Job Discussion Forums

[Jester18]

I've been teaching English now for about 13 years. I've taught in Korea, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE. As you can see these are places where you can make money in teaching English. I'm a teacher who plans to continue teaching overseas for a long time to come. So, I'd like to hear about experiences from teachers who have been doing this for a long time as well (and plan to continue for a long time). I'm just curious about your ups and downs, your frustrations, what has kept you going for a long time, your concerns for the future (i.e.--retirement and supporting yourself when the time comes). Also would like to hear about any experiences from teachers who have worked in these "money pits" as well----what I mean is------did you take any time to go elsewhere (not for the money) and what were those experiences like.

I'm asking because I feel like I'm at that point of no return---it's either go home or keep pushing on. Kind of a mid-life crisis as well. And I'm also married---so I'd like to hear about good and bad experiences of taking your spouse w/ you to other countries. THanks in Advance
Hope this is all clear! Let me know if it isn't!!!!!!!

[ls650]

[guangho]

I think TEFL is a bit like other professions in that you either move up (higher qualifications, more responsibilities, higher wages) or move out.

[Deconstructor]

I've been teaching for more than 11 years and will always be a teacher. I taught overseas for a few years, but eventually felt that I had to come back. I got married, bought a house and had a family. Yes, I became ordinary.

This is a cliche and a good one. Home is where the heart is. Mine was never overseas. I wanted to be with friends and family and where people spoke my language. I didn't want to be an "exotic" foreigner and a point of curiosity for everyone.

To each his/her own.

[Mchristophermsw]

First, nice post.

your concerns for the future (i.e.--retirement and supporting yourself when the time comes).

TEDKARMA has appeared to have just done that successfully. He is a reseource for practical advice on how to retire and live comfortably overseas.

It can be done and that is what I am working towards that myself.
But as you know it all depends on many factors. But there are "Sweet Spots" out there that are very affordable.

For me, the biggest expense would be a home/mortgage. So to have enough money saved were I can buy one FREE AND CLEAR is first on my checklist.

In addition, make sure you have a skill or the education where you can generate an income.

Next, ask yourself the question "how much do you ( and your family) need to be happy or live comfortably)?"

The major concern is to make sure you have plan. Some basic saving and investment strategies are important will do the rest.

And, ask yourself if the locals are doing it, then why can't you?
Especially, if you already have a financial headstart.

I remember once while I was in Trinidad I was looking at a house that cost 50,000K US. The taxi driver told me he would have to work his whole life to afford that the same house. For me, that was a real revulation. But that is the experience for the average person. But what if you had a home in your slice of paradise and already have an education.
( Remember, in most countries Education = a better life with more oppertunity).

The nice gentleman who drove me around barely had a high school education. His choices were limited to cutting sugar cane, driving taxi or being a criminal. But you know what he was a "happy person" driving taxi and was at peace with the little he had--refreshing.

I'm asking because I feel like I'm at that point of no return---it's either go home or keep pushing on

Seems like you been in the game for awhile. Ask your self these 3 questions.

1) What would you be going home to? what does that look like in your mind? (start off general but then try to get as detialed as possible).

2) What are pushing towards? (same concept).

And how does answer 1 and 2 "FIT" in with the life you want to create?

Seems like you have had a good life so far, I am sure after answering these questions you will find the answers you need

michael

[Guy Courchesne]

This thread reminds me of a quote from a favorite movie...

"Someone once told me...that time is a predator - one that stalks us all our lives. But, I'd rather believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey, reminds us to cherish every moment because they'll never come again.

[gaijinalways]

I like that quote, here's one of my own "I'm not getting older, I am getting more experienced!"

[Jizzo T. Clown]

<Off-Topic>

Gee Guy, I didn't know you liked Star Trek!

[Guy Courchesne]

Jizzo, you either googled that or I didn't recognize you in that Ferengi suit at last year's convention.

[tedkarma]

I've been working overseas since 1989 - and working in TEFL since 1991 - and I think I know what you are talking about. I've also worked in three of the four countries you listed.

I too, have worked places in the Middle East and the Far East to "feather my nest" - and found that time rewarding financially - but sometimes spiritually exhausting.

Fortunately, I found a place I wanted to settle and live out the rest of my life - Phuket, Thailand. But - the wage structure in Thailand leaves a lot to be desired. Regardless, I have created a home base here. But from time to time, I have left to go where the money was to secure my future and retirement.

It is a difficult decision I think! I agree with you. Especially as I get older - I do review my decisions and hope I have set the right path. The decision itself is too specific to each individual to really tell you what would be right for you.

The answer for you MAY be to go "home" - nothing wrong with that! Or - to find a place you can call home - and begin to build a future there.

Making anywhere "home" involves getting involved in the community - making friends, creating a real life that is not too isolated. Try joining some clubs or organizations, volunteering, etc. to see if you "belong".

It is quite possible, as you already know, to live somewhere and NEVER get involved in the community - or to even know your neighbors. Setting down roots is quite counter to that and does involve some risk that you might never really get connected to where you are thinking of settling.

My wife has traveled and lived with me in four countries - and makes our home a HOME. She has held down the base while I have - a couple times - worked away from home to secure our financial future. It helps a lot that we are both of the same mind - and want to make our home where it is now.

I waited a long time (five years) - but only recently invested in the area where my "home" is - and I think that helped me a lot - to feel like I am connected to this place where I hope to live the rest of my life.

