Job Discussion Forums

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

Hey, John!

Glad to see you're back fighting the good fight. You know, I've been reading some of the more recent comments and just shaking my head. One guy actually asked if I had viewed the jobs in SE Asia, the South Pacific, etc. Great vacation spots but probably the worst places to teach EFL if you're concerned about making a living salary. I struggled in Thailand for a year trying to make 40,000 baht last the month and that was considered a reasonable salary at the time. No thank you!

But, I finally figured it out. These people are so jealous of my situation, they're making these ridiculous statements to cause my blood pressure to go orbital. They're hoping that if I have an aneurysm, they can take my spot. Relax, guys! All you have to do is apply. There are many positions available.

And what's with this bias against Texas? Since a lot of Texas' population especially South Texas is Hispanic in origin, I can only assume that the criticisms arise from some kind of anti-immigration feelings. If so, I have to take umbrage with that since my current girlfriend just happens to be hispanic. Shame on all of you!!

ecocks · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 899 Location: Gdansk, Poland

is more likely meant as a joke or a foreigner's generalized, stereotypical view of American society and politics. Take it with a grain of salt Sade.

squindia · Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Posts: 38 Location: Bangalore, India

Glad you like your job Sadebugo.

From my perspective, the gripe with Texas has more to do with the current president and his incompetence/ignorance than it does with immigration. I have also met many a co-cky Texan that sees Texas as THE best place on earth and superior to any other place in the states...can be a bit tired.

but to each their own! places to live and jobs can all be very subjective eh?

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

johnslat · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 12:21 pm Post subject: Left or right?

Texas reminds me of California, in that both states seem to have the tendency to swing either to the left or right when electing governors.

In California:Jerry Brown and Ronald Reagan

In Texas: Ann Richards and Dubya

Generalizations are always risky (including that one, I guess), but making political ones about either of those two states would seem to be especially so.

Ernie Cuba · Joined: 09 Jan 2008 Posts: 24 Location: Amsterdam

gaijinalways · Joined: 29 Nov 2005 Posts: 2279

Sadebugo I wouldn't worry too much about countering those kinds of arguements. There are good and bad points to living in any country, and both as well for different areas within each country. You get the same rivalry between regions in Japan, as well as the metro versus countryside spats. It all depends on what kinds of things you like to do and how convenient you want to be to certain facilities.

As to the income issue, yes, as we get older and more security minded (well, at least most of us), that is a very big issue. I remember a owner of a school in Central north Thailand offering me a teaching and touring job. But I didn't think I could make very much money, and told him so. He suggested I teach Japanese businessmen in Bangkok.

Of course, I'm teaching plenty of Japanese in Japan, and the pollution in Tokyo is not quite as bad as Bangkok. Overall I think I came out a winner.

MELEE · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 2:19 pm Post subject:

Actually, if I were to move back to the US of A, I would almost certainly move to Texas. It's not a bad place. But if that were to happen, I'd probably teach in a public school, not for the department of defense. Wink

Ernie Cuba · Joined: 09 Jan 2008 Posts: 24 Location: Amsterdam

Sadebugo · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 524

Wow! First, Ernie Cuba let me say that you are certainly entitled to your opinion and I don't dare deny that. But, I think it's clear now that your beef isn't so much with an EFL job for the DOD but with America (in general). If you've traveled as much as you say you have, I have to ask you what country holds up to your personal ideals more so than America? My experience in traveling has been that perception and reality of a country differ somewhat. I guess you could nominate some 'niche' countries like Canada, Switzerland, etc. that have had the luxury of espousing purer beliefs while resting under the security blanket of other Western powers since WWII. However, that would be like comparing apples to oranges.

Anyway, I guess if you dislike my country so much, there's no way we can ever reach a middle ground. Wait a second! How about Cuba?? Now there's a utopian paradise!!

Cheers!