Job Discussion Forums

Gerund · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Posts: 80 Location: Amerika

Why is Japanese food so disgusting?

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

Gerund,

I certainly hope 48 isn't too old. I've been teaching in Japan since I was 41　and, I'm coming up on my 47th birthday this year.

With your background, it sounds like you could look for work at some universities. Many ask for teachers under 35, but there ARE some that want people up to 55. Don't rule out high schools, too.

As far as your looks are concerned, you have NOTHING to worry about.

Best of luck.

rogerejones · Joined: 17 Apr 2005 Posts: 23 Location: Los Angeles

I certainly hope not! I am 49, and plan to go to Japan in 2006, by which time I'll be 50. I haven't applied anywhere yet, but I plan to start with one of the Big 4, realizing that I may be surrounded by 20-somethings. Basically, you are as young as you think you are, and if I encounter any age discrimination I will simply move on to the next possibility. Besides, this fixation on age seems to be a chief feature of "consumer" cultures, where everything is geared toward youth, beauty, and newness. Real life simply isn't like that. I would hope that my potential is based on something other than an arbitrary number.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

As long as the school has room for your wheel chair and walker you should be OK. I know NOVA has teachers that are in their late 50's and early 60's.

The corporate culture in the teachers room at these big school resembles a college frat dorm, with you rubbing elbows with people from early to mid-20's to middle-aged.

The youth thing is a product of the media and mass marketing. The big schools also use sex-appeal to sell lessons. with young women and a 20-something WASP white guy/ NOVA teacher air-kissing in their advertisements.

Like Glenski I am a 'geriatric' among babes and will be 42 years young this month.

kitano · Joined: 18 Nov 2004 Posts: 86

Lots of schools want the young workers but some schools have realized that the 30 plus teachers are often better. People with more experience have more to talk about and can relate to many of the older students better. As well often the basic work ethic is better just from being more mature. No guarantees at any age but I think it is generally true.

Akula the shark · Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Posts: 103 Location: NZ

I worked with several guys in their late fifties when I was in Japan. Some employers may prefer younger people, but particularly some parents seemed to like the fact that their kids were being taught by someone a bit older and wiser. All the best in your endeavours.

joncharles · Joined: 09 Apr 2004 Posts: 132 Location: Beijing

I am above the fifty mark and doing well. But it took some time. Yes, there are schools here that definitely disciminate. There is also a mindset in some places that only young women are capable of teaching kids.(about 99.9% of pre-school and kindergarten teachers are women.) I have run across both where a school told me I was too old and another said because of my age they did not think I could teach small children. If you are persistant you can find something. Although PaulH and Glenski are correct that there are some older teachers at NOVA.. They predominately will hire the younger folks. I don't have a masters so going for a university is out and I have not learned enough Japanese to get one of the good high school jobs. (many want at least basic Japanese communication skills). However, there are many places that will take you on.. Don't give up.