Job Discussion Forums

jonkets · Joined: 29 Sep 2010 Posts: 2

Hi,
Just joined the forum and have noticed a mix of responses about the chances of finding a job at 'senior' ages.

I'm 61, have a TESL certificate and a well rounded experience where social skills are a premium.

I've seen posts saying that finding a job at 65 is hopeless. Other posts say 55 is not so bad but choices are limited.

I'd love to work in Korea but apparently so do a lot of people. So I'm open to working anywhere that is safe and I can do what I love to do which is teaching.

Questions: What are my chances of finding work? Where do you recommend that I focus my efforts? and Should I give up on Korea?

thanks

Isla Guapa · Posted: Fri Oct 01, 2010 4:11 pm Post subject:

My suggestion is

Come to Mexico!

P.S. I'm 65 and have had no trouble finding work here. Come join the jolly (well, most of the time) group on the Mexico Forum.

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

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

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

yOu might be able to get a retirement visa in some places. While you couldn't work , legally in a school, you could pick up some privates.

jonkets · Joined: 29 Sep 2010 Posts: 2

Thanks for the responses.

I deliberately kept my work experience vague because I am looking for advice re my age. Issues of age very often get lost in a flood of info that applies to persons of all ages and that obscures the problem for those with more years than it's healthy to dwell too long on.

You see, I am trying to make a decision based on good business practice because at my age, the opportunities to make mistakes become more and more limited. For example, I don't want to 'luck in' to a temporary job only to discover that it was an exception and that persons of my age generally don't have a chance to compete.

That being said, I have a degree in philosophy from long ago. In the '90's I took several literature courses simply because I love English and I wanted to improve my knowledge. I have poetry published in an academic journal and I represented my university at a creative writing conference. I've worked in entertainment complexes in management posts and have owned my own business. In recent years I tutored business people on managing their website and other web related activities.

And, as I said earlier, I got my TESL certificate through a course that required 15 hours of practicum.

I hope that helps.

thanks

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

Age is not the only factor that some employers take into consideration. In fact, most probably just want to know if you are eligible for the work visa first. Thanks for telling us you have a degree.

Perhaps your background would be suitable for some schools that choose to teach English with drama. Business English is also a possibility because of your experience and because those employers respect someone who has been around.

tttompatz · Posted: Sun Oct 03, 2010 1:48 am Post subject:

AT 61, with a degree and a TESL certificate you can legally teach (as in get a work visa/permit) in all of Asia, central America, south America, and Mexico.

Age discrimination is a big factor, especially in Asia. In many places (like Korea) the mandatory retirement age (for teachers) is 62.
(you can pretty much write Korea off your list at your age).

China is an option but finding work will be difficult at best and finding a decent paying job from abroad (as an older person) will be nigh on to impossible.

If you like working with young kids, and really want a job abroad as a teacher, then volunteer at a local group working with kids and get some photos of you engaging them in group activities. Being active with kids (and adding some photos of it to your resume) will go a long way toward getting past your age issue.

If you are looking at working with older kids (high school, college age) or adults you'll need to do everything you can (while you are job searching) to add to your qualifications and resume. Get some real classroom time (with reference letters to prove it) if you can.

Then it is just a matter of hitting the bricks as they say. Google sites like SAFEA (for China) or look at others sites (as well as this one) that recruit for Mexico, Thailand (ajarn.com) or South America.

The starting pay (you only have entry level qualifications) won't be the best; in the range of $1000 per month (hard to save much or pay off bills at home) but it will provide a comfortable lifestyle while you are looking for something better.

.