Job Discussion Forums

[Zero]

Now, for the interesting part of the thread: Name me a country where there is not age discrimination. If you're in the U.S., the job hunt will certainly grow progressively more difficult as you pass 50, 55, 60 and so on.

[starlight]

To Zero: Exactly!

In Canada, I was already considered 'elderly' at the ripe old age of 38. That is exactly how the personnel director (at the time, about 29) referred to me (to the friend who had encouraged me to apply for the job). In the end, he hired some sweet young thing of about 22, who quit in less than a year because she was pregnant and decided she wanted to become a full-time mum.

Thailand has an upper age limit of 55. (I was told this directly by the head of the school to which I had applied.) The Netherlands has a cut off age of low 40s. Japan has a preference for those under 40.

China used to be pretty good in so much as age wasn't really a big deal, and that allowed me to teach for another 30+ years. But in the last few years, the situation has changed drastically!

The link I quoted earlier http://www.eslemployment.com really brings age discrimination into focus. And I'm with you in asking thread readers: What country doesn't have age discrimination? Please post a list.

I'll compare it to the list that I have, which specifies the upper age limits for various countries around the world. My list is now a few years old, so my guess is that the upper age limits for many countries have dropped.

[Silent Shadow]

[Zero]

There are a decent number of older posters, but I'd venture that half or more are under 35. It's good to learn from the experiences of others. Age discrimination is a fact of life around the world, not a peculiarity to China, Japan or anywhere else. Expect it. Prepare for it. How to do this? Two ways. Through a combination of saving and adapting to a low-cost lifestyle, ensure that you have enough money such that if you experience age discrimination when you're older, you'll still be OK. And/or, get yourself into a career where you are less likely to be affected by age discrimination. High-demand areas like nursing are more likely to take on older job-seekers, at least in the U.S. If you are currently, say, 40 and doing ESL, and have no fallback plan, I would advise some career modification, and quick. Especially if you don't have the kind of savings that would carry you through years of unemployment or underemployment.

[Johnny_Utah]

EF Beijing: the joke amongst jokes, too bad the joke is on the poor Chinese people who pay out their life savings for these garbage holiday teachers. I recently met a girl who said her parents paid 20k for her to study at EF "English Town" for 2 hours a week on the weekends for 6 months.

[SandyG20]

I am in my early 50s and applying for jobs - so far getting few emails back - have a BS in Education and state I am living in currently - teacher certification. I am applying for many jobs - mostly in China - but some other countries as well. Lots of come over and pay for a TEFL or information about extremely low paying jobs (after I have specified a particular job). I know the pay is low in China as is the cost of living - but some of the offers are absurd. I have a good CV and pic. I have teaching experience and qualifications. Look younger than my age (at least that is what people tell me.) A University job is acceptable to me if it includes free housing near the University and some utilites and at least 7000 rmb. I have applied to many kindergartens too that pay 9000 to 12000 rmb.

Just not getting many responses.

Sure a real International school or bilingual school would be good too - I have applied to those also - but I know competition is fierce - so I am casting a wide net.

I am adaptable and flexible - worked with all levels and ages of students - so I can figure out a job and what to teach to the students.

Side note for those out of the USA - even nurses are having a tough time finding work in this economy - I know several who have been laid off and cannot find a job - the nurses who do have jobs are overwhelmed with large (and dangerous) case loads.

[Non Sequitur]

Interesting post SandyG20.
Have to say though, that you're putting in too many upfront conditions.
Get your first job in the uni system and then move up later.
If you miss the peak hiring season which is now, you will have even less choice.
You are young enough to progress up the ranks over 2/3 years.
That said I think you need a Masters to get a uni start on 7K.
On the general question of age, I think it is almost impossible to get a contract renewal past 70. That is even if you have long term continuous service with a particular college.
As to hiring/entry age, 3 of my colleagues who have been here for 10 months max are over 60.

[Teatime of Soul]

Just send schools a video of yourself ...

juggling flaming chainsaws....

on a high wire....

above a pool of sharks....

while performing the "Hokey Pokey" and grading IELTS exams..

You will be SO hired.

Seriously, just be persistent, and you'll, uh,.... persevere.

.

[Zero]

[Non Sequitur]

OP
TToS and zero are right on the money.
Persevere and lower your expectations.
International schools are your first target as they will reward your teaching registrations and credentials.