Job Discussion Forums

[MattElz]

I am planning on (strongly considering) teaching in Japan later this year. While I am uncertain whether I want to go into teaching as a career in the long-run, I am going to take this endeavor seriously - I'm going to try and use the experience to see what it's like to teach, to try and learn some japanese, and to experience life in another culture.

Lately, however, people have been saying that if I do this (I am 25) - when I come back to the US - no one will want to hire me. The way they make it sound, I'll be viewed like some kind of a disabled veteran. Is this an accurate picture of what I have to look forward to? Is this such a grave mistake? I mean, I'm only 25 (!)

[unchi pants]

It really depends on what career you wish to pursue when you get back to the states.

[dove]

This fear about not being employable when returning from a stint working or travelling abroad for an extended period of time is something I have seen discussed on numerous internet forums (notably Craig's List). I guess people are so scared about the current economic doldrums and high unemployment. No one wants to ruin their future chances. I understand that. But I won't live like that. I won't put aside my dreams because of what someone in Human Resources MIGHT think about me a few years down the line. The fear is that they might think I am flighty and unstable because I chose to work abroad. But maybe someone might think I am courageous and resourceful, willing to face challenges. Who knows for sure? Do you really want to direct the course of your life by the fear of how you MIGHT be perceived? I only speak for myself. But I am just not willing to live in fear. I don't have the time for any more regrets. Do you?
By the way, a lot of pessimism, negativity, and nay-saying prevails these days. Be careful, especially on internet forums. Set your own course.

[denise]

I can't speak from personal experience since this is a career for me, but I agree with Dove. I've actually heard that a stint teaching abroad can really make your resume stand out--it shows that you are independent, adaptable, and a whole host of other buzzwords. It probably does depend a lot on what field you're interested in back home, but regardless of your future career, I'm sure that a well-written resume can really give a positive spin to your teaching experience.

d

[avahanian]

[Laura C]

Totally agree with Denise and Dove. Employers have always been positive about my travelling, and it makes for easy interviews too -- they just ask about Tokyo etc and soon we are all laughing and talking. When I came back from Japan, Oz etc, I worked in a community arts centre for 6 months, then worked with homeless people, mainly young women, for three years. Totally unrelated to TEFL, yet I could tell at my interview that my travelling and teaching was something the interviewers liked about me. One even told me that she wished she'd had the guts when younger to do what I did.

Go for it. Worst case scenario: your future boss is knowledgeable enough about teaching in Japan to know that it is possible to do this with no teaching experience or qualifications. So what. You still packed up everything and went off to another country where you probably didn't speak the language on arrival -- showing initiative, courage, flexibility, willingness to try new things.

You taught 25 classes a week, probably a range of students from kids to pensioners -- adaptability, stamina, self-confidence, ability to get on well with others.

And of course you learned the language, something about the culture (maybe you learnt Japanese cooking, or martial arts...), and had a great time despite occasional problems -- willingness to try new things, positivity, working under pressure, overcoming problems, teamwork, adaptability again...who wouldn't want to hire you!

And hey, you might find when you get back (as happened to me) that you don't want to stay in your home country and climb the career ladder. Not when the whole world is beckoning...And as you say, you're only 25 -- don't even think about careers yet! Going travelling will have such a big, postive, effect on anyone that their previous plans will probably change.

Regretting not leaving is likely; regretting going is not. Gambatte,

L

[khmerhit]

Great post Laura C. When I was in Cambodia I met an irish guy who was passing thru from Japan. He had been working in business there-- events planning I think--- but he had decided to chuck it in to become a Japanese potter. Which just goes to show you how travel changes your plans!! Don't stay at home!!

[TokyoLiz]

khmerhit said it - you never know what path you might find yourself on when you travel to another country to work.

I too am a career teacher, and of course, my time teaching abroad shines on my resume. But no matter what you find yourself doing, an employer will be impressed with someone who has demonstrated drive - someone who was willing to pursue their interests, even across oceans, languages and cultures.

To add to Laura C's list of things to learn - communication skills, diplomacy, cultural sensitivity, organizational skills, a sense of your own role in the global marketplace, independent thinking, flexibilityand leadership skills. Those are only some of the things you can gain by working in any country other than your own.

[Gordon]

One further aspest an employer will loook at is the amount of time you spent working at each job. I know I did. If you're changing jobs every 6 months or none of your jobs last more than a year, than they may not want to hire you. No one likes to hire people and employers don't want to have to replace you in 6 or 8 months.

[denise]

[TokyoLiz]

If you're intending to make a career of teaching, 2-5 year stints in different countries wouldn't make an employer think you're flighty. Two years is solid, I think.

Would you folk say so?

Perhaps it's different in other job markets - I'll eventually return to Canada's wet - oops, er...west coast where ESL is a big industry still.

[Gordon]

I think 2 years with one employer is solid. I don't think the number of countries matters so much. I think 6 months doesn't look so good, even if it is a 6 month contract. The time frame just doesn't look long enough for employers.