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Ariadne
Joined: 16 Jul 2004
Posts: 960
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 Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 5:49 pm Post subject: |
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johnslat..
I agree with you about the importance of kindness.
Why use a harsh word when a gentle one could be even more effective? Why not smile at folks instead of frowning? Why not let people keep their dignity instead of embarrassing them? A word of encouragement or praise can mean so much to someone who gets little of either. Even a simple greeting can make a day a better day.
I try to be kind to people, and people are (usually) kind to me. It's that way everywhere I've been.
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Justin Trullinger
Joined: 28 Jan 2005
Posts: 3110
Location: Seoul, South Korea and Myanmar for a bit
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| Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 6:01 pm Post subject: |
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And, one of my favorite quotes - from Henry James:
"Three things in life are important: one is to be kind, the second is to be kind, and the third is to be kind."
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Thanks John.
Kurt Vonnegut paraphrased it this way (In "God Bless You, Mr Rosewater"):
"God Dammit, you've GOT to be kind."
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Perhaps a 'real job' is one which is permanent (i.e not one with a 1 year rolling contract with a 1 year renewable visa etc). |
I think this is what a lot of people MEAN by a "real job." But I think they're missing quite a few tricks in understanding the world. How many people do you all know who HAD "real jobs," by this definition, and lost them?
Best,
Justin |
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JZer
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh
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| Posted: Mon May 04, 2009 10:17 pm Post subject: |
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I think this is what a lot of people MEAN by a "real job." But I think they're missing quite a few tricks in understanding the world. How many people do you all know who HAD "real jobs," by this definition, and lost them? |
Yes, that is the funny thing. I love when people in Taiwan talk about getting a career or real job. They lose their jobs and I still have work. It may not be this way forever but currently there is always English teaching work in Taipei.
My American classmate in my Chinese class recently said something interesting. I am not sure who he quoted, " The only constant is change."
This would seem to lend itself to not believing in that mythical real job. Sort of like that mythical pension that some people believe will definitely be there. |
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Mexicobound
Joined: 09 Apr 2009
Posts: 120
Location: In Texas but ready to roam again
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| Posted: Tue May 05, 2009 12:33 am Post subject: |
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[quote="JZer"]
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My American classmate in my Chinese class recently said something interesting. I am not sure who he quoted, " The only constant is change."
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It was a science fiction writer named Isaac Asimov.
Here is the full quote:
The only constant is change, continuing change, inevitable change, that is the dominant factor in society today. No sensible decision can be made any longer without taking into account not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be.
� Isaac Asimov |
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JZer
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh
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| Posted: Tue May 05, 2009 2:19 am Post subject: |
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1. Go with your instincts. When you are torn between what's practical and pragmatic and what you heart/gut tell you, go with the heart/gut. You may
not get rich, but I think you'll have fewer regrets. |
johnslat,
So you are telling me that I should do that M.A. in Taiwanese Studies that I have an itching to do even though it will probably have no practical use in the future. |
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johnslat
Joined: 21 Jan 2003
Posts: 13859
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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| Posted: Tue May 05, 2009 2:32 am Post subject: |
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Dear JZer,
Ah well, that's up to you, of course. You can either do it or spend the rest of your life wondering what your life would be like if you'd done it.
" . . . even though it will probably have no practical use in the future."
That's one of the (many) funny things about life; you never really know what
will be important in the future. For example, I put my profile on Yahoo nine years ago, looking for a pen pal when I was in Saudi. I didn't expect much to come of it. I've been very happily married now for almost five years to the lady in Santa Fe who responded.
You just never know.
Regards,
John |
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JZer
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh
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| Posted: Tue May 05, 2009 5:03 am Post subject: |
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| Ah well, that's up to you, of course. You can either do it or spend the rest of your life wondering what your life would be like if you'd done it. |
Yes, of course it is up to me. I am just interested in other people's reactions and expereinces. |
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gungediana
Joined: 06 Apr 2009
Posts: 82
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| Posted: Wed May 06, 2009 5:56 pm Post subject: |
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I have a similar problem JZer as I'm not sure to what extent my MA in TESOL will help me in the jobs market, especially at home.
