Job Discussion Forums

AndyH · Joined: 30 Sep 2004 Posts: 417

I came to Asia when i was 35, and have had the time of my life. I'm 39 now, and because I have to start thinking about the future, I'll return to the US in a few months.
33 is still definitely young!

Strangegloves · Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 7

Thanks Andy. So what's next? Teaching job or something different?

AndyH · Joined: 30 Sep 2004 Posts: 417

Since I have a wife (Japanese) and baby to support, I will most likely go back to my previous occupation (parole and probation officer), since that's the most likely means of being able to provide for them. The job has a lot of negativity, but pay and benefits are okay, and I'm fairly confident of being able to land a job quickly.
If I decide I want a change, i'll consider going back to school after a year or two.
In many ways, I'd love to stay in Japan, but I just don't see ESL being a long-term career.

Strangegloves · Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 7

Good stuff. I know what you mean about the career. I met some very smart/ interesting folks who taught in uni's in Japan but I just don't think it's for me. I'm just not interested enough in the English language Sad

although I enjoy the teaching/ people aspect.

There again, I've been mulling over doing an MA for a couple of years now and I just can't pin down a subject that 1) I really want to study and 2) will lead to some decent opportunities (ie interest vs opportunity balance!)

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Strangegloves, an MA can lead to better opportunities for work. You just need to bear down and have some spare cash.

Andy, I would have to disagree about ESL not being a long term career. As long as you have the right qualifications, it can be. I am supporting a family and have been for quite a few years, but you need either a masters or a teacher's certificate and be in an int'l school. Otherwise, you are right, ESL is for single people.

AndyH · Joined: 30 Sep 2004 Posts: 417

I agree with you Gordon.
Unfortunately, all I have is a BA (International Studies & Political Science).
Actually, I have a good friend with the same qualifications and experience as mine, who recently landed an excellent, long-term job with a company which provides ESL classes to professionals.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

supervisor133 · Joined: 24 Oct 2006 Posts: 35 Location: Australia

I agree with Gordon. It didn't begin as a long-term career for me but over the past few years I've steadily increased my qualifications and experience so that my choices are greatly expanded for when I return overseas.

As for worrying about the future? Well, while I'm younger than the OP, I can empathise and feel that if you are going to do this long-term then the only way to go is to better qualify yourself. Even if this means returning home for a brief stay to do a CELTA or GradDip in Ed.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

supervisor133 · Joined: 24 Oct 2006 Posts: 35 Location: Australia

That's true, I forgot that you can do CELTA even in Japan. And yup, I'll be doing my Masters via distance from Uni of Qld it seems. Though it'll take a long time when I'm paying per subject!!