Job Discussion Forums

[Blingcosa]

I'm just starting out in this game and barely 30 years of age. My plan is to visit as many developing countries as possible, and go with the one I like the best. Preferably one with warm weather and a nice slow pace of life. South east asia, Africa or the Pacific Islands appeal.

[Sadebugo]

In the beginning of my EFL career (15 years ago), I thought I would love to retire in a foreign country and continue the high of living overseas. However, what I realized over the years was that I missed the conveniences of my home country and needed that as well. So, what I think I will do is keep my house here in Texas but simply travel as I feel the need which is pretty much what I do now. With our skills as EFL instructors, that traveling is made easier by being able to get a temporary job in almost any country in the world. I tell you, it's a great life!

Sadebugo
http://travldawrld.blogspot.com/

[Nabby Adams]

[jdl]

Sadebugo,

It is a great life as you say....never really retire..... just rest for a bit from time to time. Home base for me would involve a trimester plan where for 4 months at a time I would be somewhere is Asia/ME, the Caribbean and Continental North America. Kinda general eh??? But if home is where you die then I guess it will be in a bush cabin on Reindeer Lake?....In a rum shop on Grenada.....in 20 metres of water off the coast of Oman.... In the Texas hill country????It is all too good and such choices.

You have it right...travel at will.

[Sadebugo]

[naturegirl321]

Romania. I'm going to get revenge and open a hostel

[kazachka]

Well, I came to Russia to save to buy a house back in South Central Alaska. I had an opportunity to buy a flat here in 2002 before the market went through the roof,and waited a yr so that I could finish my MA. Well, by then it was too late and things went through the roof here. So, I figured I'd work here during my 30s and go back and pay cash for a house (or take out a small mortgage). Things were going fine til the Crisis hit last winter. I have six more yrs to work to FULL retirement in Alaska as I'm already vested in the system. I have 10 on paper left to work officially, BUT have close to a year's sick lv. saved up + I will accept a 3 yr buyout. So, in reality, it's six years. I sent my paperwork to Alaska in the spring w/ letter of intent to return to employment. If 100%FTE is on the books for next year, I go. I've got enough to make a nice down payment at this point and really don't want to risk inflation and increasing instability sucking it down. I'd planned to stay a few more years, but have decided stability rules at this point I'm not getting any younger either as I just turned 35. I'd like to retire while I still have some life left in me not clear the hell into my 50s or 60s when quality of life is heading into the toilet and you can't enjoy it. I'll buy smthg in the Anchorage area. The first 165000$ of house is porperty tax free to retirees in this area and I'm not meant to live in a warm climate. I love the mountains and Anchorage is nice. I am going to have serious issues readjusting to life in the US and am dreading this.

[naturegirl321]

YOu-re only 35 and you can retire when you-re 41? Wow, how-d you do that?

What issues are you going to have when moving back?

[guty]

How many other 'professions' have forums where people who are experienced, dedicated, trained and qualified have to discuss which 3rd world country they can afford to retire to? Or talk bravely about never stopping work?

The tefl life can bring a kind of self-imposed exile. Dont misunderstand me, I was a tefl teacher for 15 years, loved it and did OK financially, but I only started making a real contribution to my retirement after I left it.

Aside from those based long term in Japan or the Gulf, many long term efl teachers could find retirement a very hard time of their lives.

To ask my question again, are there other professions which reward their members in the same way?

[GambateBingBangBOOM]

[Nabby Adams]

What are you talking about? A driving instuctor requirs more training than TEFL teaching. You talk as if TEFL were "a profession" whereas it's semi skilled labour.

I'd still rather spend my working life living around the world and relatively stress free, and lets be honest not exactly busting a gut than to spend my life working in one boring city to build up a retirement fund. How many other "professions" allow a 22 year old to rock up in a new country and find paid work within a week? It's costs and benefits my friend costs and benefits.

[norwalkesl]

I spent the last year retired living off my savings.

Complete dullardry. I need to work, a healthy non-USA balance. In the States people work 50 or 51 weeks a year, forever. They hold onto the dream of retirement. I happily discovered that it would be hell for me, learned this early at age 47. Total boredom, playing bridge, socialising with 60 to 80 year old people who think act and live old.

For me, 3 or 4 months off a year and a job is best. More time than that and I drift and become unhappy. Travel, see the world, take trains everywhere, make friends all over the planet.

So many TEFL'ers are cut from that cloth that we lose sight of the fact that 98% of people stay put, retire, live lives of quiet desperation. I think many of us forget the benefits, get cynical and jaded. This life is The Dream, although many consider it Purgatory.

As someone who did the high-powered 9-5 (actually its 6:30a to 7:30p) corporate gig, I vastly prefer TEFL.

Money is very overrated when it comes at the expense of ones health and happiness.

In the US one can retire at 62 or 65. Just teach until then and collect your SSI. That $1,000 to $2,000 will go very far in the usual locations. Then you can teach a few hours a week for fun.

[Harvey]

[kazachka]

[kazachka]