Job Discussion Forums

Caterinamh · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 140 Location: Istanbul

I dont give a s h _t about my spelling or grammar. Here goes.

Men they totally suck here. My husband or should I say soon to be ex. totally changed as soon as his foot hit the platform off the plane. I just don't get why???? 7 years in the US and suddenly he wants to be macho. What the hell! ( however we have only been married a bit over 2.5).

In-laws what a nightmare!

I'm just so sad, I don't feel happy, why, why, why> Turkey was my dream job and dream culture to live in.

My feelings have totally changed since I have been here . I can't even begin to tell ya'll how much. Let's call it suffocation of my identity! I don't want to be a Turk, I have my own culture. Why do they insist on forcing theirs on me morning, noon and night?

Then there is the over eating. Why can't I stop eating here? Diet forget it... impossible. I was chubby but now just call me sis man hoca. Boo HOO.

Where are all the Yabanci girls to hang out with that don't insist on trying to convert me or turn me into TURKISH Wannbe! I need a good ice coffee , clothes that FIT, cosmetics that aren't a luxury item..... boo hoo....10 months and haven't been home...I don't even really want to go home I just want some UNDERSTANDING people.

They are firing YABANCI TEACHERS at my job and the stress and insecurity that is flying in the air is unbearable. Job+ Weight+ issues with love life, no real friends in Turkey.....Rant, Rant, Rant..... Help!

I'd just like to have some sort of outlet... when I taught in Mexico we were all so close.. the girlie community of expats.... I need a girls night. Ok I'm done. Laughing

justme · Joined: 18 May 2004 Posts: 1944 Location: Istanbul

OMG they're firing yabanci?! What's going on?!

Caterinamh · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 140 Location: Istanbul

I've heard rumors...only rumors that it was because of student complaints. When don't the students complain!!!!! They are always bitch en about something. 4 Teachers gone... it really has caused a sense of "our heads are on the chopping block" for most.

Do you want to motivate and stimulate your teachers, sure just fire a few at the end of the academic year . Strange, I don't know the whole story but something is rotten in Denmark.

phoebe caulfield · Joined: 25 Jun 2007 Posts: 31 Location: Bilkent, Ankara

It can't just be that the students complained... They always complain.
The school has probably gotten themselves into some sort of trouble and firing the yabancis is their way of getting themselves out of it. Maybe they want to hire new teachers for smaller salaries, or perhaps some of these teachers weren't there legally and now there is some sort of investigation.
Do you have a good rapport with your students Caterina? I find that whenever I want to find out about something going on in thge administration, I would just innocently bring up the topic with a few of my trusted students... They were more than happy to share whatever gossip they had heard.

Caterinamh · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 140 Location: Istanbul

Your are so........right. Most of the time the students know things long before we (the teachers do). It was told to me by a student that "they" the students knew two months ago about this upcoming firing of one of the staff.

However, in reply to your feedback none of us are here illegally at my school. That is one good thing that they do for us is have all our papers in order. The school I teach at is a very nice, decent place to work for however as I have learned "this is Turkey" employees are only useful for their needs and if you ever get out of place or speak your mind too much you may disappear. SAD but True.

I get along really well with my students for the most part, I'm firm and fair. I am surely not perfect but I really care about my students and try to do my best at all times. This situation however, has made many of us more than a bit nervous about our future. Many teachers are looking for other jobs, (a bit late now in July). I really have no idea what happened it seems so strange how it all occurred as the current need for qualified teachers seems to be high at the moment.

Thanks for your feedback.

tararu · Joined: 07 May 2006 Posts: 494

I think you need to find a gym to go to. It will deal with the weight problem a bit and get you out of the house doing your own thing. Stay away from the bread here unless it is wholemeal and then only have a couple of slices a day. Make big fruit smoothies in the morning with at least 4 pieces of fruit a cup of light milk, a cup of water and a couple of dessert spoons of light yoghurt. Drink at least 3 litres of water a day. Eat lots of salad and vegetables. Eat lots of fish. All of the above food is in peak season at the moment.
Go to the kuafor. Get a manicure, pedicure and everything else that sounds good. Go to the kuafor every week.

