Job Discussion Forums

dove · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 271 Location: USA/Japan

I teach business English at a few places, and there aren't any young (below 25) teachers. Most are over 30. Experience is definitely valued at these kind of jobs. I also think there is a fear that young teachers will request too much time off, call out sick because of a hangover, not follow the dress code, etc.

razorhideki · Joined: 19 Jan 2010 Posts: 78

OP: Forget what some have said here...if you're over 40, it's EXTREMELY difficult to get a teaching gig in Japan. Even if you do, it'll likely be a non-JET gig where you'll a) need 5 grand just to get set up b) make 250,000/mo., at best c) be worked to the point of exhaustion.

kokujin · Joined: 03 Mar 2010 Posts: 18

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

ShioriEigoKyoushi · Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 364 Location: Japan

razorhideki · Joined: 19 Jan 2010 Posts: 78

Glenski: All I was suggesting was that the majority of non-JET jobs have gone to crap in the last 15 years-regardless of your age. And if you're over 40, it'll be tough, starting out, to get even those gigs.

pnksweater · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 173 Location: Tokyo, Japan

So you have teaching credentials of some sort and 6 years experience? If you're willing to work with kids you might look into some of the "international" kindergartens. Most of the kids are Japanese, but English is the language of instruction. They require you to have a teaching background and experience with little kids. They pretty much hire only women, too. Real international schools might be happy to have you too, especially since you have experience teaching an actual subject (as opposed to conversation classes or business English). The pay is above average, and with international schools housing is often provided/arranged for you. I can not say how age will affect you in your applications. Most EFL teachers here are young. But I have met older individuals as well. Good luck!

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

It really varies, the age thing. Most of the people in uni make me feel young, and I'm close to 50!

As to JET, unless the policy has changed, some JETs were in their 30s (my friend was one of them) when they started!

flyer · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 539 Location: Sapporo Japan

Point taken, it does get harder as you get older but there are still plenty of companies that hire over 40 and even over 50. So if you are willing to take the chance there are jobs! But no one can tell you exactly "yes" or "no"! Its very much a school by school (or BOE / company) thing

I should add, that I think some places prefer a more mature teacher (??)
I know my BOE does!

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

Wonder83 · Joined: 04 Mar 2010 Posts: 23

Im 26 does this mean Im over the hill???? will I be babysitting all the young ones on my training course for Peppys??? Say it isnt sooooooooooooooooo I want some pals at least my age Confused

Oh well maybe it means I dont have to act my grand old age of 26 going on 27 Crying or Very sad

Any1 out there at least my age going to work for Peppys??????? Laughing

Imseriouslylost · Joined: 09 Nov 2009 Posts: 123 Location: Tokyo

lenoreelux · Joined: 30 Nov 2009 Posts: 44