Job Discussion Forums

[Precise]

I agree that the interned has decreased the quality of teaching because so many people have access to job ads now that they just send their resume and pray. A lot of westerners, myself included, have had fantasies about the beauty of Japan, and many of us this that it is one of the only places in the world to find true happiness. Some may be right and some may be wrong but I think what separates the two is how much research one actually does before coming. It's not wise to move to any foreign country purely on the fantasy that you will find what you have always missed elsewhere.

If you're going to come to Japan to teach (like I'm planning on doing), I would reccomend doing some research about the whole situation there including work and play. It's also a good idea to get your ducks in a row in your home country so you don't have to worry too much about what you're leaving behind.

I've recently used the interned to check out some J-Jobs and I've sent some resumes. I have a degree, an open mind, and a desire to come to Japan but I won't go on a whim. It's important for me to be as sure as I can be before embarking on a life changing journey for a year. My advice to anybody wanting to teach English in Japan is to use the internet first to research before accepting any jobs.

[markle]

[MrCAPiTUL]

Markle, where do you assume I haven't been to Japan? Granted, I have not taught ESL there. Having that said, I have been following the industry. You don't have to work it to know about it and see what direction it is headed in. I never worked for the Energy Industry yet I know its yeilding ridiculous profits and that Enron faced corporate scandal to the likes of which destroyed the company. As a certified teacher here in the States, I DID look into teaching in Japan. But, ultimately I decided what I really wanted to do was Business. I decided to go a different route. My points are still valid. Nonetheless, I welcome any counter points you have to challenge my statements. No harm no foul.

Also, the internet has been around for some time now, but it didnt' gain notoriety until about 95 when NSF ended its sponsorship and it became fully commercialized (the net). The poll and the question I asked in the thread are kind of unrelated. I was curious how people found their jobs overseas prior to the net gaining popularity, which made me question the impact the net had on the profession.

[MrCAPiTUL]

PS Markle:

BS.Dos. wrote:
Would I be right in thinking that a teaching post in Japan is not nearly as good as it used to be, and that maybe I should give serious consideration to applying for a post in say, China?

Markle Said:
You would be right in thinking that, but it doesn't mean that it still isn't worth it. In fact I don't think there is anywhere in ESL where it isn't "as good as it used to be". In some ways China is booming but I suspect that after the Olympics things will drop off a bit.



Ummm, doesn't this kind of go in line with what I said? If it isn't as good as it used to be, how can you say it isn't stagnant or in regression??

[canuck]

[MrCAPiTUL]

Good one Canuck.




PS - that "quote" was from a different thread. Hitting quote wouldn't automatically end up placing it in this thread. I'd have to have copy and pasted anyway. Easier just to do it from jump.

Again I:

[Precise]

[TokyoLiz]

Once again, Glenski has responded much the way I would if I had the time to post such a long and detailed message. Cheers, Glenski.

To MrCAPiTUL, what Glenski said.

The Internet is just a tool of the job market, nothing more. Communications are merely faster than they used to be.

The uni jobs have been in decline for a decade, no news there.