Job Discussion Forums

Mchristophermsw · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 228

I have read that theres an age limit on the JET program but as far as teaching in General

1) how much does age matter for the over 50 crowed who want to teach in Japan?

2) and what if your say 55 but look 40?

These questions came out of a discussion I had with a nearly retired Psychology professor about agism vs discrimination based on looks.

What are some of your opinions?

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

You should probably post this in the Japan forum, but here's my answer.

1. You have to explain what you want to teach and what your qualifications are first. There are people here teaching at that age, but not as common as the eikaiwa and JET crowd, obviously. Some DO teach in eikaiwas, some have their own businesses, some are married and use their spouse visas to work privately or wherever (depending on their degree and experience), etc.

2. To actually GET the job, it might help in a situation where they are looking for younger types of people (eikaiwas, some high schools, elementary school, etc.), but for places that have to adhere to rules of hiring (salary vs. age) you could run into some barriers (like at universities).

I look 5-10 years younger than my age. Students and co-workers act surprised, but so what? It's landing the job that counts. What people think afterward is pointless. Many (Most?) university jobs these days are for the under-35 crowd, probably because what they have to pay you if you are over 35.

sidjameson · Joined: 11 Jan 2004 Posts: 629 Location: osaka

Japan in my experience does not exactly favour age. But then again where does? I sometimes get a bit depressed about teaching here when I am 50 but then I realize if you have to be 50 then being so here isn't such a blad place to be.
I have though worked in language schools and a junior high school and come to think of it, mycurrent university where I have been told point blank that they didn't want to hire anyone older and that they were glad to have some "young blood" around.

Boy Wonder · Joined: 29 Mar 2004 Posts: 453 Location: Clacton on sea

Age is a good thing and much preferable to fresh faced immaturity and stupidity.
I would go with age everytime......by and large you get responsible, knowledgeable and dependable teachers although this being TEFL you will always get one or two nutters!

Still the odds are better with a group of 30 plus teachers than a load of boozing, backpacking, early twenty somethings and their puerile conversations.They should stay in Greek islands or Chaing Mai, where they belong.

Rock on the Tommy Steele brigade!!