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jonnyo
Joined: 28 Jun 2005
Posts: 6
Location: Costa Rica
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 Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 2:02 pm Post subject: Is 40 too old? What's your opinion? |
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I'm 40 years old and just about to start a TEFL course in Costa Rica.
I decided to do this for the experience of teaching, not for the money, and I'm really looking forward to doing something new. However, I do have one nagging doubt ... am I too old?
Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated. 
Last edited by jonnyo on Thu Jun 30, 2005 3:03 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Chris_Crossley
Joined: 26 Jun 2004
Posts: 1797
Location: Still in the centre of Furnace City, PRC, after eight years!!!
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| Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 2:28 pm Post subject: Never too old! |
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Hi, jonnyo, and welcome to the forum!
My short answer is simply "no". There are literally hundreds of EFL teachers around the world who are in their 40s, 50s and 60s, doing something that they think they should have done years ago had it not been for the need to bring up their kids and have a steady job, even if it meant experiencing the grind of a nine-to-five job year in year out.
I know of one guy who teaches in the same city as me. In fact, he used to be a part-time teacher at the school I used to teach at, and he is now (if memory serves) 67 years old! This is the kind of job that people who feel under-appreciated at home often do in order to make sure that they feel that they are contributing something to help others.
He is Aussie, and I have met quite a few Aussies who say that, if you're "over 45" back in Oz, you're made to feel as if you're too old for anything (unless you're in a high position within your organisation). I myself am nearly 40 and British, and I have made TEFL my career, having qualified ten years ago as a state secondary (high) school teacher (of science).
I would say, "Just go for it!", find a good job and enjoy the experience of being overseas. Make sure you're fully prepared and read the various threads on this forum that interest you, both the ones that are positive and the ones that are negative. TEFL can be a wonderful experience, but, as with everything else, there can be bad as well as good. If you're well prepared, I think that you can make it a good 'un!
Good luck!  |
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tedkarma
Joined: 17 May 2004
Posts: 1598
Location: The World is my Oyster
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| Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 8:58 pm Post subject: |
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You are too old! Go back to the nursing home! Not! 
I started at 39 - 53 now and going strong.
Don't just blow off "the money" though - as it will get you through difficult or frustrating times. And, nice to have a little "scratch" from time to time.
I agree with the previous poster. There a lots of us out here - I am a mere child compared to some - most of us never look back. |
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P-T
Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 39
Location: Aguascalientes, Ags. Mexico
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| Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 10:13 am Post subject: Re: Is 40 too old? What's your opinion? |
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| jonnyo wrote: |
I'm 40 years old and just about to start a TEFL course in Costa Rica.
I decided to do this for the experience of teaching, not for the money, and I'm really looking forward to doing something new. However, I do have one nagging doubt ... am I too old?
Any advice or opinions would be greatly appreciated. |
Hi jonnyo,
40's are an odd age. I think lots of us go through a bit of a crisis "Eeeek, I'm getting old & I'm not ready! I still feel young!"
If you're young enough to enrol in a course, you're young enough to get out there, teach & see the world! If you're a 'people person' you'll be a hit!
I'm 43 & this is my first year as an ESL teacher. I'm having a great time, seeing things that are completely different from home, & meeting fantastic people of all ages!
I had similar doubts. I shook myself & decided I had to give it a go, because if I didn't I'd always wonder "what if...". Anyway, at worst you'll have had an interesting short-term adventure, at best it will become your life!
Be bold, be brave; the rewards are there for the taking! |
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ls650
Joined: 10 May 2003
Posts: 3484
Location: British Columbia
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| Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 12:11 pm Post subject: |
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I think a lot depends on your location.
I previously taught at a school in SE Asia. The private language schools tend to want to hire fresh young faces to keep all the kiddies and giggly teens happy.
Out of ten teachers, I was easily the oldest (37). The next oldest was 31, and the others were in their mid-20s. Although we got along fine, there was definitely a generational gap between us that was sometimes awkward.
At my current school, the mix of ages is much broader. Of the dozen teachers, three are in their mid-50s, another three (including me) clustered around the 40-mark, and the remaining in their late-20s or early 30s. Everyone gets along just fine, and the students don't seem to care about our ages. |
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Justin Trullinger
Joined: 28 Jan 2005
Posts: 3110
Location: Seoul, South Korea and Myanmar for a bit
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| Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 3:16 pm Post subject: |
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Youngest teacher we've had: 21
Oldest teacher: 68
Median age: 44.5
Come on aboard, you'll be fine.