You need to pick yourself up again and making yourself look and feel special and fab will boost your self-confidence and give you the strength to deal with everything else in your life.

Dont worry..we're here for you!

Caterinamh · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 140 Location: Istanbul

The smoothie advice is now up on the frig. Any idea of a good gym in the Esentepe area , one that might have some English speaking staff????

phoebe caulfield · Joined: 25 Jun 2007 Posts: 31 Location: Bilkent, Ankara

Just something that I noticed that might help too: most Turks eat dinner really, really late! Usually 8/9pm or later even...

I am not sure when Brits and Australians eat dinner normally, but I know in Canada we usually eat between 5 and 6 as much as possible. When I first got to Turkey I was eating late like everybody else there and gained some weight, so I changed my schedule back to eating dinner 6 (classes permitting) and this really helped a lot. At least your body will not be struggling to digest things so late.

Caterinamh · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 140 Location: Istanbul

Thanks Phoebe,
Yes, I have been eating a bit late our of complete exhaustion upon arriving home at six or so. I'm working like a machine for the past 4 months. Two jobs with 30 teaching hours between the two of them. I am going to go get a juicer today when I finally get out of the house. I've been doing manic cleaning all day. Cleaning is my therapy. Ha ha. I also want to pick up so fruit and yogurt to start my new breakfast tomorrow.

PS I found ice coffee today at the local market with 45 Calories. God must be taking pity. he he

tararu · Joined: 07 May 2006 Posts: 494

I found this from googling. Have a look at places on google. It looks like there are quite a few places around Esentepe if not in Esentepe. The gym below is in a hotel.

Dedeman Life Style
Dedeman Otel Yıldız Posta Cad. No: 50
Esentepe İstanbul
Tel: 0 212 274 88 00

Caterinamh · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 140 Location: Istanbul

Thanks tons for the help. I will check it out next week when my crazy summer school class ends on Thursday the 5th. Thank God.

Cheers.

lovetowander · Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 78 Location: Australia temp..

Oh Catarina I feel for you, I think you do need a good girls night out to pick you back up again.
I would suggest one, but am still finding my way around here, I still manage to get lost here in taksim square lol
But if you ever need an ear or someone to help you get your glass to your mouth , let me know haha. I've had a *beep* of a week already and though not as bad as you, could easily kick someone if they got in my way today haha.
I'm craving Thai food so bad, I went to a chinese place haha, closest to thai i could find, it was crappy and so depressing.

Take it easy ok and all the girls give great advise.. we all should get a girls night out organised.

Listener · Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 140 Location: Istanbul

Caterina,

I used to feel exactly the same as you, don't worry, you are not alone. PM me if you wanna talk, we may have "psychic twinkee" lives.... Shocked

I knew a lady a few years ago that went all the way from Kuzguncuk (Asian side) to the Dedeman to swim, so it must be good.

I'm up for a girl's nite out in August, when my kid goes to the in-laws! Cool

Caterinamh · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 140 Location: Istanbul

Hi Girls,
Ok, I know this is so��.cheesy. First of all I want to say thanks for all the wonderful support and PM�s . I was feeling so down and blue. I was on the verge of a major melt down but with this feedback and compassion I feel a bit more optimistic. I was so happy and excited when I first arrived in Istanbul but as the months went on I had become increasingly more depressed and negative. Something I don�t want to be.
We are all in similar boats with minor differences. In such a wonderful city as Istanbul we should be having the time of our lives. Whether it is with our family , friends, etc. We all have so much to share and the ability to care and support each other. We most defiantly need to get together for a meet up. Maybe for Starbucks and then possibly more� hint hint. I�m up for it anytime. Maybe we could even start a regular meet up once a month to release our stress. HA HA.

Again girls I really appreciate everything.