Job Discussion Forums

[overhere]

Looking to retire at age 56 in a few years..would love to teach..I am an american, native speaker..have many years experience as a corporate trainer and also a couple years experience as a volunteer ESL instructor..I have also taught general business courses part time at a local college..Hold a JD and three unrelated masters. I am willing to obtain a CELTA.

From what i have been reading it seems Korea is not a realistic option due to the age issue..What about China? Can an older fellow land a job there? I would love to teach until I was 65 or so...I will be receiving a pension so salary isn't the most important issue but I do want some compensation.

Also are there any web sites specifically for older ESL teachers?

Thanks much!

[johntpartee]

No worries. You're going to get a lot of messages telling you about how many times this has been brought up in this forum. I'm 57 and I'm currently sifting through the job offers for fall term. There are teachers in China in their seventies (and eighties). Sites specifically for older teachers? Whaddya mean "old"? Hey, I can't be over the hill, I don't remember being on top!

[randyj]

In China it's really not a big problem outside the major urban centers. Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou are strict about the age of 60, and many schools advertise for ages less than that. I attended a job fair in Nanjing two weeks ago. Several job offers were forthcoming. I am 67 years old this year.

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

[Kurochan]

Hi --

There are a lot of schools that say they want people under 60 only, but in practice I think they ignore that if you are in good health. I taught a couple years ago with a guy who was seventy. At about that point the school told him they were only interested in offering him a six month contract.

Schools are afraid of health costs of older teachers with serious illness, being blamed by family members if something happens, etc. I'm guessing because Chinese people tend to ask for compensation money when someone is hurt/dies, the school might be afraid a foreign teacher's family would do the same thing, even if in reality the problems were due to age, not school negligence.

I'd say even if a school has an upper age limit, apply anyway.

[nickpellatt]

Dont worry...Im 90% sure I could get you a job at my place within the next month! I house share with a 62 year old woman, so there are some places that will take older teachers in China.

Im not in a major city though....so I cant speak for BJ/SH/SZ etc

[sojourner]

I can vouch for the above comments re "mature-aged" people finding teaching jobs here !

I will be turning 65 next month. Have been here for 7 years, and am hoping to stay on for another 5.5 years before "retiring" to Thailand !

The only place where I've been rejected for a job on reasons of age was with a private uni in Fujian province. I found out later that that particular institution had (still has ?) a shocking reputation for all kinds of shonkiness and unprofessionalism - so, it's probably a good idea that I didn't end up there !

It's true that many (most ? ) job adverts specify a "maximum age of 60" (sometimes even 55 !) - nevertheless, as someone has pointed out, it's definitely still worthwhile to apply; especially if the school/uni is somewhat off the beaten track.If you possess good academic qualifications, have had some "relevant" work experience (not necessarily in teaching) you will certainly be considered by many employers. Apart from Oral English jobs, in the uni sector there are many opportunities to teach other subjects, such as : Intercultural Communication, Western Culture, Business English, English Lit., Management and Marketing.The OP mentioned that he holds a law degree - such a background, I'm sure, would be most useful in the teaching of Business English ! If the OP wants to know how to go about applying for uni jobs, please refer to my last 3 or 4 posts to this forum. As the next term will be commencing in early September, he needs to apply for a job within the next few days if he intends to begin teaching this year !

Someone touched on the issue of health. Maybe, if a "mature-aged" person were to apply for a job with a Chinese uni, he/she might want to include a "two whom it may concern letter" from the person's GP verifying the applicant's good health - or, even include a copy of a recent medical examination report with the application . (Of course, the person will still have to undergo another medical, in China, before a Foreign Experts Certifi9cate can be issued).

One poster recommended that the OP should not make reference to the fact that he'll soon be receiving a retirement pension back home - v.good advice ! Unfortunately, many retired couples in their 50s/60s often tell recruiters/FAO personnel that as they already have an adequiate income, all they want is a "nice flat" ! This attitude (along with the impact of unpaid "volunteers" and "missionaries") merely helps to depress salary levels for those FTs who see the job as a (properly paid)career, not a hobby. Even if you really don't need the money, you should still bargain for this best offer, salary-wise. Give the money away to beggars, or donate some books to the library, etc, if you can't spend all of your salary on wining/dining ! In my own situation, I own a condo in Thailand, as well as having some money invested. In a few weeks time, I'll be eligible for a (part) reitirement pension in my home country - yet, I still expect to be paid a salary no lower than a similarly experienced /qualified, albeit younger, colleague.

Good luck !

Peter

[hopscotch]

[johntpartee]

Now you've opened the floodgates! Fasten your seat belt, my friend, you're in for a hell of a ride. I'll start: Depends on where you are.

[overhere]

Thanks All! I most say this is very encouraging! I am glad to see employers in China are open to hiring older Teachers. I was very discouraged after reading the posts on the Korean board.

I would like to work at a university...like I said salary is not my primary concern, but I do want to be fairly ( based on the market) compensated...if for no other reason than from underminding fellow teachers.

From what i have been reading 5,000 to 6,000 RMB is the norm is this correct? Is it easy to pick up privates on the side? Not sure I will want to work that much but I am curious how hard it is to develop tutoring opportunities.


Thanks again!

[johntpartee]

I get so many tutoring offers that I have to turn most of them down, mostly parents who want a western face in front of their children. I'm doing four now, 200 RMB per hour for one to six students. More than six, I double it.