Job Discussion Forums

Bobigirl · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Posts: 10

Hi all,

I don't know if anyone can help but my friend and I are moving to Playa in October and will be looking for teaching jobs. Can anyone offer any advice? Anywhere to look? Any ideas?

Thanks for reading,

B

geaaronson · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 948 Location: Mexico City

Keep in mind that many of those beach resort areas are high priority destination points for foreign teachers and the competition is fierce for teaching positions. I spent a year in Merida before being offered a full time gig.

Bobigirl · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Posts: 10

Thank you for that, it's good to have some info. To be honest, we aren't too worried about doing bits and pieces, but also don't mind moving away. We just wondered if there are any agencies or websites we should look on, it's quite hard trying to find anything from here!

Prof.Gringo · Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 12:46 pm Post subject:

Samantha · Joined: 25 Oct 2003 Posts: 2038 Location: Mexican Riviera

Prof Gringo wrote:

Bobigirl · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Posts: 10

Thanks for your advice guys, although I now feel totally depressed. Ah well, there's always London. Crying or Very sad

notamiss · Posted: Fri Jun 12, 2009 12:14 am Post subject:

But you said you don�t mind moving away. Did you mean that you would consider moving inland to another Mexican city? There are many opportunities once you give up on the idea of living in a beach town.

sweeney66 · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 147 Location: "home"

I would avoid " Collegio Ingles" in Playa.
Honestly, I would advise you to look elsewhere in Mexico.
Playa del Carmen might be fun for vacation, but living there is expensive and problematic.
Experience speaking.

Bobigirl · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Posts: 10

Hi guys,

We are coming to PDC to do our CELTA at IH Riviera, then the world is our oyster! But we really want to spend some time in Mexico. We don't really mind where we go but would prefer the Yucutan area.

PlayadelSoul · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 346 Location: Playa del Carmen

I heard you were looking for me. Wink

I don't post on that other forum, any longer, because the owner is a complete tool.

As mentioned above, October is a tough time to find a job in Playa (or anywhere, for that matter). You can always hope that someone gets fired or quits, after a month. It happens when people find out that life here is no different than life anywhere else. Wake up, work, eat, work some more, go home, sleep, and repeat.

There are many private schools that are always looking for teachers. Some are good and some are not. Harmon Hall, where I work, is the only language institute in the area with a decent student population. Other schools exist, but mainly teach other languages (Berlitz, Playalingua, etc.). Some hotels have teachers on staff.

The Flu Frenzy of 2009 killed tourism for a bit, so we are all suffering. Things should be back to normal by October. You can always send me an email or PM, before you come. Finding a job, in Playa, is as much luck as it is skill. Timing is everything.

If you have any other questions, drop me a PM. I check in from time to time.

PlayadelSoul · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 346 Location: Playa del Carmen

BTW, Playa is what you make of it. It can be expensive, if you try to live like a tourist. It can also be inexpensive. Rents vary from 2500 to 15,000. Pay and hours vary. You can, as Samantha mentioned, earn 50 to 60 pesos an hour. That, however, is not the norm. I pay my teachers 94 an hour, to start. Some earn 120. Will you get rich? No. I don't know any teachers who expect to get rich, though. Is it worth it to work your butt off for that one day a week at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world? The answer to that question differs from person to person.

The people of Playa are pretty cool, as it is a very eclectic place. For example, at the present time, we have students from 16 different countries studying. There can be a lot of job satisfaction, as well, as you participate in the process of your students making a better life for themselves. I like it. Others go running home to mommy as soon as they run into a challenge. That is one reason why I won't hire a foreigner, until I meet them in person. I need to see if there is "fire" in the eyes. Very Happy

Bobigirl · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Posts: 10

Thanks Playadelsoul. You are putting my mind at rest now! I think we are definately in it for the longhaul and want to experience real life in Mexico, not the tourist life. You have given us some great advice, unlike THAT OTHER website you refered too, I am finding them rather aggressive, there are one or two pleasant peole, but they are few and far between!
We are not afraid of a challenge either, in fact, I think that's what we are hoping for. Saving money isn't top of our list either, we just need enough to live off. Having alittle extra to put towards a bit of traveling would be a plus.
Thanks again, it's good to have some encouraging feedback.

PlayadelSoul · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 346 Location: Playa del Carmen

I was curious, so I went and checked what advice you had gotten. Overall, it was pretty good, to be honest. Anyone who has moved to Playa (or Mexico, for that matter) should tell you the truth, warts and all. It can be a hard life, if you are not willing to adjust. So, take it into consideration. The owner of that site is a tool, but I know quite a few people who post there, and they would not steer you wrong.

Bobigirl · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Posts: 10

Yeah, it wasn't so much what they said but the way the said it. Everyone on here has been honest but have at least tried to put a positive spin on it!

sweeney66 · Joined: 26 Mar 2008 Posts: 147 Location: "home"

Well, it's a personal preference. Playa just wasn't my cup of tea, is all. I stayed on after the CELTA because I was offered a job. I later moved to Mexico City and just absolutely loved it there. I too wanted to experience the "real" Mexico, not a tourist area. But as you're doing the CELTA there, you'll see for yourself.
Best of luck!