Justin (30s) |
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wigan4
Joined: 15 Jun 2005
Posts: 34
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| Posted: Sat Jul 02, 2005 4:08 am Post subject: |
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Wouldn't a little maturity actually be an asset in a university setting? Whereas I could see that youth might be considered better suited for kindergarten, younger students.
It's depressing for me to hear a forty-year-old wondering if they're too old! |
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Gregor
Joined: 06 Jan 2005
Posts: 842
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
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| Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 6:14 am Post subject: |
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Johnnyo -
No, you're not too old. I just turned 40 myself, and I love my life. But I have to throw something in that is not going to be popular, but I want you to give it some thought.
As Prue Jarvis said,
| Quote: |
| 40's are an odd age. I think lots of us go through a bit of a crisis "Eeeek, I'm getting old & I'm not ready! I still feel young!" |
This has caused me some problems in the past, and in fact those problems have made me reluctant to hire people your age. Younger OR older, sure. But mid-30s to about 50? I don't know...
I WOULD do so. I could be talked into it. And you don't have to deal with me. Plenty of other places PREFER more mature teachers. The universities will LOVE you. But think about what I have to say anyway, just to save yourself some money or heartbreak:
Many people around your age go through a sort of mid-life crisis. I think I may be dealing with one of those myself. They buy expensive cars or leave their wives for younger women...or they leave their country to go teach TEFL. If this is why you're doing it, you will be very sorry and make a lot of trouble for others as well.
Because what often happens is that these people, both men and women, get the smallest taste of culture shock and decide that it's not worth the hassle, and then just leave.
Another thing difficult about being that age when starting out is that it's difficult to learn the new job. Older, retired people are, very, very often, natural teachers. They don't have to learn anything new because they have been doing it for quite a while in one from or another already.
Younger people are just more flexible and moldable (sorry, but that's a pretty helpful trait when you're starting out in a new field). Are you ready to have younger people telling you how to do things?
You are NOT too old to do this. I very much encourage you to do it. I think you will find it very rewarding. But just think about what I've written here. Think about your motives and if you are ready to take on a completely new gig in a completely foreign atmosphere. You CAN, but WILL you?
Good luck! |
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expatben
Joined: 05 Apr 2005
Posts: 214
Location: UK...soon Canada though
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| Posted: Sun Jul 03, 2005 10:38 am Post subject: |
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| Nah I think 40 is a cool age to be teaching! Really when it comes to teaching especially ESL I don�t think there is a right age, if its right than its right |
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P-T
Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 39
Location: Aguascalientes, Ags. Mexico
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| Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 11:36 am Post subject: |
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| Gregor wrote: |
Johnnyo -
... think about what I have to say anyway, just to save yourself some money or heartbreak:
Many people around your age go through a sort of mid-life crisis. They buy expensive cars or leave their wives for younger women...or they leave their country to go teach TEFL. If this is why you're doing it, you will be very sorry and make a lot of trouble for others as well.
Because what often happens is that these people, both men and women, get the smallest taste of culture shock and decide that it's not worth the hassle, and then just leave.
Another thing difficult about being that age when starting out is that it's difficult to learn the new job. Older, retired people are, very, very often, natural teachers. They don't have to learn anything new because they have been doing it for quite a while in one from or another already.
Younger people are just more flexible and moldable (sorry, but that's a pretty helpful trait when you're starting out in a new field). Are you ready to have younger people telling you how to do things?
Think about your motives and if you are ready to take on a completely new gig in a completely foreign atmosphere. |
Gregor, I think you're being a bit harsh!
From my experience, people in their 20's can be extremely unreliable & self-centred. They'll come & go on a whim, & plenty teach merely as a means to fund their travel. Those of us in the 'mature' bracket are frequently more committed & likely to honour a contract, we have life experience & are often able to relate to all age groups.
Is it that younger people are more moldable & flexible or is it that they're afforded more guidance? I've found I've mostly been left to my own devices because of my age, the assumption being that I know it all!
My opinion is that there are good & bad in every generation, just as in every race & it's too easy to fall into the 'prejudice' trap because of a few bad experiences.
As for being prepared to be told what to do by a younger person, that applies no matter what line of work you're in.
How are you dealing with your mid-life crisis? The car? Or perhaps compulsive physical fitness training? I hope it passes quickly & relatively painlessly for you.
Regards, Prue |
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Ben Round de Bloc
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
Posts: 1946
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| Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2005 5:23 pm Post subject: |
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| Prue Jarvis wrote: |
| How are you dealing with your mid-life crisis? The car? Or perhaps compulsive physical fitness training? I hope it passes quickly & relatively painlessly for you. |
It is interesting what mid-life crisis does to some folks, isn't it?
