Job Discussion Forums

[mrjack]

to teach do it all again? are they happy with their move? I've just turned thirty and am considering the move. I'm single bored with my job(pe teacher) bored with the U.K. and the culture, but as my deadline for leaving approaches i'm getting very bloody nervous. Inspire me to take the plunge, if you can!

[PKB]

I'm not there yet, but I'll probably follow you on the next plane. Anyway, change is good (especially when you are bored of your current situation), it will add to your life experiences, and you can always bail if don't like your new situation.

[kenkannif]

I'm happier than I ever was in the UK personally (although I don't reall teach per se).

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Hello mrjack:

Being nervous is normal. Even after 16 years on 3 continents, I still get nervous before moving on to every new adventure.

In my humble opinion, TEFL is a lifestyle choice. Nobody gets really rich doing it, but few careers these days (outside the military - no thanks) offer you a chance to 'live in the world' - to really discover and see and feel what's out there beyond the safe borders of home. You just can't do that with 2 weeks holiday per year, imho.

In essence, you trade the higher income, stability & routine of living at home --- for the adventure, excitement and intangible rewards that come from a life abroad. For many people (like me) the intangible aspects & rewards of this lifestyle far outweigh the monetary ones of the lifestyles we gave up.

After a few years in TEFL, I also discovered that I really enjoy teaching English, and I've worked hard over the years to get better at it. Today, I consider it a career; not just a convenient excuse to travel. In a nutshell (and almost by accident) I stumbled into a career 16 years ago that combines the travelling I love with the teaching I have grown to love.

From The Berlin Wall in 1989 to the Carpathian Mountain Range of Romania, to a snow-capped Mt. Fuji, the underground tunnels of the DMZ in Korea, or a snowy Red Square on New Year's Eve; paddling through the jungles of the Philippines in a canoe, or gazing up at the ornate Mosques of Istanbul --- to where I am now, here in Bangkok, enjoying 32C with bright sunshine as I write this mini masterpiece. Not to mention all the amazing experiences & life-long friendships that have originated in the classroom.

Would I trade in those experiences for a cubicle, an individual retirement account and a Gold American Express card?

No way. I'm a lifer.



DISCLAIMER: Your experience may vary.

[tedkarma]

I have to agree with Kent - 100% - and my circumstances are quite similar to his.

Following is something I wrote on another forum of Daves - under another name - and the question was, "Can EFL be the 'real deal?'"

You asked - so here's my opinion. TEFL can be a fine career.

My personal experience: After 89-91 in Africa (as a Peace Corps Volunteer - not EFL) - I decided there was a big wide world out there I wanted to be a part of - so in 1992 I went to Korea and haven't worked back home since.

I've worked almost exclusively college and university jobs - as I have two master's degrees. But, I have to admit that I had almost nothing when I started - and now I am much better off financially. I own rental property in the States - most of it paid off already. In the process during these years I've worked in Korea twice, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Thailand. Sometimes for big money, sometimes for peanuts. Most of the jobs were just fine and with good people and friendly students. But, I don't apply Western standards to what I do. These are different places with things done differently. And enjoyably so.

Also during that time, I've had the opportunity to visit many other countries and usually for extended periods of time. Have rarely had less than a couple months off per year - sometimes as much as 4.5 months off per year.

All that said, Kyle and others have it right. Look at hogwans [language schools] as an entry level job and get yourself an MA, MEd, MATESOL or something similar AS FAST AS YOU CAN. It will make your life immeasurably better � even if it does not immediately increase your income significantly � you will be able to at least increase your time off sometimes by ten fold, possibly move your work week down to four days and twelve or fewer hours - from five or six and 25-30+. It will also allow you to do a little time in the Middle East and earn some serious money when you want to by a house back home and quickly pay it off - and/or investment property for old age.

In this business - and working overseas - you will have to look after yourself. The gov't isn't here holding your hand. These is and will be racism, sexism, ageism and just about every other -ism you can name. But, in the end - we are all responsible for ourselves and you can feel proud of what you create for yourself.

Research, plan carefully for, and get good medical insurance, plan for your own retirement (the world is your option now!), and even consider disability insurance. Don't let these things be the responsibility of your employer or home country - or you WILL at some point be left out in the cold. Educate yourself in all the fine points of being responsible for yourself.

We have to be big boys and girls out here. But it�s good for us. Frankly, I�d be going crazy back home.

If you don�t mind the challenges � go for it.


PS: I added a little edit here

And one small final edit: For G*d's Sake - don't limit yourself to just [edit] one country [end edit] - there is a big wide world out there! Teaching in a variety of countries will greatly enhance your understanding of the world - and broaden your teaching skills. Taiwan taught me how to teach pronunciation better, Saudi honed my discipline skills and showed me how important structure was, Thailand taught me how to inject more humor into the classroom - it will all add up and make you a better teacher. After all, the bottom line is delivering a good product to those happy campers in the front row. Doesn't matter if the front row is in a university, a corporate classroom, or a hogwan.

Sorry to be so wordy - but I do love this career and all it has done for me - so I take your questions seriously - and would like to encourage you.

[tedkarma]

Geez, I rambled on a bit.

But, I want to add this: If you aren't nervous, you aren't normal.

I am a bit worried and scared everytime I change countries and jobs - but I also realize that the fear means that I am stretching the boundries of my life - so, in fact, it is a good thing.

[bluffer]

30? a mere stripling. Look at it this way.

If you do it and you like it congrats. If you do it and you hate, ok you know know you dont like it and you can go back. You will never be one of those miserable gits down the pub going "I wish...."

My only regret is not doing it earlier.

[Sheep-Goats]

If you've got a monetary cushion then now's as good a time as any. If you don't, wait one more year.

[laben18]

remember , nothing is permanent . u can come , go back and return , as i have done . just keep one credit card with a big enough balance limit left for airfare .

[tedkarma]

I agree with the previous posters about having some sort of financial back up. Depends a bit too - on what country you are heading to. Thailand - better have it - as you won't really be able to save.
Korea or Taiwan - more difficult to adjust to - but you'll be able to save significant cash if you are willing to tough it out and adapt.

I had almost nothing when I went to Korea the first time - but I was fairly confident it wouldn't be any worse than the two years I had just spent in Africa.

[laura1d]

Hi,

I did the same as you (at 28 though). I gave up a house and a very well paid job in the UK to come to Asia and teach English.

I am now 31 (nearly 32 eek) and am still here. I have lived in Thailand for nearly 2 years and I love it.

It is a big change but I truly believe that if you don't at least try it then you will always live with regrets.

If it is not for you then it will be easy to return. The UK are always crying out for teachers.

I say jump! give it a go. It is not a one-way ticket. You can go back if you want.

Don't forget though, life is still life wherever you are. Good days / bad days / stressed days etc.

Good luck!
Laura

[mrjack]

After dithering and dallying for nearly a year on this I'm now going to roll the dice and see what happens.

I cant really loose in the name of adventure and experience.

I CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER TO UNFOLD

[Kent F. Kruhoeffer]

Good luck mrjack. I feel a lucky "7" coming your way.

[mrjack]

Well I finally put my notice in..and my team won the cup, what a day, what an omen, watch out Asia!

[laben18]

remember , nothing is permanent

i'm on my second go round in bangkok in three years

don't burn 2 many bridges back in britian , keep most of your money there and come to the dark side that is thailand ...