Job Discussion Forums

mejms · Joined: 04 Jan 2010 Posts: 390

MOD EDIT people you're comparing a third world country to a first world one. Who comes to Mexico for the money and stays here for the money? It doesn't have to be salary hell on earth. You can improve your situation if you're smart and proactive. But really we're comparing apples and oranges. Get over it.

PlayadelSoul · Joined: 29 Jun 2005 Posts: 346 Location: Playa del Carmen

[quote="mejms"]MOD EDIT, people you're comparing a third world country to a first world one. Who comes to Mexico for the money and stays here for the money? It doesn't have to be salary hell on earth. You can improve your situation if you're smart and proactive. But really we're comparing apples and oranges. Get over it.[/quote]

I don't particularly like the term "third world" when used in regards to Mexico. While I see some aspects of that, I see more and more first world characteristics every year. Pay rates may not be comparable to the US but I believe US wages are artificially high and that is why many companies are shipping jobs to countries with workforces willing to do the same work for less. This will result in those countries' standard of living going up, while the US standard of living weakens.

Having said that, I completely agree with the idea that if you are smart and proactive, you can make a decent living. There are a couple of posters on this forum that I would not hire solely based on their attitudes. Whether it be an attitude of entitlement or one of just being a whiner, I don't need the stress inherent in employing someone who is constantly complaining. I don't claim to be the poster boy for employers of ESL teachers in Mexico but I imagine many feel the same as I do. I need to focus on academics and business, not the petty complaints of disgruntled teachers looking to change the entire face of ESL in Mexico. It is what it is and if one doesn't like it, he should take his talents (and attitude) somewhere else.

Phil_K · Joined: 25 Jan 2007 Posts: 2041 Location: A World of my Own

Isla Guapa · Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2010 6:02 pm Post subject:

jaimem-g · Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 85 Location: The Desert, CA

Up until two years ago I would have suggested California as one of the great places to teach ESL. Certainly no problem with salaries if one has a degree. But even so, if you prefer working with adults rather than children, available work was mostly part time and/or evenings - even up to college or university level. Now with the current financial problems,those with the best of credentials are having a difficult time finding a job. This topic is encouraging Very Happy

in that it does show some support for the rule of law in Mexico. And that shows that those who do try make things better in EFL have a chance to make changes, however slow they may develop. The best in the new year to all of those who try and I hope to be back soon to add my tiny bit! Smile

Isla Guapa · Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2010 3:20 am Post subject:

Jaimem-g, I appreciate your reasoned, optimistic take on TEFL. So when can we expect you back in Mexico to continue the good fight?

jaimem-g · Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 85 Location: The Desert, CA

At least by next summer. I'm working on coming sooner if I can get my own financial house in order. I mentioned on another thread that I was involved in a
school board election here in CA.

Sometimes the only solution to standing up for our rights or the rights of others is a political one, I spent more money than I intended, but the outcome was worth it. It will help children and adults from Mexico in learning English and being respected for their efforts, at least in this small school district.

I realize that expat teachers cannot get directly involved in such a way in Mexico, but Prof. Gringo should not be viewed in the least as negative in raising this topic and the prospect that it may make some modest improvement in your teaching situations.

I was very aware of my status as a visitor last summer - I wasn't even on an FM3. In any assignment I would be very positive and diplomatic with any recommendations for change or in any situation in which I might find myself in Mexico. I admire all of you for making the move to Mexico and doing what you do. I wish that I had done it sooner myself!

Isla Guapa · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 5:52 pm Post subject:

jaimem-g · Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 85 Location: The Desert, CA

Ironically, I didn't get elected since I was a write-in candidate. But three new people I worked with are now on the board to join two good members who were not up for re-election. They were about ready to give up before this election. At the risk of making too many US-Mexico comparisons, there were some real parallels between this little election and the governor's election in Oaxaca last July. I'll send a PM later to explain more details that are way off this topic.

My main point in jumping in on this discussion was to say that immigrants whereever do have some rights and they (or we) should not be afraid to excercise them appropriately.

One more-when our our own interests and the interests of our students coincide, that's the perfect combination. Smile

Isla Guapa · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 8:12 pm Post subject:

I look forward to reading all the interesting details!

geaaronson · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 948 Location: Mexico City

Isla Guapa · Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2010 8:53 pm Post subject:

Before the fall of the Soviet Union, I believe that "second world" was the term applied to the Soviet Union and its client states. Here's a link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_World

MotherF · Posted: Thu Dec 30, 2010 11:44 pm Post subject:

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Isla Guapa · Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2010 5:19 am Post subject: