Job Discussion Forums

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

Some people just come and never leave (or do not leave for a long, long time).

I am in my 13th year in Japan. I make very good money, and like Glenski am constantly looking for different ways to help my students learn. Sometimes it's setting different tasks, or different ways to attempt the same tasks, etc.

Yes, like any job it has its trying days, but it isn't any more boring than any other job I've had (and I read a lot more on the Internet for this job than my others, though in defense of my other jobs the Internet didn't really exist for some of them), so it's been a 'real' education for me as well.

And contrary to what Deicide declared, people can and do learn languages (I hope we're not going to hear another acquisition versus learning lecture, I fear one is waiting in the wings Cool

) and there is a real need for language teachers.

Deicide · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:15 pm Post subject:

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

Some people stay in TEFL because they like it. Some people make conscious decisions about staying in a job/country or moving on to a new one. Some people, even in the Middle East, spend quite a lot of time socializing with friends, developing hobbies, sipping warm beverages in cafes, going out to bars, dating, learning new teaching skills...

And some don't.

d

Deicide · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:10 pm Post subject:

johnslat · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:26 pm Post subject:

Dear Deicide,

"What on earth is there to like about TEFL . . ."

Or do you mean, "What on earth is there to like about teaching?" since TEFL, in my experience, is very similar to any other teaching job?

You either like it or you don't. And, if you don't, than, of course, the best course of action would be to try to find some other employment where you can find satisfaction that goes beyond the salary (unless, of course, the salary is the only criterion of satisfaction for you.)

Regards,
John

Deicide · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:29 pm Post subject:

johnslat · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:35 pm Post subject:

Dear Deicide,

I certainly hope you can achieve your desire. There are far too many people doing jobs they don't enjoy or even hate. And life is too short (or maybe too long) to waste so much of it that way.

I'm fortunate - I love teaching and I don't really consider it to be "work" (since, if you're doing something you love and getting paid for it in addition, that hardly seems like "work" to me.)

Regards,
John

norbdemn · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 128

Interesting thread here. If you are sick and tired of it, maybe you can get into the management side of the business or become a contributor to textbooks for ESL?? Or, if you've had enough, pursue a different field in the country you live in.

Anyway, you seem to have done well for yourself. I am also curious to know where you were teaching.

On another note, if you want to remain teaching but pursue another subject, maybe you may want to consider pursuing a credential. This is what I am doing. I live in CA, USA. I just passed the CBEST, I am considering getting a Math teaching credential. I am currently teaching Math to underprivillged students for a Non-profit.

You'll figure it out. Good Luck!

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124