Job Discussion Forums

[Mary Ann Davis]

I have noticed that Taiwan & Korea are not interested in hiring me: Taiwan never replies to my resumes & letters, ditto Korea. Unfortunate because I enjoyed working in Taiwan a lot. I think it's my age (60 in Jan.). It really is a waste of my time to apply to those countries now. Glad China's still hiring. I thank you for your ideas, tales of similar circumstances or how you broke the loop... Mary Ann

[MomCat]

Hi Mary Ann,

I'm 63 and haven't had a problem because of my age. I do teach adults and that might be part of it but I'm surprised you haven't gotten replies. Although I believe most of the adult cram schools want to see and interview in country.

Are you looking for a "soft landing" in China?

Good luck,
Cat

[Mary Ann Davis]

Dear Peggy,

Come to think of it, that is exactly it: see & interview in the country. In 2006 I worked in Taipei & found work that way. The only downside was surviving until the work came along. China's definitely made me patient, so returning to Taiwan is a possibility. I wouldn't want to work in Taipei again.

Next question, then: has your school found individual housing for you OK; or have you found it? (Individual apartments were scarce in Taipei; I had to live in a hostel for 2 months, which I hated...)

What's a "soft landing?" China's not been soft, once I've calculated in commute time etc. Not at 60. Thanks again. Mary Ann

[Mary Ann Davis]

Anyone know a recruiter and/or schools in Taiwan? Hiring hints? Thanks. Mary Ann

[MyTrunkshow]

Hmmm..

Ageism is alive and well here but as with all things, some adhere to it and others don't. I think coming here in person will land you a job. If you have experience and lots of it, that will hold value for probably the right schools. Since we don't know anything about your credentials either, we can't comment.

Also, I know of at least three 60ish year olds. One British bloke found a job he really liked at Wall Street. Another Irish (heavy accent) found a job at a Buxiban in Taipei and works privates on the side. The other American jumps from adults to editing a local English magazine. Last I heard though, he was heading back to working in schools. All were in Taipei, but that is where I live so I don't know about rural or more southern areas.

I would say that your choices are fewer but as I always think, "You only need one job."

As for the internet, post a picture on Tealit. Highlight your skills...or.... Come here and expect to spend a couple of weeks/months or a day!! finding work.

China is not so far away if all does not work out well.

Regards and good luck,

Gary

[MomCat]

Mary Ann,

I worked at a school in China that had nearly 70 Foreign teachers (some of them quite sane). It was an easy place to land because there was always someone to answer questions. Class size was fairly small.
MOD EDIT

There's a large enough expat community here (in Hsinchu) that several people would be able to guide you as to areas and prices. I would expect that most any good sized city would be the same.

[stunnershades]

My boss recently spoke to me casually about an older applicant he turned down saying "I don't know, I don't wont to hire him because I think he will be to tired to teach the kids". Remembering another conversation I had with him I'm guessing dark skinned people also tire easily.

[sliderama]

the uni i work for here in busan, korea just hired a 72 y.o., (given the right credentials/exp.)

if you've done PRC then ROK would be a breeze, in fact some things familiar but 'softer' i'd say as one who has done both...

good luck!

[TRUBADOUR]

You might want to check your application letter, resume, etc. It might sound too obvious but there may be some glaring error, dodgy photo or something that's hurting your chances. It's happened to me before.