Job Discussion Forums

[brownie]

Hi,

I need some advice. I am a fit, youthful 36 year old man. In my country (Australia) being 36 is considered young but mature. In fact I imagine that is considered young in most places.

However I have heard that I might find employment in Japan difficult to find due to my age. I have over 5 years ESL teaching a decent TEFL certificate and currently work at a Korean public School.

Will I find it difficult to get a job?

I should add that I intend going to Japan and looking for a job

[Brooks]

you aren`t too old.

[Glenski]

There is a difference between being "mature" and being too old. Trust me. You are not too old. I didn't even start teaching in Japan until I was 41 (1998). There are many people here as old as me, or older. With your work experience, you are very qualified. Best of luck.

However, with no teaching experience IN JAPAN, you may not get a job right away in mainstream schools. You didn't say what kind of degree you have, so it is not easy to say whether you are qualified for university work, either. Leave it to say that you will need a bachelor's degree (any major) to qualify for a work visa, and that universities require a minimum of a master's degere (specifically in the TEFL field) plus publications.

Will you find it difficult to get a job? What type of teaching? And, when/where are you going to look? Right now is the deadest time of year.

[Akula the shark]

I worked with some guys in the past who were in their late 50's. I doubt you'll have any problems.