Job Discussion Forums

[Minxiecat]

Question of the Day: I'm moving to Barcelona at the end of the summer and taking a CELTA course. I am a college graduate with a degree in English from a University in the U.S. I also happen to hold citizenship in a EU country so getting a job shouldn't be a problem... EXCEPT - most simply put, I'm overweight (pleasantly plump, fat, etc.). Now before monstrous images invade your mind of a dirty, sloppy and slovenly woman - I must say that I am clean, well kept and dressed but never-the-less: fat. Being that Spain is filled with beautiful, slim women --- Do you think employers will rather not hire me because of my weight?

[Justin Trullinger]

When I was in Spain, I worked with a fair number of "generously sized" English teachers- and haven't heard that it was problematic for them.

By the way, the idea that Spain is peopled entirely, or even mostly, by the slim and beautiful is a little exagerated...


All the best,
Justin

[ls650]

From what I've seen, people in the EFL scene are about the same as any other employment field: chubby, skinny, and every other description.

[Aussie Chick]

Good question - and very pertinent considering that Westerners are fast becoming the most obese people in the world!





(and yes, I'm a chubby chick, too!)

[saint57]

I'd just like to say that not every guy wants a skinny woman. I'll take a chubby cheerful woman over a stuck up skinny one any day. My ex has lost a considerable amount of weight since we broke up.

Considering the number of monsterously overweight guys I've seen in Asia (specifically Korea), I'd say you shouldn't worry too much. As has been said many times before, the kind of place that won't hire you because of your weight isn't worth working at.

[Justin Trullinger]

Hey, LS650- It's time for a vacation!

Do you realize you just wrote "people is"? Just like your students would...


Best,
Justin

[ls650]

[Jetgirly]

I did my TEFL course in Barcelona with a woman who was immaculately presented but extremely obese. She was hired right after the class ended for a great full-time job in a great location in the city. She was actually the first person from my course to get hired. And not to sound like a bitch, but it could work to your advantage when other women are doing the hiring, as they might not see you as "competition" for male students' and parents' attention.

[Sef]

I went out to teach in China a few years ago. I was overweight and most Chinese are TEENY so I felt pretty bad. But having said that, it didn't affect my job prospects at all and the best part - the change of scene, change of diet and the Communist party making everyone play badminton every evening 'so we don't get sars' meant I lost 3 stone in about 4 months without even noticing

[FemaleNomad]

I was at a friend's house using her sign in name when I initially posted so I apologize for the confusion this response might get --- I am the original poster (just different username). Anyway - just wanted to thank all of you for your responses --- they were a great help. Maybe I should have taken a position in China instead of Spain (not only could I play badminton all night long - but I could sweat my backside off and come home a stick figure -- kill 2 birds with one stone). I'll have to look into China as the next gig.

Jetgirly -- I know you were serious when you made the last comment(and I took no offense at all) -- saying that I might have an advantage over the skinny and lovely girls because I won't compete for other male teachers' and students' attention --- it made me laugh so hard b/c I was thinking I could really walk in looking a terrible mess and maybe they'd even offer me double the salary -- haha. Ahh, that's just the dream world I'm living in. Wishing it would pay to be fat.

Thanks to all for your comments --- we'll see what happens when I get there -- I might have them running for the hills.

[craftynick]

Ive been here in Barca for nearly a year now & i am also a rather curvy chick. I havent had any problems at all when going for teaching jobs here (though no advantages either ), the only down side is standing beside all the skinny beautiful Spanish girls on a night out, funny enough though thats not enough to stop me going out & thoroughly enjoying myself here (a lot)

The only other thing you may have problems with is finding clothes, which obviously are all made in wee tooty sizes

[FemaleNomad]

hey craftynick -- I plan on packing like it's the end of the world! Last time I was in Madrid I remember there weren't any larger sizes to be found. It doesn't sound like it's changed much. Well, if you're still in BCN at the end of July we'll have to get together --- switch clothes or something so we're not walking around in the same stuff! haha.

[workingnomad]

Most men are intimidated by skinny women anyway so I would n't feel too bad about being around them!

You'll probably get more attention anyway (not that you'd neccesarily want it...)

[FemaleNomad]

Where are these men that are intimidated by skinny women????

[workingnomad]

Maybe we are a dying breed!