Job Discussion Forums

philgreek · Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 8

Hello,
I had a recent discussion with a Thai lady on a train who was recruiting an english speaker to go and live with her friend in Thailand who is a Thai politician. The money was pretty good, the job involved teaching the man whenever he got home and effectively living in his house but had all the perks of being really integrated into Thai lifestyle. I was wondering if anyone either knew of anyone who needed a teacher to go and live with them (most destinations I am interested in), or if there is a web site where this type of job is available? I would much appreciate if there was any help anyone could offer. Thank you, Phil

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Hmmm, let's see. Being dependent on someone for your sole employment is one thing, but being dependent on that same person for your housing, too? Bad idea. Lose the first and you lose the second as well.

BluePinay · Posted: Fri Nov 19, 2004 9:03 pm Post subject:

Indeed! Dealing with politicians.. tsk tsk tsk.... Looks risky to me. Rolling Eyes

2 up Lee · Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2004 7:35 am Post subject:

"live with".........? Shocked

philgreek · Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 8

I do understand everyone's synicism but I am anything but naive. I appreciate everyone has a horror story or at least has a friend who has. Don't forget a few years ago, and even now, teaching at even a school or a uni can be as much a nightmare as anything else. I am talking about a legitimate contarct to be drawn up if it was to work but I conclude that the lack of positive response implies that maybe there is nothing in this field at the moment and I am sure there is good reason for this.

2 up Lee · Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2004 12:17 pm Post subject:

Understood, Phil, but I have many questions. First, how do you know this was not a liar? If she is that well connected, what was she doing on a train? Second, who, apart from a maid or houseboy, would want to do such a job? The borders between work and play seem a bit nebulous to say the least. Third, and arguably most important of all for someone in Thailand, if you actually lived with your immediate employer, where would you take your nightly bit of stuff for a bit of hanky panky? Where would you indulge in the wacky backy? What you describe as "all the perks of being really integrated into Thai lifestyle" could equally as well be expressed as 'being at the beck and call of your employer - and his family - 24 hours a day.

English Farce · Joined: 19 Nov 2004 Posts: 47

Philgeek, I don't think it is so much the case that there is nothing presently in this field, as more the field does not even exist.

I have though heard of retired professors being private (live-in, in the sense of 'within the grounds') tutors in Saudi Arabia and some neighbouring states though you'll need 30-plus years of university experience for that.

philgreek · Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 8

To be honest, I have don't have much interest in this type of job, but to answer your questions.
1 - When do you know if anyone is a liar? I go off my instinct and everything told me she was not. She was on the train because that is the best way of getting from London to Bath.
2 - I think my answer to the fourth will answer this.
3 - I am sure all of us have restraint if the circumstances dictate so. For me, I have a girlfriend so the hanky panky would be sadly fairly personal. I am confident that I could live without the wacky backy too.
4 - The perks for example mentioned in this job was the fact that they gave you free Thai lessons at a local language school if you wanted them. Your working hours were very minimal and your only job was to teach English to HIM and not even his family even though the latter would not prove to be a family. In monetary terms, it was about a thousand pounds a month, free flights over including flights to go back at holidays. You could travel with the guy at weekends to wherever he was going and get free 5* accomodation wherever he went as well as meeting a lot of interesting and high-up politicians. Of course, whether things turn out like this only a good contract, a kindly employer and a bit of luck will show but quite an experience I am sure you will agree if it actualised.

2 up Lee · Posted: Sat Nov 20, 2004 2:17 pm Post subject:

Oh, I beg your pardon, she was on a train in southern England. Now that is a different matter. Surprised

She must have been rich herself! Laughing

I simply couldn't believe the price of trains when I recently went up to Scotland from London, nor the 'standards' of the trains themselves. Confused

Yes, if it all panned out as stated I suppose, for some, it could be a fantastic experience. Maybe I am a cynic but I always expect, and prepare for, the worse. Cool

I also recall a few young ladies I met in Eastern Europe (Latvia and Poland) who told me of similar jobs they had been offered - and had accepted - in Japan and Korea. Try as I might to get them to realise that things would most likely not be as they seemed, they would not be dissuaded. Now I'm not for a moment suggesting that you would end up dancing in a topless bar, but I would say that, in general, if things seem too good to be true, they probably are. Rolling Eyes

If you see her again go for it! Wink

philgreek · Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 8

. Enjoyed the chat

jr1965 · Joined: 09 Jul 2004 Posts: 175

Phil,

I don�t know of any positions at the moment, though some that I have seen posted in the recent past have involved living with families who were interested in having in-house tutors for their children. Those that I have seen advertised were for families in China, Korea, and for Saudi families living in the U.S.

I did something like this back in the mid-1990s when I was living in Korea; that is, I went to work as a live-in English-language tutor for a wealthy family in Seoul. I was responsible for providing an �immersion-like environment� and instruction for two children�both girls. I learned about the position from a close (Korean) friend, and it seemed like a terrific deal at first. I had room and board in a beautiful house (had my own room and a maid). I was given a small salary as well. When the children (who were lovely kids) were at school during the day, I was told I�d have the time to myself; my evenings (after 9:00 or so) and weekends were also supposed to be free. I was very specific about these terms before I agreed to take the position.

Well, things turned out quite differently, in spite of the fact that we had a �verbal agreement� (and had it been in writing, I doubt very much that would have mattered). The children�s mother expected me to be available at all times. When she hosted luncheons in the afternoon, for example, I was often expected to be there to help entertain guests. In the evenings, I was expected to play with children, and sit with them on nights when mother went out. At first, I welcomed the opportunity to join in. But by the end of the second month, I was feeling more like a live-in nanny/housekeeper/personal secretary�which was not what I had agreed to. I was also not allowed to have guests over (friends or otherwise). If I did have an occasional evening off, and chose to spend it with friends and not return home for the night, I was grilled when I returned home the next day (never mind what other members of the household staff thought of me�). Frankly, the situation became unbearable by the 4th month, and I resigned (though I�d already lined a full-time teaching position w/ housing up elsewhere.)

I�m sharing this story with you not to be negative, but to warn you and others thinking about taking on this type of post to be very careful. Good luck in your search!

JR

philgreek · Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 8

Thank you and much appreciated

vre · Joined: 17 Mar 2004 Posts: 371

Hi Phil

I dont think there is anything wrong with it. Its only like being an au pair. People in some countries can afford such luxuries. To us, they may seem outrgeous! Good luck if you can, but be aware that your private life wont be private.