Job Discussion Forums

[wckusa]

A little about me: 57 (will be 58 before I make the jump overseas), most people think I'm 44 to 51 so in decent shape, MBA, background in high-tech marketing and will get a certificate.

My goal - get a job with a reputable company where I can live decently (not in luxury) and save 500 or 1000 a month.

So far, it seems like the only countries that hire someone my age who isn't a teacher are UAE, Vietnam and possibly Turkey. South America too but they seem to pay too low to save any money.

So, the questions I would greatly appreciate some help with:
1. Do you agree with my assessment that my best shots are UAE, Vietnam and possibly Turkey?

2. What country do you think would make the most sense?

3. Is there any way to use my MBA to my advantage?

4. Forgetting the finances, what is the most enjoyable place to teach at my age?

Thanks!

[tttompatz]

Experience and a post grad degree AND advanced age = look at China.

You won't be making much money during your first year (you may have an MBA but you are still entry level for ESL and Asia) but you will get your feet wet, make contacts and connections and be better able, with a year or 2 of experience under your belt, be able to parlay into something better.

Try to get something in the 8000-10000rmb range if you can. IF you are close to Beijing or Shanghai you may be able, after you get some connections, to parlay your MBA back into the corporate world.

.

[jpvanderwerf2001]

I see no reason you couldn't get work in Russia. Age really isn't a factor
here, and with an MBA I would think you could find some decent work. I think saving 500+ isn't much of a problem here unless: A) You get a bad deal in terms of pay; or B) Your lifestyle doesn't allow you to (looks like that isn't a problem).
Add on your certificate, and Russia's your oyster!
Good luck.

[coledavis]

Yes, I agree with JP. Siberia is worth a try if you don't fancy Moscow/St P.

[Montanaland]

Brrrrrrr!!!!

[Chancellor]

What about something in the area of business English?

[coledavis]

[wckusa]

coledavis,

Regarding teaching business english, how hard is it to get those jobs and are they any better. I've come across the idea of an ESP to do this. Do you think that makes sense or is that too small a niche?

I appreciate the advice!

[wckusa]

[spiral78]

My goal - get a job with a reputable company where I can live decently (not in luxury) and save 500 or 1000 a month.

Not in Central/Eastern Europe. Wages are really just subsistence level, due to a weak economy in the region and a job market full of teachers. Savings of this level would be near-impossible for the first several years at least - you need local language skills, reputation, and contacts to find a better-paid niche that might allow you to save anything like 500 USD/EU monthly.

On the issue of business English: most jobs in the region are already focused on this. Yes, you're qualified in this direction, and your age should not be an important factor, but it's not a valid speciality here that would translate into better-than-average wages, I'm afraid.

Most teachers in this region start out in private language schools. Their major business is English for companies, and most classes are given in business offices. Yes, teachers spend substantial amounts of time travelling around a city to the offices of their students. There is some work in state-sponsored schools, but this tends to be extremely poorly paid.

I lived in Croatia for a bit and have done some research on the English teaching market there. It's tiny. You might be able to find something, but most likely ONLY from in-country, and I think a fairly substantial investment of your time would be needed to get a reasonable job there.

Keep in mind that jobs in the greater European region are most usually not found from abroad, and pay only subsistence level. It's possible to work one's way into a niche, but it takes a few years of commitment to an area in almost every case. Local language skills, contacts, and reputation are very important. It can work, but it's NOT easy and there are no guarantees!

Other regions can be far easier.

[wckusa]

[spiral78]

Unfortunately, I've spent my entire career in Europe and North America, where the going is tougher . Probably doesn't say a lot for my personal level of intelligence! In any case, I can't advise as to easier regions, but I'm sure other regulars can help steer you right .

[coledavis]

[spiral78]

Siberia isn't in Europe, eastern or otherwise.

True. I was responding to the Croatia/Serbia part of the message.

[coledavis]

Oh all right, you didn't spill my beer after all.