Job Discussion Forums

[PortableIncome]

Hello:

Can anyone give feedback on your perception of how older teachers are treated in hiring and in actual classroom use.

Have you noticed any discrimination where you work?

Are the schools looking for younger teachers or will they also accept those who are in their sixties?

Or, do you notice that older teachers are given more respect?

Just wondering how it is folks. Give me your feedback.

Thanks,

PortableIncome

[mark_in_saigon]

A million stories in the naked city.

Any discrimination where you work?

Has anyone ever worked anywhere that they did not notice discrimination? A rather natural part of life, at least over here they do not pretend about it, instead it is upfront. Notice how the ads will clearly state age and height requirements for the natives.

My take on the job scene: There are several markets within a market. At least 3. One is mostly for nominal speakers of English, but some of the least qualified native speakers fall in there. Not a good place for an older westerner, or any westerner.

Another is the majority of jobs, about 15 bucks an hour, with folks of all descriptions striving for these jobs, or accepting them. This is where most of the older guys end up, and it seems a pretty sad situation IF the income is important to them. However, if you have assets and are teaching for the joy of the work, it can be okay, and maybe even better than high paying work, as you can often get in and get out with minimal preparation. Bad thing is, at this level, employers mostly want people who are beholding to them, they are not seeking independent ideas, they mostly just want a western face and a good show.

The high level jobs are where older guys might prefer to work. Bad thing here, it takes a while to work your way in. Certainly the employers will question your long term viability, and if you are a new arrival, the deck is stacked against you. If you have proven mastery of a niche, such as IELTS or some other specialized skill sets, you may come out okay. But saying it is one thing, having that profile and getting the work is another. Just a few of our guys are in this boat. Appearance matters too, if this is your profile. Looking younger is worth brownie points. Not just age discrimination, but appearance too.

Students may respect older people more. But I would not expect this to work in your favor in getting hired. Mostly they want to make money and want to run it their way, right or wrong. Your experience, knowledge and independence can get in the way of that.

[ExpatLuke]

[skarper]

I would say age discrimination applies pretty much for anyone outside the 'ideal' 20-35 age range. You can get hired at any age - up to 60 anyway - but it is harder.

It is easier for women and much easier for handsome/good-looking people.

So - there is a problem finding work if you're older but it is not insuperable.

I agree the above reasons seem to be behind it but it is difficult to prove. Who knows what they think?

[Prof.Gringo]

[Oh My God]

[ielts_professional1992]

im 21 and never had problems with this in my school.they never asked my age.dont want to bost but pretty good salary,check out ielts school Usa in Hanoi good wages no resources but hey just print something from internet and collect the money at the end of the day.dunno how the police dont care about the ielts thing.because ielts is pretty serious but this place seem's like a bit of a joke,anyone can get job here $14 an hour no worries, not enough hours though i've only got three this week and my landlord wants 9months rent up front,dunno what to do maybe email mum and dad ask for some lol.

[ieltsteacher102]

professional ielts trainer welcome to vietnam hope to see you testing at the british council this weekend

[ielts_professional1992]

british council?i think you mean embassy mate get ur facts right

[PortableIncome]