There is a saying that is very relevant - but I don't know the exact quote. Something like: When you have lived in many places and are comfortable anywhere - nowhere really feels like home. I might agree a bit. But I do how have a place that feels like home. Silly as it sounds - a few pets, a nice yard, a spouse, and even just a simple house that I love - are what make it so.

This is a tough issue - and rarely talked about openly - as many people just force their decision on themselves and people they talk to. I'd say never quit thinking about it - until you make a decision you are happy and comfortable with.

[tedkarma]

I would like to add that the term "mid-life crises" comes across - to me - as demeaning.

A time - at mid-life - when one reassesses one's goals and takes a serious look at their life - is not really a crises. It is an important step in life - to be taken seriously - and not to be "blown off" as just a "crisis" that one has.

I think I have had several of these "crises" and personally, I think it is important ALL of your life to pay attention to where you are going with your life and if you are meeting your goals and doing those things YOU want to do - and accomplishing those things YOU want to accomplish.

Much better to pay attention and to live a life you can feel satsified with when you are in your older years - than to die with many regrets.

Ignore those who call it a "Mid-life crisis" and just consider it a re-assessment of where you are now - and where you want to be. And incorporate it into a life-long process of assessment.

Everything/Anything is possible - you only have to decide to go and get it.

[spiral78]

I haven't had one (at what age IS mid-life? I think I'm possibly beyond the offical norm) but I think people who have 'midlife crises' are usually people who are living in set circumstances and find suddenly that they have missed out on Experiences.... not finances.

I think most of us are not in that boat. We've had experiences, because we sought them out by choosing to live and work outside our 'home countries' and comfort zones.

Like all of you, I've got friends still living in that little one-horse town where I graduated from high school (though thankfully did not live long-term) who seem approximately as happy as clams......until I hear through the grapevine that someone's done something 'crazy,' like buy a Harley or leave a long-term wife and children for a 20 year old .....I think that's the classic definition of 'mid life crisis,' isn't it?

Of course, as TES/EFLers, we have probably got both more and fewer options open to us in terms of securing our futures financially. I suppose (I hope) that what we essentially have to have, though, is what everyone needs - education and credentials and experience. And the means to get and keep the more desirable positions in our field. Obviously that means post grad credentials and some connections in whatever world we've choosen to live.

But, like many of you guys, I'm living proof that it can be done.
That's kind of the dual nature of our profession, isn't it? Those people who come in for a year or two or three and don't make the commitments required to secure a future. And those of us who find ourselves really committed, and (usually quietly) take the tough route to learn more about what we do and to research positions that will provide long term. They do exist, but not for the uncommitted or the casual. Same as in the little town where I graduated from High School....

[JZer]

[Gregor]

Talk about quotes. Here is a great one that my Aunt Kate has at the end of all her emails, and I hope she always does, because it's AWESOME:

"Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive, well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, turkey leg in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out & screaming "whoo-hoo! What a ride!!"

The only problem I have with that quote is that it's unattributed. I have no idea who said or wrote it, but by God that is how to live.

My wife gets frustrated by my cavalier attitude, and part of the reason is my refusal to live for the future. Future Gregor can take care of himself...or not. Present Gregor - me - has to take care of himself.
I'm not a rich guy. I'm not going to be a rich guy. I have to have faith that things will continue as they have, e.g. that I'm a decent guy, so decent things will continue to happen to me. I can continue to teach well into old age. What happens when I can't teach anymore?
Well, that's up to future Gregor. That guy may well have things worked out that I can't even imagine now.
I'm American, and a lot of Americans get themselves twisted up in a bunch about this very thing. They take on jobs, even CAREERS, that they can't stand, just looking at the retirement programs available. Now, seriously, is that how you want to live your life? I mean, I'm not ready to say "Live fast, die young and leave a good looking corpse," but on the other hand, your past self made a huge mess of things, right? Your present self seems to have worked it out, more or less, to a livable degree. Well, let your future self work things out at THAT point.
It's my experience, so far, that things will work out, as long as you stay true to yourself. Do the decent thing. Do what you know how to do. If you're a teacher, then TEACH.
Ma�ana esta ma�ana. You don't know beyond that. I understand the mid-life crisis. If you recognize it as such, that's most of the battle.
Take care of yourself NOW, and let the futre be in the future. Really, you can't do anything more than that. Planning ahead is a gamble, anyway, so do what feels right, honestly, and you won't go wrong.

[Teacher in Rome]

Planning ahead isn't so much of a gamble if you know what you've already got. If you have a fair amount of teaching experience and qualifications under your belt, you know you can find teaching work. The problem comes when you get tired of teaching, start looking around, and realise you don't have the skills or knowledge to do anything else.

Although you can't predict the future, you can take comfort in long-term trends. If you buy a house, you'll always have somewhere to live - and probably somewhere to sell if necessary. If you start saving for retirement in your 30s, the chances are that any dips in the economy will have evened out by the time you reach your 60s.

In answer to the OP, I've never taught in a money pit. I've managed to scrape the money together to buy a house free and clear in Italy, and that's the extent of my financial planning. What keeps me going is the fact I can always find enough work here to pay the bills, plus I live in the nicest place I've ever been in. I have Italian friends and feel part of a small, but friendly community. I have my garden, my health and my sanity.

I could never afford my lifestyle in the UK and I stay here for the quality of life, rather than salary and potential earnings. Of course, I'd love more money, and I know I should be saving. But by the time I get to be too old to grow veg and live half way up a mountain, I'm assuming my house and land will be worth enough to trade down to a small flat near the amenities of a town.