Job Discussion Forums

Shaytess · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 65 Location: Berlin

I was sitting around today talking to another ex-teacher from an infamous large chain of English schools�when I realized that, in fact, that working for that chain was NOT my worst job ever. Not even close.

My WORST job ever was during one summer break at my university somewhere in the Midwest. I had accepted a job with the Entymology department for an unheard (at the time) of $7.00 an hour, studying the evil �corn root worm.� I figured what the hell, I took Entymology as my science class, how hard can it be to look at bugs under a microscope?

Little did I know that we actually had to plant, fertilize, and grow the damn corn first.

I had to get up at 5 to be in the van by 5:30, to be on the university's experimental farm by 6:30, to be working in the field by 7. We worked 7-5, then an hour�s ride home. A long, long day in the hot, hot Midwest sun with my 4 co-workers, Chuck, Amber, and Larry, our boss.

First came the planting. It was actually genetically modified corn that my university was testing to see if it was more resistant to corn root worms. So it cost $200 a kernel to develop, which meant we couldn�t possibly use a tractor that might lose a few kernels in the process. So we planted it by hand. Yes, by hand. By finger, actually. On our knees. Poke a hole, drop in 1 kernel, cover it up, scoot over, poke, drop, cover, poke, drop, cover� For hours. We planted about 2,000 kernels over 3 days. None of us could stand up straight at the end of the day.

That wasn�t the worst part, though. That came when we had to fertilize the corn. First of all, we had to set up the tractor. Now, I know a lot about English literature, but really *beep*-all about farm equipment. So I got a gigantic gash in my finger, like 3 cm. long. Fun. But I couldn't go home because Larry wouldn't make the 2 hour round trip drive to the city. So then we had to fill the tractor tanks with fertilizer, which I promptly inhaled before learning that I was supposed to put the mask on FIRST. It smelled like a cat food factory, which we also have in the Midwest, so I can confirm that it is not something pleasant. Then we had to put on plastic overalls, which were about 120 degrees inside, and ride around on the tractor, with the fertilizer spraying out the back.

Until the wind changed and it blew all over us. Luckily we were wearing goggles and masks, so it was okay. But Larry did kindly warn us that we should probably not wash our work clothes in with our regular clothes because it might contaminate everything else with pesticides.

During this summer, I learned that I really, really hate dirt, the sun, corn, bugs, tractors, and actually the whole Midwest. For the record, I lasted 2 and a half weeks, which is actually FAR less time than I lasted at the unnamed school in Istanbul.

Anyone else?

runeman · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 124

Not having to wear plastic overalls goggles and mask must have influenced your decision to stay longer at that particular unnamed school in Istanbul.

Hope you're more comfortable nowadays!

Shaytess · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 65 Location: Berlin

Quite... am now working at an unnamed school in Besiktas (rhymes with British Pride)... No masks required.

And we make more than $7.00 an hour ; )

runeman · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 124

Shaytess · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 65 Location: Berlin

No, no, it's "British Guide." Haven't you heard of that one yet? It's new.

runeman · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 124

Good, is it?

Shaytess · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 65 Location: Berlin

The most professional, congenial, best-paid place I have ever worked. I absolutely love it here.

runeman · Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 124

Are they looking for teachers at the moment?

Shaytess · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 65 Location: Berlin

Sally Gayford, the director, says she always wants new CVs of qualified teachers...that is, 2 or more years of experience and a CELTA or similar qualification. (Some teachers have a TESOL Cert. or M.A. in a teaching or English-related field)

Baba Alex · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 2411

Do they pay well, on time, and in a brown envelope passed under the table?

Golightly · Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 8:30 am Post subject:

Do they have an equal opportunities policy for badger-headed guitarists?

Baba Alex · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 2411

Baba Alex · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 2411

dmb · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Posts: 8397

I see your Avatar is now Woolfie. Do you like his reincarnation of Ben Harper(fine musician) in My family?

Shaytess · Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 65 Location: Berlin

They do get work permits for their full-timers.
They also pay very well, and on time, but the envelope is white, not brown, hope that's not too disappointing.