Job Discussion Forums

[Beg2Differ]

Hello,

Is there an age limit to work as a Business English teacher in companies?

I searched for this information here but did not find.

Many thanks

[Glenski]

Other than being very elderly, not much of an age limit. How old are you that you are so concerned?

[Beg2Differ]

55

[seklarwia]

If you are fit enough to work (don't have any health issues, can stand for long periods of time, don't have everyday mobility issues, can cope with stairs, don't have joint issues that might prevent you from writing on boards, etc) then you're age shouldn't be an issue... Yes, some employers might have an age preferrence, but other than that, there is no reason your age should stop you getting employed in any job over here.

[Sweetsee]

A while back I replaced a guy in a public high school who was in his 70's.

[aynnej]

I am 39, and was 36 when I came to Japan. Not as old as the OP, but older than the average newcomer, I think. I haven't had any issues come up due to my age, but the recruiter did question me about my athletic activities during my interview (example -- "How long are the hikes you go on on the weekends?"). I believe it's illegal in both Canada (where I interviewed) and the States to question you directly about personal health issues, but the recruiter in a roundabout way did seem to be trying to discern my health status. I think it's because I would be teaching kids (sitting on the floor, getting up and down), and my company greatly frowns upon missed time for illness.

[nimaime]

I'm 31 and I feel "too old" to make the leap to Japan. Maybe not really too old, more like regrets like I wish I had done it earlier. Some of you who did it at much older ages than me are a real inspiration!

Furthermore, I'd like to add that whenever I travel to Japan most of the foreigners I see are clearly older than the foreigners than those in Korea.

[gaijinalways]

Age is not an issue at most places unless you are near the company retirement age (and even then, if they just wanted someone to fill in for an unstated period, they may hire you). Where I work at unis, it's recently been raised to 70 (a suggestion by the government), though some unis let you work longer. At another place I work, they used to want you to retire at 60, but they may have changed the policy there as well (I should check, it will be an issue for me eventually).

[Glenski]

Being 55 will probably pose little problem to getting a business English position. It may even work in your favor. Aside from the usual interviewing attributes that employers look for, business English agencies often want people who have work experience in their clients' fields.

[steki47]