Job Discussion Forums

[s_lebeau]

Desperate times, desperate measures... we're considering making a big and semi-permanent move. I have a wife who is a Special Education Assistant, a 14 month old son, and a pug. I, myself, am a Canadian school teacher (B.Ed) with 3 years of ESL experience in Korea (K-10, adults), 1 year full-time teaching experience in Canada, and 1.5 years as a sub. Now, I know I missed the whole NET thing, but I need to start bringing some money in quickly. Fortunately I have some savings for flight and start-up, so that's not a big issue (as long as it is worth it). I'd send my family out after I managed to get something set up.

What are the odds that I could show up in Hong Kong and get an apartment and a job by just showing up in, say, one month's time? Is it NET or bust, or do you think I could find something half decent until I can find my way into a public or international school? Any insights or suggestions appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Joshua2006]

Don't you read other posts on here? Haven't you kind of gauged how the job market is?

Might I suggest you read through other posts carefully..? For your own good that is.

Will you walk into a job? Yes....maybe some shitty private institute that won't pay well and will treat you like scum.

Will you walk into an international school job? At any time? Well, get in line behind the other 4,000 applicants for each post that comes up.

Will you be able to get onto the NET scheme? Who knows, because no one actually knows what they want when they look for people.

Should you start looking for a job before you come? Now, that's a good idea.

Do you need a shedload of money to live if you don't have a job? Now, that's a good idea.

Do you think you are going to walk into HK, without a visa, without a job and with not enough to last you a month and STILL think that you will be able to walk into any job that you feel suits you? Ain't gonna happen.

I think of all the posts that have been on here, you MUST have been able to realise that it is a hard market to crack, whoever you are and for those of us that haven't been here long, then we need to thank our lucky stars that we got the jobs we did in order to start work in the teaching mecca we know as Hong Kong.

My advice, for what it's worth, DON'T just show up unless you have a large amount of money you can waste in the time you will spend looking for a job. DO get on the SCMP everyday. DO send your CV out to every job that looks useful. DO find a job where you are to cover the cost of living whilst you waste months trying to find a job in Hong Kong.

The problem with Hong Kong is that there ISN'T an abundant number of jobs but there IS an abundant number of teachers looking for those jobs....making it a difficult place to try to come.

You don't choose the job.....they choose you.

Sorry....

[s_lebeau]

Hi Joshua. Thanks for your insightful (if not terribly congenial) response! I have not been reading the posts here for the last couple of years (when I was originally looking for a job in HK) but I thought this might be the best way to get an insider's response (or two) that would address my situation specifically. And you did. And I appreciate it. I had no idea it was that tough. I know I could sort of cruise into Korea and get some half-decent work within a month, and I was hopeful that HK would be similar. I see that it isn't. I'll read through some more threads. Thanks again. Take it easy.

[HK_GURU]

[YujiKaido]

I agree, I tired to come last September and look for a job, granted I only have 1 year experience and no Celta yet and I ran out of money and had to come back to the states empty handed. Didn't give up though after 6 months of applying I finally secured a job from overseas. Hong Kong is a tough nut to crack. Its good to think optimistically but sometimes the honest truth can be painful. If you do intend on coming I would start applying now and mention when you will arrive on such and such a date, incase they are interested and want to interview you. But having a wife and kid I would seriously think carefully. Way the positives and negatives and Good luck and if your hearts are set on HK don't give up. Persistence and determination pay off.

[Joshua2006]

Apply to the NET and work in Korea on the interim...it will involve two moves but a) you will be making some alright money if you find the right thing in Korea and with 3 years in Korea that shouldn't be a problem and b) you are only three hours away if you get called for an interview in HK....

[s_lebeau]

Great suggestions. I appreciate the insights.