Job Discussion Forums

James Hetfield · Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 99 Location: Los Angeles

Ever run out of money overseas as you desperately look for your next teaching gig? I lived on the EDGE far too long. Several times I ran out of funds and faced being homeless, being deported, etc. Yet you advise: JUST DO IT!!! Go teach overseas with no money at all!!! GO FOR IT DUDE!!!

You say: "Bring at least $2,000 to get started." Always thought that meant you need that much in TOTAL LIFE SAVINGS AND ASSETS. Then I met backpackers in hostels who never had a worry because they got a secret million dollar trust fund stashed away back home!

Aint gots me no trust fund, no assets, no credit cards. Parents are dead and my "friends" don't do charity work. I run out of money overseas, I am ON MY OWN: Homeless shelter, food bank, prison, deportation, begging the American Embassy for a free ticket back to USA.

Ever have such troubles with NO SAFETY NET? You recommend LIVING ON THE EDGE? Razz

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

I don't. There's always something that comes up. YOu need to budget and plan ahead.

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

I've been recommending just the opposite, doggedly, in the face of some serious criticism, since 1998, when I first saw a TEFL-er begging for enough coins from her new friends for her to phone home.

At the time, she was standing on a street corner in Prague with all her belongings piled around her feet, having exhausted her (paltry) savings, her friends, and every other option.

It was pretty scary.

Don't go abroad without enough financial cushion to get you 'home' safely - or, better yet, to support yourself through a few penniless months abroad. These days, meaning immediate access to 5-6,000USD (IMO).

A little bad luck goes a long way when you're far from 'home,' family, or wherever you turn for security.

BenE · Joined: 11 Oct 2008 Posts: 321

These stories kinda scare me a bit.
When I look at teaching aborad I don't see large amounts of cash but I see nicer living accommodation and more time to enjoy travelling.

I don't see the prospect of sitting on street corner with a sign saying 'will teach English for food' As one that encourages me into the business.

That's why I'm building a bit safety net of savings that are well above the amount recommended.

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

It's really rare to find what most North Americans consider 'nicer' living accomodations abroad as versus what they are used to in N. Am.

BenE · Joined: 11 Oct 2008 Posts: 321

My definition:

Not living with parents.
Having an internet connection.
Living in a warmer climate.
Not having to work in a job for 48 hrs a week at night cleaning up sick etc. after wedding parties.

Am I asking for too much?
I'm not North American I'm from the UK

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

Yeah, you might find that stuff Very Happy

But, watch out. The things you haven't thought of might surprise you, in terms of what you're expected to find in the normal range of housing~

Where'd you want to go?

It's a tangent, but housing's always a sensitive subject (having just finished a row with my Dutch neighbor over our differing standards for noise and cleanliness - ouch).

jpvanderwerf2001 · Joined: 02 Oct 2003 Posts: 1117 Location: New York

Marcoregano · Joined: 19 May 2003 Posts: 872 Location: Hong Kong

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

My experience is all in Europe, where you usually CAN'T get a reliable job lined up in advance of your arrival.

I realize it's different in some other regions, but here, a newbie is essentially looking at 2-3 months before his/her first paycheck, and some extra expenses in finding housing and getting visas lined up.

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

In addition to having enough money to survive for two or three months + enough for an emergency plane ticket home, I think it's also essential to have a few thousand set aside at home so that you have something to return to.

d

James Hetfield · Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 99 Location: Los Angeles

PERSPECTIVE: Reading Daves, it seems those who shout JUST DO IT are kids who have relatives to bail them out of tough spots. I agree with your suggestion to always have cash stashed away in banks and debit cards. But if you are a PRO TEFLER for years especially in low-pay nations of East Europe or Latin America, you never save enough for a bank account. Then your visa runs out and you must spend your entire life savings for a ticket out. BUT NOT A TICKET BACK "HOME," BECAUSE PRO TEFLERS HAVE NO "HOME." Many PRO TEFLERS live ON THE EDGE. Got any more cool horror stories about THE EDGE? Cool

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

What is this 'pro tefler' ?

My assumption is someone with basic quals and lots of varied experience (good stuff),

BUT who hasn't settled down (for whatever variety of reasons) and established local language skills, contacts, and reputation to a degree that gives one access to the better-than-entry-level jobs...

To me, this doesn't really seem to earn the designation 'pro.' Assuming that it's the abbreviated form of 'professional.'

I think it's more like 'Long-Term TEFLer.'

There are those of us who have done the above (plus usually earned higher qualifications) who don't have to live on the edge at all, in our chosen countries.

I guess it could be that James and guys like him has more guts than me, always willing to do the dirty jobs and take the risks.

I'll read the cool horror stories to follow with interest (living vicariously?)

James Hetfield · Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 99 Location: Los Angeles

deleted

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 1:41 am Post subject:

Hey, careful with the shift key. No need to shout, Mr Hetfield. I guess, based on your username, that you have an affinity for fast and loud. Wink

Cool with me. Twisted Evil

But go easy on others- you're newish here, and you're welcome. But Spiral is no troll- quite the contrary, a regular contributor here who is know for thoughtfulness. So even if you disagree, we'll all have better interactions if we can be a little polite.

BUt on to the topic- I'm a pro TEFLer. Though perhaps not a PRO TEFLER. (When you say it like that, it sounds like I should have a headband, and be wearing a shirt without sleeves.)

I'm a professional in this field, though, and most of my career has been spent in the low wage places you mention, especially Latin America. I've been outside of my home country, the US, for a bit more than a decade now. For the first half of that time, I didn't really have a pot to #$%& in, but that was pretty much my choice. Now I do. certainly, in spite of having lived in 5 countries in 12 years, and never worked "back home" in that time, I have a bank account. Have always had one. It isn't very safe to carry too much cash around, ya know.

The idea that professionals in this field are really professional vagrants doesn't ring true with me. The "no home, no bank account, no fixed address" ON THE EDGE kind of life is one of the things I turned to EFL to avoid.

Gotta run now, but I do have some good on the edge stories.
More later,
Justin