Job Discussion Forums

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

I think the MA/MEd is a good idea in your situation and I don't think it makes much difference whether it's TESOL or Linguistics....both involve elements of each. Nor do I think it makes much difference which institution it's from, so long as its a UK/USA/OZ/NZ etc university. For me, the most difficult decision would be whether to study f/t, which would be luxurious but rather expensive, or go somewhere like Thailand, get a laid back job with plenty of spare time, and do it on-line from the beach. I suspect, if I could start over, I'd opt for the latter.

sidjameson · Joined: 11 Jan 2004 Posts: 629 Location: osaka

Thanks for the replies. Bags of ethusiasm coming through. Thats one of the things I like about this site. Always (nearly) makes you feel fresh and ready for some more. Teaching English in a foreign country really is one of the nicest ways to earn a living.
Have to say that I am a bit disappointed as nobody who answered really seemed to have experienced the same thing as I though.
The sky has been blue for a few days and the wind has died down a little. I can see clearly again. I have two great part time jobs, students are intelligent and well bahaved. They enjoy my class. I get a genuine smile and a hello 20 times a day. I have no boss to speak of. I can't complain at the money. I teach less than 20 hours a week. 5 months holiday. I choose my own lessons. Nobody minds if my classes start 5 minutes late. So many reasons to love my life.

BUT 6 years is 6 years. I didn't mention the above to brag. I just wanted to know if anybody else had been in a similar postion. Great set up just a dit restless. Anybody give up something great only to regret it later?

The suggestion of doing the MA hits the nail on the head of course. I guess it's time. Rambling now I know but thats the thing about talking with friends, even if it's only on a message board. Most of the time you talk it through and you find your own answer.

Umm I'll stop now. Very Happy

steampig · Joined: 27 Oct 2003 Posts: 28

It really does sound as if you've established a pretty good gig in Japan, the like of which you aren't going to get in another country for some time. As that is the case, and the fact that you seem receptive to the idea of doing a Masters, why don't you investigate the University Of Birmingham, which has an extensive distance learning programme already established in Japan. That would enable you to get your paper and then look to move on. Just a thought.

shmooj · Joined: 11 Sep 2003 Posts: 1758 Location: Seoul, ROK

You seem to have the time, the money and the research base with which to do an MA right there then. What yer waitin fer?

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

I left a very cushy, and enjoyable, number in Korea (the old, now defunct I think, EPIK programme) for a complete gamble in HK. Well, I've never had it as easy here and I don't expect it will ever be as easy (as Korea) again. Still, I have no regrets. Life moves on and and most of us have to move on with it. If I'd stayed on in Korea (ie. overstayed) the whole thing would have turned sour. As it is, I have happy memories of my time there and have had new, and positive, experiences in HK. Having said that I'm not saying my career has gone backwards....far from it....I've learnt new areas of teaching and got my MEd. Now I'm looking at a change again. I think that a certain amount of change, a certain amount of 'gambling' perhaps, is integral to our line of work...otherwise you might as well stay home and become a bank clerk.

Cleopatra · Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2004 2:03 pm Post subject:

You make some interesting points, Marcoregano.

To stick with a cushy, but unexciting job, or to gamble and move on? There is the question! As you say, you can't stand still while life moves on!

However, doesn't your tag line sort of contradict your post?

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

Tag line? You will have to elaborate, Cleopatra...

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

What you wrote at the bottom of your message. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. . .

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

Ah! Well, I'd say if you're bored/sick/tired of your present job and you've already given it a good go, then, in a sense, it's 'broken' and needs 'fixing'.....ie. it may be time to move on. So I don't really see a contradiction between my tag line and my advice....

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

I worked in Japan for 3 years, got sick of all the things you speak of, moved to China, have been here for one year, and am now planning to return to Japan.

I needed to get out for the reasons you mentioned. I was really lucky in that I found a job with motivated students, etc. But I'm willing to trade it all for Japan again.

Maybe it was a bit of belated growing up, but I found that, having experienced both, I enjoyed having an okay job and a reasonably enjoyable life better than having a reasonably enjoyable job and no life whatsoever.

I'm a 20something, and I'm getting the MA via part time distance learning, because I'm sure it will come in handy sometime before I die. Very Happy

I'm sure that in the future it'll be helpful for the good jobs.

Just my take on the issue.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Welcome back Wolf, when you do get here. Glad to see you've seen the light.....even if it is just from a pachinko parlour.

Wolf · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 1245 Location: Middle Earth

My contract is up in July. I'm about to apply for a new passport, and then next month the job hunt is on. I'm hoping to land a position somewhere between Kanto and Kansai, if possible.