Job Discussion Forums

flinstone · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Posts: 2

Hi Guys,

I've been teaching a few years now. I feel it's soon time to hang up my boots and move on. BUT, the big problem I have is where do I move onto?

Am I the only one in this predicament? If I return to my home country, I would start at the bottom of the heap again. My skills other than teaching have pretty much dried up.

Does anyone have these similar issues? Rolling Eyes

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

This may not be at all what you'd want to do, but one possible scenario:

to stay in teaching, you've really got to pull up your socks and go for higher qualifications - DELTA at least, or an MA in something. It takes time, energy, and money - so maybe something to motivate you as you work some job you don't necessarily like to fund your study.

But I can say that with an MA (or DELTA, I think) there are MANY more - and better - opps in our field.

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

I'm not worried about finding work because I plan to continue teaching when I return. I am worried, though, about financial stability...

I take it you don't want to teach when you return. Are there any other fields that interest you that you could apply your teaching experience towards? Maybe translation, editing...

Or you could always go back to school and get re-trained in a completely different field.

d

flinstone · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Posts: 2

Thanks for your reply.

Yeh, don't wanna do teaching anymore. My background is hospitality. If I were to go into translating or proofreading, would be very hard to find these type of full-time jobs I imagine.

I'm sure I'm not the only one stuck in this rut. Many of my fellow friends here in Japan feel the same. No wonder why I see 50+ year olds here teaching English after so many years. There is no escape for them.

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Writing
Selling Stock Photos
Starting a Business
Selling Affiliate things

Are some options.

If you decide to go back, try to network via forums or groups to help you get your foot in the door.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Hmm, seems to me that having taught abroad could be relevant to a hospitality focus. Some transferable skills and experience - maybe you could get into training somehow, with a focus on transmission of your knowledge of other cultures?

johnslat · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 4:16 pm Post subject: The Pen

Dear flinstone,
I voted no - but that's because I plan never to "quit teaching." When I got back from my 19 years in Saudi Arabia (and 22 years teaching overseas) in 2003, I was 60 years old.
In the past 4 1/2 years, I've had two full-time jobs, teaching 5th and 6th grade at a parochial school (unfortunately, the school closed down), and "teaching" Head Start (I lasted only 8 months - the kids were endearing ((though sometimes drove me crazy)) and the job was mostly crowd control and clean-up, not teaching.)
I've also worked part-time (usually about 15 classroom hours a week) in the ESL program at the local community college.
I figured, well, at (almost) 65, I guess it's "part-time" from here on out. But I kept searching the the "want ads" anyway. About a month ago, I saw one for a full-time GED teacher at the State Penitentiary (about 15 miles from my home.) I figured, "What the heck might as well give it a try" and applied.
I had my interview yesterday morning and got hired yesterday afternoon.
YOWSA!!! A full-time state employee job - at 65 yet. Of course I still have to take the drug test, but heck, I know everything about drugs (I was around in the 60s) and besides, it'll probably be multiple choice anyway.
Just kidding.
So, it looks like I'll be teaching (full-time) until I drop.
Regards,
John

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

For a free career test, for career choice, you could try www.careersteer.org

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

For a variety of reasons, I left a very good teaching gig in Mexico to come back to my 'home' country. I was worried about finding a good job before I left Mexico, but it turned out to not be a problem. I had an interview for a mediocre-paying IT job the day after I arrived, and I was working two weeks later. After being here for just six more weeks, I left that job for one with the government that pays fairly well.

The problem is... that it's boring and I miss teaching! And of course, if I want to teach here, I'd have to go back to school for an advanced degree and certification just to find entry-level teaching jobs.

After being here in the 'homeland' for just six months, I've decided to return to my old job in Mexico in April. I'm quite eager to throw my junk in the car and go, but I have to work until March 31 to finish out my contract...

johnslat · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 10:15 pm Post subject: Useful

Dear coledavis,
Well I tried NEW TEST: Are you suited to
Teaching English as a Foreign Language?

and here's the evaluation:

"According to your answers, you could make a useful teacher of English as a foreign language.

Your advanced qualification in English is a useful foundation and should prove attractive to employers.
Your holding a recognised teaching qualification should enable you to apply for some suitable jobs. Having said that, TEFL is a specialised form of teaching; many employers will still want you to have a TEFL qualification such as the CELTA or Trinity CertESOL in addition to your current qualification."

Ah, it IS good to have independent confirmation that I "could make a useful teacher of English as a foreign language." It's a relief to know that my 22 years in TEFF were (probably) not useless ones.

Regards,
John

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

Johnslat, congrats on the job! I was actually briefly thinking of looking for ESL jobs in the prison system but I couldn't find anything.

Back to the OP--I also agree that you could use your teaching experiences in the hospitality field. You can say that you've gained cultural understanding, language skills, public speaking skills, etc.

d

johnslat · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 1:58 am Post subject: Prison Break

Dear denise,
Thanks - it's not really an ESL job, though; it's teaching GED.

But I especially like it because it fulfills the prophesies of so many who have known me and said:

"Someday, you'll end up in prison."

Regards,
John

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

Ah, funny how specialists tend to look at their own subject. No, the TEFL test wasn't for you, it was really for people who are new and considering English teaching. I was suggesting the main career choice test on www.careersteer.org which is to look at a wide range of careers - press on one of the Union Jack or Aussy or NZ flags.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

So you will be spending your time in the Pen ! Cool !

johnslat · Posted: Sun Feb 10, 2008 1:37 pm Post subject: Captive audience

Dear scot47,
One of the fringe benefits is that you get to meet all sorts of interesting people: murderers, rapists, child molesters, etc.

Hmm, come to think on it, I suppose it's not all THAT different from TEFL.

Regards,
John