Job Discussion Forums

wildnfree · Joined: 14 Jun 2005 Posts: 134

I posted this in another thread but realized it should probably be here:
Waring:This is a long and philosophical post...

So on an extended holiday from my ESL, and having recently celebrated my 30th birthday, I have come to a dilema - leave the ESL world and establish a career in my home country, or continue with the esl buzz.

I must admit that ESL teaching doesnt arouse passion in me, never has - but that buzz I get from working and living in a foreign country does. I have been in ESL teaching for over 6 years now (worked mainly in Hong Kong and Spain, have lived in Cuba) but am starting to question my choices. For example, we dont get superannuation, our industry is low-paid with often little job security. That's great in your 20s, but later on, is that instability worth it?

With my recent birthday, Ive started thing about the need to buy a house and secure myself financially to not always be paying rent in crappy places or living with my folks (who welcome me, but im not 15 anymore!) . That would mean settling down and changing careers (to have a stable teaching job in Australia, I would need a graduate diploma in education to enter a high school, unlike overseas - and the cost and time doesnt inspire me . I m thinking of pursuing options in other areas that interest me, such as environmental protection - but its a long haul as well changing one's career. Employers want to know why and might not understand.

So there is my dilema . I would be interested to know why people teach overseas if not for the love of teaching, and how they changed/adapted to life in their own country again, or those who decided to give it up.

Forgive my spelling, I havent wrote/spoke English like this since 2007

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2009 4:08 am Post subject:

Wow! Yer deep! Speaking of philosophy...what's the sound of one poster snoring?

NCTBA

P.s.- Happy Birthday

mozzar · Joined: 16 May 2009 Posts: 339 Location: France

I was thinking about how hard it must be to make a career out of ESL. Once you have your masters, you've got a better paid job but surely that's not for the full year? Do you have to work your way up an organisation, become less of a teacher and more of a manager? Or is it possible to still keep teaching ESL for life?

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

marg252 · Joined: 25 Mar 2007 Posts: 55

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Well, we're still in a recession, so in terms of just applying for jobs, perhaps you're better sticking with Tefl. Alternatively, if you're willing to take a relevant degree or training course, with a view of applying for something in a few years time, why not take a career choice test. My free one is www.careersteer.org (Do note: before I went abroad, I was a careers adviser and occupational psychologist, and the test does have a serious reputation.)

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

I agree with Glenski. After living in my third country, this time for a 'short' 12 years, I feel fairly settled down. That and I picked up a 'wife' and part of a house, so I guess ESL and settling down are not mutually exclusive. Razz

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

I suggest changing jobs. I'm tutoring and in March will start at a kindergarten. I'm hoping a different enviroment will challenge me and get rid of the monotomy.