Job Discussion Forums

[littlebadmonkey]

I just wanted to see if there was anyone else out there who is considering going into TEFL because they are unable to find employment in their country. I have been unemployed for awhile now and it seems like TEFL is my only option. I have only had one interview in approx 4 months. I don't feel I was given an offer because I was super qualified and the employer was looking more for a lifer.

I do love traveling so I see this as an opportunity to travel more. I initially wanted to stay in Europe longer this past summer to teach english as a way to travel more. Looking back I should have stayed given how drastically the US economy has dropped.

I might even consider obtaining a second degree online part time from an american uni or eventually enrolling into an international business school. Then hopefully move back to the US "when" the economy starts to recover.

Anyone else out there in the same boat as me?

[BenE]

I am. I tried applying for jobs as the crash happened and watched how the job market just dried up in the space of 3 weeks. There is very little work now. Luckily I managed to get a job as a night porter in a hotel which is full time. I wouldn't however, see it as a long term solution. Therefore I've decided to take a CELTA and see different parts of the world.

[naturegirl321]

I'm trying to convince my brother to go into TEFL, he's been without work for four months as well. But he's going to hold out and try grad school

[readytotravel]

I have a job in banking, but I hate it and who knows how long it will last anyway. I am starting a Masters program in TESOL because it is what I've always wanted to do and now seems as good a time as any to start.

[spiral78]

People, TEFL is not the panacea to the tightening global economy. Economies in foreign countries are not more stable than those in North America or the UK. You'll find pretty much only subsistence level jobs, with newbie quals- and the job market is only getting tighter.

I am not saying 'don't go.' But I AM saying - it's not a panacea!!!

Actually, readytotravel seems like a GOOD candidate - willing to put in a lot of extra effort.

But this thread might cause a lot of lesser-qualified newbs to think that there is some pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It's not there.

[readytotravel]

About 15 years ago, I took a four week course in TESL, and landed a job in Cali, Colombia (actually I was offered the job prior to the course as I had a background in experiential education). I was not pleased with the working conditions, so I didn't last long and returned to my job with Outward Bound School. I do hope a Masters will provide me with a decent paying job and good living conditions overseas. If not, oh well, my 401k is gone for now, so I've nothing to lose by getting an education!

[denise]

[sharpe88]

Many people have this problem of only going for the kind of job they did before, and their field is too saturated. Sometimes you have to re-invent yourself

[Marcoregano]

It's true that you won't make a fortune out of TEFL (unless your name's Dave!), but teaching abroad - even if you only break even - surely beats sitting around back home waiting for something to happen.

[BenE]

[Glenski]

[scot47]

As the world falls into the New Great Recession we are seeing hordes of investment consultants and Manhattan lawyers flock into TESOL.

[Nabby Adams]

There is an idea in evolution that it is the weakest frogs in the pond that decide they can't hack it and bugger off.
Most of them still fail to find a better pond, and some do find a better pond but still perish due to their aformentioned weaknesses.
Some though are lucky and go on to find much better and uninhabited pools of water where they flourish.

This has been the mainstay of TEFLers for as long as there has been TEFL.

I've yet to meet an Alpha frog in the world of TEFL, though I have met some who falsely believe that their recent successes were due to them being so.

[JZer]

[denise]