely long time to do anything without some sort of break.

Can you take a sabbatical and do something completely different? I was a teacher for a few years before I went travelling and subsequently landed a job in publishing. Perhaps this is an option for you?

Alternatively, you could try to widen your skills by doing something "parallel", For example, materials writing, online teaching, running your own website - something that gets you out of the classroom but is nevertheless connected with teaching.

Or move into administration or teacher training?

I don't know about others, but if I end up doing the same thing for more than a few months, I start to feel depressed. There are only so many repetition lessons that I can do before I crack. For this reason, having a bit of variety in my professional life is crucial.

Hope this helps!

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

As to moving, it's possible, but at this stage in my career, it would be to settle stateside (I'm American and my wife and I are considering moving to Hawaii), not go to a place that would entail a pay cut (I'm married and my wife makes far less than I do at the moment).

As to doing parallel work, that sounds interesting. I have been writing something, though it's not academic related. Online teaching is an idea, though it is still teaching.

guangho · Joined: 16 Oct 2004 Posts: 476 Location: in transit

After 15 years in East Asia, I'd imagine you have some decent savings- why not take a sabbatical for purely recreational reasons- and during that time you may find that you can take off in a new direction.

tedkarma · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 1:41 am Post subject:

I agree with the previous posters that perhaps a half-year off might be just the ticket.

OR - seek positions (I don't know your qualifications) that offer significant paid vacation time - and establish a new home base somewhere that you really enjoy. My last job in Korea had 20 weeks paid vacation per year and gave me plenty of time to pursue other interests (writing, websites, travel, etc.).

Also - depending on your qualifications - you may find yourself stuck in lower level TEFL jobs that are definite burnouts. If you don't have a graduate degree - get one as fast as you can and seek better positions where burnout is not such an issue.

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

Having lived in Japan for a few years, I know what you mean about looking for work every 3 years, even in a university setting.

When you write "desire for something new", are you talking about a job or perhaps something to take your mind off drudgery of work? Sometimes a new hobby can help dispel the blues.

If you are only considering a change of careers as "something new", what are you qualified to do, or what are you interested in?

madison01 · Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Posts: 40

15 years is a long time to go without change. There are two things I've learnt from EFL.

1. Learning makes you a better, more motivated teacher. I try and set myself a couple of goals to improve on or learn about each year. Go on courses, read up on etc.

Usually, When I start 'hitting walls', I start recording my lessons and then watching them back to be as critical as I can. Focus on a couple of my weakest areas then work on them until I'm satisfied there's improvement, then do it all over again.

2. Don't think teaching is the be all and end all in TEFL. I know people who've moved into publishing, training, management, the web, there are different paths that you can take, even for a break from the classroom, they will remind you of what you're missing or reinforce your need to move on.

The teachers that I've met who don't move forward, end up in a rut that they also end up forgetting they're in. If you're getting jaded you need to look at where you want to be in 5 years for example. If the path your on doesn't seem right you need to try a different one.

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

Qualifications include a Master's in TEFL/TESL, Bachelor's in Business Mgmt. Previous experience in credit card promotions, retail selling, prefer the promotions myself as I have experience and good ideas related to that end of the business, but it's a matter of getting back in.

I currently lecture at four universities, so I may try to land teaching work in Hawaii, but I'd like to do something else as well. I think personally I'd like to move outside teaching again, or possibly only teach part-time and do some kind of home based business. I have been looking at some things to do in Hawaii, because the problem is when we move we'll take a definate hit on our income until we get reestablished in a new location.

As to taking time off, we'll need money to set up and buy property, so I'm not sure that is an option at the moment, and at my age, it might not be possible Cool

.

MELEE · Posted: Mon Sep 04, 2006 5:08 pm Post subject:

Wow, how about promotions for a language school-vacation package company that brings Asians to Hawaii? I was in Japan back in the mid ninties and I know a lot of students did intensive English schools and were interested in visiting Hawaii. You could be based in Hawaii and teach-manage the language school with morning classes and afternoon excusions (very popular learn-Spanish-have-a-vacation set up here in Mexico) or you could be based in Asia and work on comission getting students signed up to go/arranging their travel. If such a business already exists, send them your resume, if it doesn't start looking for investers and start it! (and don't forget who clued you in when you are looking to hire more teachers to work in Hawaii Laughing

)

cam · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 124 Location: Maine, USA

tedkarma · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 10:15 am Post subject:

Shoulda, coulda, woulda - might depend on the size of property they intend to buy. Taking a year off is a GREAT idea - and I have done it a couple times - but doesn't always work for everyone.

If you intend to invest - now is the time. The market is soft and prices quite negotiable. Once you do buy, you might find yourself much more comfortable - just knowing you have that in your back pocket - and that this lifestyle has provided you with something for your future.

I've bought and paid off several properties while teaching overseas - no big real estate empire mind you - but enough to keep me comfy in my older years. And, YES, there is a great deal of satisfaction in that!

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

In Hawaii the market is not that soft, Hawaii was rated as the most expensive state for a 2 bedroom to rent. The property prices there doubled in the last 4 years, not quite as bad as some areas in CA, but high. We were looking at rental properties (for selling and moving there later, just for income initially), but right now the rents don't cover the mortgage payments and other expenses.

Hopefully prices might drop a bit, and we are waiting on some family help as my moher-in-law plans to move with us as she hopes to go into a nursing home there rather than in Japan (cheaper in Hawaii, and nicer for the money).

Actually MELEE, way ahead of you, thought about that already or something related, not sure if I'd want to do it on a new language school scale basis (capital, risk, etc). I was thinking more of working with a school that is already established there that does some Japanese students already (I interviewed there in March when I visited Hawaii to look at property).

Will. · Joined: 02 May 2003 Posts: 783 Location: London Uk

Why not invest in your future as a teacher trainer? This ups your credential rating and allows you to keep a finger on the pulse of teaching with occasional forays into teacher training. It is still teaching per se (but not as we know it Jim!) and still pays the bills. With your background and experience I would give it serious consideration. 'Something new' is often just something similar in a new coat.

txtraveler · Joined: 04 Sep 2006 Posts: 16

Are you proficient in any of the languages where you've been teaching? If so, you may want to consider looking for some freelance translation work. The pay can be quite good and it's something that you can often do from anywhere. It can be a good side income so that you may be able to work fewer hours at teaching and give yourself some time to breathe. Just a thought.