Job Discussion Forums

[tttompatz]

[Ariadne]

We get it. You're special and deserve more respect than the average poster.

For crying out loud! He spent time trying to help. Are you now going to jump on your high horse and resent being called an old dog? Seems apt really. Old dogs do often bite.

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[bluetortilla]

That's fair enough thanks tttom. Yes, I do understand all of that and don't have a problem with it. I'm quite cooperative. Thanks for the nuts and bolts descriptions and the encouragement. It helps a lot, believe me.

CV's out tomorrow!

euphemisms! yeah, i'd never be a good foreman...

[bluetortilla]

[chezal]

Have you thought about applying to Japanese International Schools overseas as an English teacher.

http://www.jjs.or.id/toppage/top.html The Jakarta Japanese International school were advertising for a native teacher last month. Not sure if they have a teacher now but it's a possible avenue of work for you. That way your Japanese skills won't go to waste.

[bluetortilla]

As a matter yes, I am Chezai. Someone just suggested that the other day and it is indeed something I could be qualified for, and low competition too (though not so many vacancies).

Could turn out to be a good hitch!

[Glenski]

If I may add some constructive remarks, considering I've been in Japan a while now.

bluetortilla,
You say you have done some translating (and enjoy it when it is for literature), but that the work is spotty. Do you actually have a translator's license or training? If not, and if you have not been pursuing it as a FT job, that explains the spottiness. No pain, no gain.

As far as berating tttompatz's labels of cog and old dog, lighten up. You yourself say you are old, and you even admitted earlier that you are suited only for the entry level work. So, why come down hard on him for stating (with a caveat, no less) the obvious. He gave you a professional and well-written kick in the pants at your own request. Follow it.

As for the MA, you are still hemming and hawing over whether to get one, it seems. This is becoming less surprising and more frustrating. What is it you don't get? To advance beyond where you are now, outside or inside Japan, you are going to need one. You already know the story about needing it for uni work in Japan. (FWIW, I know a guy who just finished his PhD by distance learning, and he is in his mid 50s. So, who is too old?)

You wrote about having read millions of publications. I don't recall if you have written any yourself. If not, that will also be a barrier in many places. You don't have to spend money to write, like you would to study for a master's. Take that as helpful advice.

As always, best of luck.

[steki47]

Blue Tortilla,
I have read your threads here and there and do have some of the same concerns about my own future.
Quick run-down:
4 years at Nova (including 3 years as a trainer/manager)
1 year ran own school (basically rented a room at a community center and had a bunch of private students I recruited from the ashes of Nova)
1 year at small eikaiwa (crazy place that I have complained about on ESL)
1 year at juku (designed my own curriculum)
Current job-JHS ALT through dispatch company

I finally started a distance edu MS ESL education degree. At Nova I figured I didn't need a graduate degree and then when Nova when belly up I spent a couple of years recovering (mentally/financially). Now I am 39 and still in an entry-level teaching job and just started a graduate degree.

My frustration comes from the fact that my past experience means nothing towards my next job (next to nothing) and I am competing with 23 year old fresh out of uni kids.

No point in getting too bummed about it, especially considering I made most of the decisions that put me in this situation.

Am trying to be optimistic about the future and hope the graduate degree (plus future research) will help me get a better gig. Uni or private high school would be nice.

Anyway, best of luck to you!

[Ariadne]

My remarks were related to the manner of discussion, so yes, related. Lots of folks come to Dave's asking for advice and then get cranky when they get advice they don't like. It gets old. And don't pretend you didn't get cranky.

I think the word you had in mind was 'mote', not 'smote'.

You could easily get a job at a uni in China. Many schools give the FTs free rein (within certain guidelines) to plan their classes. Find yourself a nice spot with low hours and use the free time to pursue a graduate degree on-line.

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[bluetortilla]

[bluetortilla]

[steki47]

[bluetortilla]

[Tudor]

[bluetortilla]