Job Discussion Forums

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

Hi All,

I have been inspired by the Hobos who criss-crossed different nations from the 1860's to 1950's, building the countries' railroads, doing odd-jobs, living the bon-vivant vagabond lifestyle.

At times I see TEFLers as the new global Hobos!
No offense to any of the upper eschelons of the industry but I think the majority of this wonderful society moves from place to place, one contract to another, never knowing where they will end up next, but sure that they would rather be somewhere else, hahahahaha.

I am working on writing an ESL Hobos Code of Ethics or perhaps if you would rather, A TEFLers Code of Ethics, something we can pass on to children and grand-children who follow in our footsteps, an ever changing guide to the guts and glory of world travel and ESL teaching.

Any Suggestions?

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

ESL Hobo Code of Ethics:
1) Always leave your school a better place for the next TEFLer.
2) Leave secret symbols and markings on inconspicuous surfaces in schools describing the type of management, hahahaha.

Anyway part of this can be serious or just have fun putting crazy ideas...

The ESL Hobo
"Hopping the next train, plane, bicycle or bus to anywhere. Always looking for the next contract. Being faithful to the ESL Hobo Code of Ethics."

Mike_2007 · Joined: 24 Apr 2007 Posts: 349 Location: Bucharest, Romania

The Littlest TEFLer

There's a voice that keeps on calling me, down the pub, that's where I'll always be. Every job I take, I make a new friend, then nick his cash and pawn his stuff and I'm off again. Maybe tomorrow I'll wanna settle down, but until tomorrow, I'm a native-speaking clown.

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

Very nize.
Poetry.

Hey, ...where's my wallet and my stuff...HEYYYYY..
come back here...(Channeling Sam Kennison)

HEYYYY....Come back here you ESL Leprochaun...
raises fist to the sky...turns back into the pub to retreive his backpack.

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 12:19 pm Post subject:

If you're channeling brother Sam, it would be "AHHHHHHHHH" rather than "hey." Wink

For hobos in our field- rely on those who came before to tell you where to find what you need. Your fellow teachers know what you're going through, and what you're looking for. Management doesn't. But a senior teacher can always tell you where the bars are, what the exchange rate is, which students are going to come on to you...

Be kind to newbies who follow you.

Justin

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

I stand corrected: AHHHHHHHHHHH Surprised

3) Be kind to newbies(Justin Trullinger).

good one, thanks, this one will go into the books.

4)???

Nmber four, anyone?

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 5:58 am Post subject:

I think really it should be

AHHHHHHHHHHHH Twisted Evil

Justin

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

L*M*F*A*O*
Laughing

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

Rule number 4:
When jungling (hobo term for congregating in one place, could be applied to sharing accommodations)with other TEFLers pick up after yourself in the common areas.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 11:18 am Post subject:

Perhaps the Hobo ESL Code of Ethics could be summed up by this more general code, devised by Henry James:

�Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.�

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

I totally agree:A great quote by Henry James.
Yet if one googles the Hobo code of ethics there are a few by-laws that need to be spelled out in detail. It's like saying, Be kind,be kind , be kind will solve all ethics without discussing the details.

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

With due respect johnslat, its like someone walking into their ethics class at harvard, hearing the professor make this quote from Henry James and saying, "Class is dismissed for the semester, just remember, be kind, and you pass.

Obviously there is much more to it than that, is there not?

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

If you must pull a runner, think about the aftermath: the other teachers will have more work covering for your classes; management may take out their anger on the colleagues you're leaving behind; overall, the reputation of your colleagues and the field will suffer a bit. Be as considerate as possible when breaking a contract! Give notice, clean out your flat if it's provided by the school, don't do any last-minute pranks to get revenge on the school...

Basically, don't be selfish. Who knows? The next job you get offered may be as a replacement for someone else who pulled a runner, and you will get stuck dealing with the aftermath.

d

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

5) If you must pull a runner think about the aftermath. (Denise)

very true, dont leave commards in the lurch.

I am lifting this one from the Hobo code of Ethics:

6) Don't get really drunk more than once every few months, LOL.

Gav22 · Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 25

ESL: HOBO'S code of ethics

this is the one i live by :- Have compassion and love for others, and do what thou wilt.