Job Discussion Forums

[canuck]

[PAULH]

I have also not mentioned this as its a little beside the point, where I know at least TWO people working in tenured, full time university positions who lost their jobs, one had been working full time with tenure for five years before she got canned and to go to court twice to get her job back, the other person let go after spending six months out of the country curing a debilitating illness. Both of them also had families to support.

You may believe you are the best thing since sliced bread, with your principal and he want to keep you on, but keep in mind, principals get rotated, replaced and they also die. the next one may not be so sympathetic to your situation and if he does decide to 'restructure' there is squt you can do about it, short of craling to a union or taking them to court. Whether you like it or not, you are still on a contract, and they can choose not to hire you at any time. Its unlikely, but it can still happen. You have only been here two years, but i have seen it happen to foreign teachers dozens of times- many were even employed by municipal governments who espoused internationalism at every opportunity. Also dont forget if you leave or are relaced there are fifty resumes that will flow into your principals office the week you leave. No one is irreplaceable in Japan.

[canuck]

I have to agree. Having a family to support also adds some weight. One friend of mine said that speaking Japanese is only a seperator, as it needs to be combined with a skill. In many foreigner's cases, English is the skill, and a good one at that, but many foreigners have that skill. Then there's the qualification seperator. Many foreigners going after the high paying jobs also have that. From a society that makes it difficult to fire or let go people with full time employment, it certainly doesn't apply in the English teaching world. Age also is a factor, IMO, but that's another discussion as well.

[sutekigaijin]

Paul,
As I said before. I am most likely moving into the city and taking on new opportunities in the spring. In fact, the opportunities are place and I will gladly depart m high school job in the countryside. So whether the principal croaks or whatever, my time is limited there by my own choice.

They don't have no 50 resumes on the principal's desk at my high school either. The company that hired me has the contract and MUST do the hiring. Like I said, who cares? I will give up my long paid vacation that comes with the h.s. job for bigger and better in the spring.

I have been screwed over by companies in different countries including Japan. However, can assure you that if my schedule was wiped completely clean today, within a week or two it would be full again with extra classes, private students, and the like. If my income takes a hit, it is my choice.

Gotta go make a living... Cheers!

[PAULH]

well sutekigaijin

Do whatever makes you happy, man


I must say in my 15 years teaching in Japan I must never say Ive never met some one (Ok maybe a couple, one about 3 years ago) as full of themselves about their income or consider themselves Gods gift to teaching.

As for the 50 resumes- thats the average number of qualified applicants going for the positions I am applying for at universities at the moment. (one of them had 150applicants for 5 positions last year) Im sure high school jobs are no different. i dont have 2 hour commutes to get to work at least.

Anyway im sure youll have some clever reply that you have the whole thing sewn up. Good for you.

[Glenski]

[easyasabc]

[canuck]

My friend works at a private highschool. He gets 250,000 a month and 4 months of holidays. He doesn't have to stay late. He thinks it sure beats Nova. He teaches three classes a day, maximum.

[Glenski]

canuck,

Is your friend a teacher or ALT? Four months is a huge amount of time for full-time teacher, based on my experience. I'm sure there are variations among schools, but that seems like a lot, and the salary is pretty low. Barely above what a PT teacher gets at my HS.

[PAULH]

[canuck]

He teaches along. He does all high school classes. He teaches usually two classes in the morning and one in the afternoon from what he told me. Yes, the four months worth of holidays is a long time, paid. He virtually got all of July off as well as August.

I don't think it's a big work load, as you just prepare for on class, and reuse the lesson plan. His qualifications are a university degree and the 3 weekend TOEIC certificate I believe. Yes, the 250,000 is low, but he gets paid it throughout the year, every month. And yes, 4 months worth of holidays. The hours he works are 9am to 4pm, but often doesn't have to be there late. Many days, after he teaches the last class, he goes home. However, he does have to stay for an evening English club, watching movies or playing board games etc, once a week or every second week from 5pm to 7pm I believe.

I look at it like this, 15 - 40 to 50 minute classes, max three a day, with classes being cancelled for special events. Easy schedule with loads of holidays.

[sutekigaijin]

Both you guys appear to be going through a serious case of mid-life crisis. I can tell from your posts -- which are constant and never even slightly incorrect in your own minds. You seem to have an addiction to this website in that you can stay away nor keep from checking and reacting to others. It is really a serious addiction and it shows that you have little else to do of importance in your free time than continue to try and "help people" (at least you think you are in your own minds). While most of the information you get off on passing out is known by 95% of this board's readers already, the other 5% you pass along if often incorrect and second hand trash. Unable to accept reality. I would really like to get some input for those of you that get sick and tired of hearing all of this junk from GLENSKI and PAUL H., everytime somebody has a question or comment on this site.

Both of you should get your addiction illnesses looked after. It's not something to mess around with. It wouldn't hurt to do a little exercise to breakup the regular daily sedentary lifestyle you have. It might also help you battle the bulge you have both been struggling with.

Again, I applaud any of you who could start a new thread and try to help these people who have addictions on this website.

[PAULH]

Sutekigaijin

FYI

I am in the middle of a 2 month vacation from my classes. Start classes again in October.
When I am not online I am currently working on a PhD with a British University.

People who lose the plot tend to start by attacking the messenger, rather than the message

[Gordon]

After reading this lengthy thread, I have to say that Sutekigaijin is so off base regarding Glenski and PaulH.

[Egas]

Well, it's been kinda interesting to sit back and watch you guys taking shots at each other for the last couple of days. I even learned a thing or two about Japan and income expectations. But I have decided to put off any planned move to Japan, becasue it seems that the psychological implications could be quite devasating, as evidenced by psyho-spiritual dysfunction thus far displayed on this thread.

I'll just step back now to avoid the flying fists...