Job Discussion Forums

kimrailla · Joined: 20 Nov 2006 Posts: 2

Hi- I have read some info on the forums but I have to say, I am still in need of advice from the experts....I want/need help with: where a person of my age/experience should look for new work. I am an American with a BSBA and my TESOL. I am 45 years old...look 38ish, have taught in Germany for the past 6 years with a bit of success. (At the moment I make between 32-50� per hour).I do have a fiancee who is quite open for me to take assignments elsewhere..as long as I eventually come back. I don't want new assignments for the money, otherwise I would just stay here. I am in desperate need of a new challenge...even if it is for a year.
But, when I often read the forums or get job offers..it seems it is always for the younger ones who can do and will do just about anything to be in another country.
What is your suggestion???

Thank you,
Kimberly Railla[/b]

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

Does your fiancee plan to go with you?
How much money (US$) are you willing to accept?
What sort of teaching have you done, and what are you willing/unwilling to do?

tedkarma · Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2006 12:29 am Post subject:

I hear a tone of worry about your age. Don't worry about it. I started in Korea at 42 (looked 50!).

Then - Glenski's questions are important for people to help you.

nomadykaty · Joined: 03 May 2004 Posts: 60

The age thing seems to be more related to experience or lack of it.

If you've got experience say in teaching ESP in Germany for the last 6 years (for example), you'll have no problem.

Like Ted has said in of number of his posts, he did it.

It's a matter of what skills you have, where you want to go, and how much you want to make.

saint57 · Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2006 10:22 am Post subject:

I worked at a sheetazz language school in Korea and the "head teacher" was an absolutely huge 45 year old witch. I'm sure the children had nightmares about her. I know I did!

In China, I worked at a nice school with an older dude who was about 60ish. He was super cool and the school didn't mind having him one little bit.

At my current school in Malaysia, age wouldn't even be considered in the hiring process. If anything, they'd be happy to have more teachers come out of retirement to teach for them.

The age factor will only come into play at the worst of the worst schools.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

You're getting between 40 and 75 dollars an hour in Germany for privates.

If you look at the salaries elswhere you will find you will earn much, much less elsewhere. Think as low as $6-12 an hour.

The only place I could think of where you would do OK financially is Korea. It would also remind you of Germany; they drink beer, eat cabbage and the weather is abysmal.

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

saint57 · Posted: Thu Nov 23, 2006 11:30 am Post subject:

jillford64 · Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 397 Location: Sin City

Don't worry about your age. I started at age 43. I think schools appreciate someone with a little more maturity. Well, maybe it depends on the country. I'm in Mexico and it isn't a problem.

White_Elephant · Joined: 02 Sep 2006 Posts: 175

christee · Joined: 22 Nov 2006 Posts: 17

You should think about trying to get a job in an international school in another country if you want a change. Not all require a teacher's certificate. The only thing is that they often want to hire "younger" people, so that fact that you look younger than you are would be an advantage that you'd want to draw attention to.