For me it wasn't the car or physical fitness (and still isn't.) When I was in my early 40s and had been teaching in public schools in the USA for 20 years, I realized that there was no way I could handle another 20+ years of doing the same thing until retirement age. I decided to get my MA in TESOL by going to grad school full-time (a 2-year program.) At that point, a stint teaching abroad in the future wasn't part of my plan. Of course, plans can change. I've been teaching in a foreign country for 10 years now, and if things continue as they have been, I'll retire here in a few years. Having said all that, I do not think the mid-40s was the best age for me to go to grad school full-time or to make a move to a foreign country/culture. I'm not sure why exactly, but I think both would've been easier for me if I'd been either 10 years younger or a bit older. |
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Chris_Crossley
Joined: 26 Jun 2004
Posts: 1797
Location: Still in the centre of Furnace City, PRC, after eight years!!!
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| Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 3:19 am Post subject: Circumstances and plans |
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| Ben Round de Bloc wrote: |
| I decided to get my MA in TESOL by going to grad school full-time (a 2-year program.) At that point, a stint teaching abroad in the future wasn't part of my plan. |
Two years full-time study effectively means being "out of work" for two years. If I ever study full-time again, it will not be until after I retire - whenever that will be. I can't afford to take two years out, but, then again, that's because I have a wife, kid, and a new apartment to pay for!
| Ben Round de Bloc wrote: |
| Of course, plans can change. I've been teaching in a foreign country for 10 years now, and if things continue as they have been, I'll retire here in a few years. |
I have been teaching in a foreign country for more than 3 1/2 years and, since I do have a wife, kid and new apartment, it looks as if I will be here for at least another four until our kid is old enough to start primary school. However, although we are thinking of going to the UK so that our kid can start her education there, that plan is not yet set in proverbial stone.
| Ben Round de Bloc wrote: |
| Having said all that, I do not think the mid-40s was the best age for me to go to grad school full-time or to make a move to a foreign country/culture. I'm not sure why exactly, but I think both would've been easier for me if I'd been either 10 years younger or a bit older. |
I came to China just a few weeks after my 36th birthday, still single, foot-loose and fancy-free. My regret is that I did not do it much, much earlier, but then circumstances would have been different, and I can be gratified that I did meet my wife in the way I did, that is, she was my student at a then-brand new school and that had been her first classroom course in English for nearly ten years. It was actually her sister who persuaded her to go, since she had gone there first, so it was as well that my future wife allowed herself to be persuaded to go to the school! |
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laura1d
Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 108
Location: Spain
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| Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 9:32 am Post subject: Wuhan |
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Hey Chris,
I presume from the picture that you are in Wuhan????
Is the guy you are talking about called Ian? If it is can you do me a favour?
My name is Laura. I used to work at Wuhan Foreign Languages school about 2 1/2 years ago - met up with Ian a few times, he helped me out when all my money and cards were stolen (a week after arriving). If you see him tell him I said hi!!!
Thanks!
Laura |
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Chris_Crossley
Joined: 26 Jun 2004
Posts: 1797
Location: Still in the centre of Furnace City, PRC, after eight years!!!
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| Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 11:48 am Post subject: Re: Wuhan |
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| laura1d wrote: |
Hey Chris,
I presume from the picture that you are in Wuhan????
Is the guy you are talking about called Ian? If it is can you do me a favour?
My name is Laura. I used to work at Wuhan Foreign Languages school about 2 1/2 years ago - met up with Ian a few times, he helped me out when all my money and cards were stolen (a week after arriving). If you see him tell him I said hi!!!
Thanks!
Laura |
Hi, Laura!
Sorry, the Aussie I knew was called John, and, as far as I know, he never worked at WFLS.
(BTW, I applied for a job at the main Wuchang campus in January 2004, but rejected the offer after being stunned at the miserly monthly salary of 3,000 RMB by the grinning principal, whose office was bigger than four of the classrooms at my old school put together in terms of floor space. He must have been pocketting what should have been the rest of the FTs' salary, because he could have easily paid any FT double that.  )
If by the picture, you mean the avatar, that is Vancouver, not Wuhan! |
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laura1d
Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 108
Location: Spain
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| Posted: Tue Jul 05, 2005 12:33 pm Post subject: Vancouver!!!!!!!!!!! |
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HI,
Ooops Vancouver............... 
I saw China, Furnace City and the picture - put 2 and 2 together and made ummmmmmm not 4!!!
Shame it is not the same guy - I would have liked to pass on my regards.
I was only in Wuhan for 6 months as I didn't really like it - I have vague memories of the something star cafe (blue star maybe). Full of expats drinking expensive beer if I remember rightly.
Anyhow - thanks for your response Chris!
Laura |
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