Job Discussion Forums

[overhere]

[snollygoster]

Already doing just that and with fewer quals than you plan to have.
Keep an eye on the work permit/visa situation however, as it changes frequently.

[Bold As Love]

My situation wasn't too different when I pulled up stakes and moved to Asia four years ago. Your teaching qualifications look fine, but you don't mention your current financial resources. I would not even consider making the move unless you comfortably have 6-12 months living expenses in the bank. The specific amount depends on your expected lifestyle of course, and the truth is that most of us don't want to come out and live like a poor local.

I had about cash equivalent to about 5 years of comfortable living in the bank when I arrived and it gives a lot of freedom and control. Could work part time or travel a little bit, or turn down a crappy job if I wanted to. Even then, if there was a serious medical or legal issue, it would disappear quickly. So IMO you are in a good situation, but much stronger if you have about 10,000+ USD in the bank back home and a decent medical insurance plan that will get you back home if you need high quality care.

[overhere]

Thank you both...very encouraging


Boldaslove - I would not come without enough funds to carry me over for awhile...I should have atleast $30 K in the bank and more in a deferred comp account if things got really ugly.

I guess I am wondering that with a M. ED with a concentration in TESOL
a CELTA and some experience will my age be as limiting? The age issue is my biggest concern to tell you the truth. I'll be about 52 when I head over there.

I work for local gov't and with the budget issues facing us I could get laid off before then..but if I make it 3 more years I'll lock in my pension at age 55...failing that I'll have to have a job(s) to carry me over to age 60. But the job situation here isn't the primary issue I really want to teach and live overseas.

Are degrees precieved differently? Would a M.A. in Applied Lingustic be viewed differently than a M.ED with a concentration in TESOL?


I am assuming obtaining my CELTA in Vietnam may be helpful in terms of job search? I would even be willing to work at one of the training centers there for the first year just until I know the lay of the land.

I admire all of you for picking up and starting over on the other side of the world. I can't wait to join your ranks! I have nothing here except a job.

[Oh My God]

[londo]

Oh My God...excellent post.

if you have something put aside, try not to use it...just imagine you are skint, this way if you don't like it, nothing lost..

and if you have nothing, do it anyway--also nothing lost but a little time (I know for us 'oldies' time is important, but so is living, maybe after years of boredom or unhappy marriage)

too many people talk about it but never do it and others want so many safety nets they might as well just stay at home and take holidays.

Don't let anyone tell you it's too late. The owner of the world's largest clothing retailer, Zara opened his first shop well into his forties and many people (men and women) have found true happiness, if not fortunes, by taking the plane and a chance.

You'll have no problem finding a job, and with your quals, employers willing to help with docs.

[mrjonathan2000]

If you have the contacts, you teach in a university for $25 an hour, but you're on your own with health insurance, etc.

I'm a career ESL teacher, but still young buck and aspiring for administration. I just signed at an int'l college for about $18 an hour with benefits.

[snollygoster]

Dont let age stop you- I'm well over your age and going strong. A spring chicken like you can do better.