Job Discussion Forums

rico4444 · Joined: 01 Apr 2007 Posts: 90 Location: Thailand

Hi everyone........I hope you can help me.

I'm 60 years old and would like to teach in China. I've seen some ads that say that the school cannot hire teachers over age 55 because of visa regulations. Is this true? If so, is it possible for me to find work (I'm especially interested in Shenzhen).

If there is work for me, is it better to use the Internet (e.g. Dave's) to find a job, or am I better off coming there on a tourist visa and knocking on doors?

As I said, I'm 60, American, and I have a BA and CELTA and 9 years working at ESL schools in Los Angeles, Thailand, and Korea.

So, what do you think? What are my chances?

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

I was over the big six-oh when I last applied for a job in PRC.
Sure it is getting tougher to get a start over that age but like most things in China perseverance usually pays off.
Two friends finished up recently at age 70.
One in Guangzhou and the other in Dalian. But, they had continuous service with their employers which seems to be absolutely necessary to go past 65.
I don't recommend coming on the chance of getting a job.

rico4444 · Joined: 01 Apr 2007 Posts: 90 Location: Thailand

Thanks for the info Non Sequiter. If I might ask, what happened when you applied for a job in the PRC when you were over 60? Were you successful? In what city? Could you tell me the best method of securing a job (Internet, agency, etc.) ? Do you know anything about working in Shenzhen?

Thanks for your help

Laurence · Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Posts: 401

Shenzhen is stricter on regulations than most places, and a lot of the jobs there are kindergartens and language schools, which prefer spritely young things.

Why do you want to go there so much?

rico4444 · Joined: 01 Apr 2007 Posts: 90 Location: Thailand

Thanks for the feedback Laurence. My gf lives in Shenzhen......that's the only reason.

daCabbie · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Posts: 244

rico4444, you dawg. Wink

Sixty and still chasin 'em. Twisted Evil

If you are in Shenzen you can be a border hopper and float your own visa with less headaches. Do part-time and privates, stay flexible.

You been around, you know what I mean. Wink

mrwslee003 · Joined: 14 Nov 2009 Posts: 190

Yes, I 've been told they don't hire or try not to hire people over 60, although I was there for 2 years in my 60's. I think this is a new restriction, for whatever reason. I think the more experienced teachers give more for their buck, if you ask me.

Mind you in China, the words "you can't have age discrimination" are still
foreign to them. Even if in their culture they give more respect to the aged. So much for traditional culture in the new economy.

MMMmm so one day they may do that with their own 60's people, teachers and leaders? Wouldn't that be revolutionary?

The Ever-changing Cleric · Joined: 19 Feb 2009 Posts: 1523

don't feel too bad about not getting a job because of "ageism." one of my students told me this week her dad was forced to retire. immediately. with almost no warning. He's only 51.