But I'm going to do it, despite all the self-doubt I feel sometimes.
If you really like Taiwan, it's culture and it's people so much, go with your intuition and do it!
Like Johnslat alluded to, it may open new doors for you which you never even imagined.
Good luck! |
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gaijinalways
Joined: 29 Nov 2005
Posts: 2279
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| Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 7:06 am Post subject: |
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| I have a similar problem JZer as I'm not sure to what extent my MA in TESOL will help me in the jobs market, especially at home. |
It can be helpful for esl/efl jobs. I could have taken a job back home already, but my wife (and myself to some degree) was not prepared for the pay cut. That of course means comparing Japan to a comparable job in the US.
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| If you really like Taiwan, it's culture and it's people so much, go with your intuition and do it! |
Taiwan is a lot of fun. If the pollution at the time I was living there in Taipei had not been such a bad problem, I might still be there. |
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gungediana
Joined: 06 Apr 2009
Posts: 82
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| Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 12:19 pm Post subject: |
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Gaijinalways I hope you're making an understatement when you say that a Masters TESOL can be helpful in the ESL job market.
The reason why I'm doing it is because I expect to greatly increase my employability within ESL.
I'm just not sure that there are many good jobs back home that's all. |
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gungediana
Joined: 06 Apr 2009
Posts: 82
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| Posted: Thu May 07, 2009 12:21 pm Post subject: |
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Gaijinalways I hope you're making an understatement when you say that a Masters TESOL can be helpful in the ESL job market.
The reason why I'm doing it is because I expect to greatly increase my employability within ESL.
I'm just not sure that there are many good jobs back home that's all. |
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DoubleDutch
Joined: 01 Apr 2009
Posts: 51
Location: China
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| Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 2:08 am Post subject: |
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| johnslat wrote: |
I got into EFL because I wanted to see some more of the world than the USA. [...]
You get only ONE chance to see this world (to the best of my knowledge), but what confounds me is how relatively few people seem to be interested.
Reminds me of that great line from "Auntie Mame"
"Yes! Live! Life's a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!" |
This is exactly what is drawing me to TEFL as well. There is a whole world out there, waiting to be explored!
I have lived in several other countries already, and those have been some of the best, the most enriching, experiences I've had so far. Now that I have the opportunity again, I want to do more, go further! |
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BocaNY
Joined: 24 Mar 2009
Posts: 131
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| Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 3:35 am Post subject: |
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Well for me it is definitely that "the grass is greener". I am sick of the materialistic lifestyle of the States. When I was volunteering in South America life just seemed more simple, peaceful and with what seemed more genuine people. For that reason and wanting to see more of the world and experience life more I am going into ESL.
As for the whole "real job" thing. I don't think most people think it has to do with how long you have been at the job but more about what position or job you have. I worked as a receptionist for 3 years with the same company and made good money. But according to my sister I have never held a real job in my life especially since I have a BA.
Ironically though even though one makes less as a teacher to her that qualifies as a "real job". Go figure
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JZer
Joined: 16 Jan 2005
Posts: 3898
Location: Pittsburgh
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| Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 3:54 am Post subject: |
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| Well for me it is definitely that "the grass is greener". I am sick of the materialistic lifestyle of the States. When I was volunteering in South America life just seemed more simple, peaceful and with what seemed more genuine people. For that reason and wanting to see more of the world and experience life more I am going into ESL. |
Then make sure you don't go work in Japan, China, or South Korea. You might be in your own bubble and escape the materialistic world but it exist for most Asian people in the richer Asian countries. |
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Marcoregano
Joined: 19 May 2003
Posts: 872
Location: Hong Kong
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| Posted: Wed May 13, 2009 6:31 am Post subject: |
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| JZer wrote: |
| Then make sure you don't go work in Japan, China, or South Korea. You might be in your own bubble and escape the materialistic world but it exist for most Asian people in the richer Asian countries. |
I mostly agree. If you want to enjoy the simple pleasures in life, it's best to target the less developed countries where they don't have the hang-ups you tend to find in more developed countries. Having said that, I'd say you can still find 'the simple life' in rural parts of South Korea and China, if not in Japan. |
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