Job Discussion Forums

Gregor · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 842 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

That can be taken existentially (why are ANY of us here?), or about TEFL in general. Any answers about the meaning of life or why you're a teacher are welcome. But what I'm thinking about is this forum. Why are you HERE?
There is a lot of talking about how bad things are in this or that country or school. Is that why you're here? Just to vent? Are you trying to learn something about our "chosen" field (that's in quotes because I didn't choose it so much as I just sort of stumbled onto it)? Are you bored? Why are you here?

I am here, number one, out of boredom. I can admit that. My wife is watching movies on televison in a language I can't follow very well, and we don't go out much because we want to save money. We can rent or even buy DVDs cheaply enough, but I get tired of watching TV. And I like messing with the computer.
But I'm also here to help. I like to post encouraging messages, give advice if someone asks about something I know about, and encourage people to be professional and thus gain some much-needed respectability for what we do.
I've been accused of recruiting as well. I am not here to recruit. I'm not even saying what country I'm in, much less what school/company I work for. When I'm accused of recruiting, it's only because the company I work for could, in my honest opinion, help the people I mention it to. I'm not even all that big of a fan of the company I work for. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. Just to newbies, and only certain ones. VERY many of even the newbies would have little use for the company I work for. I am no companyman.
I just want to help individuals. I love ESL, I love being an expat, and I want to encourage people to do this. It's rewarding.
I post this because I see SO MUCH negative stuff here, and I can't see any reason for it. There is a lot of good to say about what we do for a living, folks. People with positive comments keep those to themselves, I guess, or just share them with friends or whatever. The negativity turns off a lot of potential teachers, though.
I'd like to see more positive stuff here. I really would. But if this question results in more bashing, then so be it. I am honestly curious. Why are you here?

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Why should anyone bash your post? I think most of us are here (and there, and everywhere) for the same reasons as yourself.

I'm here to excahnge ideas with others doing the same thing I do around the world. I'm sometimes here to gripe, to get it off my chest. I'm here to help people, like you, because I can.

We are a community here. I like to be part of a community that is unique in our chosen paths.

ls650 · Joined: 10 May 2003 Posts: 3484 Location: British Columbia

expatben · Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 6:46 pm Post subject:

I am here for many reasons.
I admit I cam here first to warn people of a bad school I worked for. Now I am here becuase I like reading other people's views on teaching and their contries. I also like to hear the advice as I am still in my rookie year

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I�m here because this forum is a gathering place who do what I love to do: teach English. Granted, not everyone here seems to enjoy or even care about what they do, but I love my job and am drawn to people who feel the same, or at least to people who take it seriously.

I would also like to see more positive posts. There are people out there (in the world, in the EFL profession...yes, PROFESSION!!!!... and on this forum) who seem only to see or comment on the negatives. Well, phooey to them. Life�s just not that bad, folks. And if you really hate this job, then DON�T DO IT!!!!!!!!!! Find something that you enjoy!

d

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Originally I joined because I was bored. I was stuck in the middle of the desert with too much time on my hands. Then I realised people were asking alot of questions that I knew the answers to(on the Turkey forum)
Then it sort of became a habit. Check yahoo, gmail, bbc and Daves. Over the years I have met and worked with many posters. So I end up looking at forums in countries I have never been to because old friends post in them.
Nowadays, the Turkey forum is like a cafe. There are quite a few regulars(who are also friends) and we pop in for our daily chats. (Its cheaper than sms)
Admitably I post more than most. I have a job where I am stuck in the office alot and out of sheer laziness(yes I should be re-writing that upper-int final test, but there is time) I spend time here 'cos I enjoy reading what people have to say.

Happy posting people

spidey · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 7:02 am Post subject: Re: Why Are You Here?

sigmoid · Joined: 21 Jan 2003 Posts: 1276

Gregor · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 842 Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Guy,
See spidey's post. People can bash ANYTHING. And spidey didn't even try very hard. There are plenty on this forum who will automatically, even mindlessly, bash anything even remotely positive about teaching ESL.

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

Have you noticed that the notorious bashers(no names mentioned) haven't responded?

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 3:21 pm Post subject:

Am I a notorious basher? I always wanted to be notorious for something...like robbing banks, or maybe as a revolutionary...

Anyway, in response to the genuine question, I am here because...

I have a computer with internet on my desk. And there are quite a few times in the day when I have free time, but not enough free time to bother leaving. (Even though my house is 3 blocks away)

Justin

PS It's more fun than television, more intellectually stimulating than sleep, and I have wound up working with a few other posters...

spidey · Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 2:12 am Post subject:

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

...and...it starts. haha good to be back

Riddick · Joined: 20 Jul 2005 Posts: 48 Location: China

I wanted to come here because its a new start for me to teach and its a great place to live and work in and to understand its culture and history.

I can't speak for others on here but if you came here because you was bored then think again why come here?.

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

Had a bit of free time.