Job Discussion Forums

[Ellis]

Well, folks ... I've been an ESL/TOEFL/TOEIC instructor (sometimes administrator) worldwide over the past several years. I can proudly say that my performance, for the most part, has been gratefully received by my employers. Unfortunately, now at the age of 66, I seem to be running into what could be interpreted as an implacable barrier ... the question of my age's affecting my qualifications for future employment in the ESL world, particularly outside the USA. I still very much want to travel and, in my own way, advertise the significance of the English language, albeit, lately I have been facing automatic expulsion from the ESL rodeo soon after mentioning my current age.

My question: Is there any employer out there who regards experience before age?

I would love hearing from any of my colleagues who have experienced similar circumstances.

Alex[/i]

[Ellis]

You should seriously consider retiring! Regrettably, the greater majority of ESL entities throughout the world are YOUTH-oriented, plus, NO ONE wants to pay costly insurance compensations to the older people who might who tend to get sick easily! Fact is FACT! Sorry...

[PAULH]

The retirement age in Japan for full time workers in Japan is 60 (though foreigners dont count). There is a 61 year old foreign teacher at NOVA at the moment.

the oldest i have heard is a 75 year old lady teaching in Korea.

PS why are you talking to yourself?

[Ludwig]

[Ellis]

Dear PaulH,

Many thanks for your info pertaining to the age dilemma. Perhaps it might be more advantageous to reside in a country outside the USA rather than attempting to negotiate across continents. After all, there is always the question of an unknown quantity coupled with a teacher's expectation of travel expenses to be a part of a contract. I've been talking to a few agencies lately, but nothing of any value has thus far surfaced. Thanks, once again, for your input.

Ellis

PS - Talking to myself could be regarded as an affliction of old age, but, in my case, I merely wanted to see for myself how utterly ridiculous what I've been hearing of late ACTUALLY IS! Sorry.

[johnslat]

Dear Ludwig,

[Bindair Dundat]

[shenyanggerry]

If you're still looking for a country to take a 66 year old, try China. My university just hired a 64 year old.

[grahamb]

If all else fails, you could always run for President. The current incumbent has been waging war on the English language for too long now.
Good luck!

[Ellis]

I wish to thank those of you who have been kind enough to send replies to my post on age problems in the ESL marketplace. First, to Herr Ludwig: I, too, am rather surprised you didn't pick up on my earlier use of the possessive and confused it with a contraction, as in the difference between[i] "It's (it is) a nice day today." and "My kittycat stubbed its (possessive) wee paw on the livingroom table." Other example: "Do you object to my new idea's (possessive) taking the spotlight at today's (possessive) meeting?" To view "idea's" as a contraction would certainly have no value under these circumstances. I'm certain you will see this clearly upon closer examination.

As for running for the presidency, albeit I appreciate the suggestion, and certainly DO agree that some improvement can be rendered in the use of the English language from that particular quarter, [b]I find that I must decline the nomination. In fact, so far as politics is concerned, I'm still working on the Wittaker Chambers - Alger Hiss Trial,[i] let alone the ultra-complicated doings of today's political circus!

Should any of you kind folks be aware of any opportunity that could apply to my particular needs and circumstances, it goes without saying that I shall be most grateful for the referral. In the interim, God bless, and best of luck with your own endeavors.
[i] ELLIS

[vre]

Not only that, Ellis, but Mr Ludwig also cloned my avatar and now I have lost mine and I'm (contraction Ludders!) absolutely mortified right now!