Job Discussion Forums

[Gordon]

No, I`m not talking about the meaning of life.
What are you doing here at Dave`s discussion forum?

[denise]

I haven't voted because I'm not sure which one to check, and the option to only choose one is a bit limiting.

I do a bit of everything--if I think I have anything to say, I respond to a post. I wouldn't say that I give "advice," though, because that sounds far too wise... If I'm uncertain about something, I ask for advice/commiseration.

I browse the Japan forum but don't post there very often because I haven't really been here long enough to be able to contribute to many meaningful posts, and because there are so many people in that forum (including Gordon!) who know so much more.

Sometimes I browse forums for places in which I have never taught or in which I taught for only a short while (Taiwan/China) just to see what is going on there. I occasionally visit forums for countries that I'm mildly interested in teaching in.

d

[James_T_Kirk]

Sadly, I guess I visit these forums because I am bored and want to live vicariously through others (although that may be overstating things just a bit). However, I plan to teach again started next summer somewhere in Asia.

Here are a few reasons that come to mind as to why I visit this forum:

1) To obtain information on how to become a better teacher

2) To obtain information about teaching in places that I find intriguing

3) For a good laugh (many posts, and many forum contributors, are really d*mn funny!)

4) For lively discussion on all kinds of various topics (war in Iraq, dating non-Westerners, etc)

Cheers,
Kirk

[Just a guy]

the poll really could use an
"All of the above"..

[mjed9]

Yssss ... tricky ...

Can't select one of them because all of them are true some of the time ...

But needs change ... when I first joined it was to get info ... now its to do both - getting and giving (ooer missus!) ...

[Wolf]

To explore strange new worlds.
To seek out new life and new civilizations.
To boldly go where no one has gone before.

If James_T_Kirk won't say it, I will

Seriously, I come here for a variety of reasons.

1. China isn't exactly teeming with professional EFL organizations where I can interact with other teachers.

2. Part of my fiendish plot for planning for the future involves coming here to see how teachers feel about teaching and living in various parts of the world. So that the next time I choose a job, I'll be making a more informed choice. Coming to China and Japan were both done blindly.

3. Social interation is a bit limited by my circumstance. I've become a net geek as a result.

4. Free broadband.

5. No TV. (Well, I have a TV, but there really isn't much worth watching.)

[Gordon]

Yes it is difficult to limit yourself to one choice. Sometimes I go here to both give and get advice. I have certainly learned a lot here, especially about places I'd like to go to one day and whether my thoughts/opinions are normal or way off base.

[KateCee]

Like the others, I can't peg myself into one category. Prior to landing China, I asked questions, and while I still do that at present, I also throw in a couple of my experiences hoping they will be as helpful as when I sought the same. I also enjoy the banter - humourous and otherwise, among the more regular posters.

Kate

[lagerlout2006]

I am here for the cheap cigarettes and I did not see that option.

[Capergirl]

Interestingly, I can't answer that question. I don't know.

I think that ESL/EFL is a rather unusual job and not many people understand the reasons for choosing it. I like coming to a place where people know what my job is about and who can relate to my own experiences. There's a certain likemindedness that puts me at ease here. My family and friends here in Nova Scotia don't "get" why I went to Korea and Taiwan, but most of the folks on this board do. I even had a nurse tell me last week that she "could not do" what I do. Ummm...it's not rocket science! It's funny how many people are afraid to get to close to people who aren't just like them. The fact that we gravitate towards people of other languages and cultures makes us sort of unique, I guess. I like the fact that the people on this site have that quality. It tells me that in some small way, you are like me.

Oh yeah, and the nutty characters here entertain me. Gawd knows NA television leaves a lot to be desired these days.

[fat_chris]

I'm here to look at Capergirl's hot avatar.

[dyak]

I couldn't answer it either but I originally came to find out about working in Croatia; now it's just to read Leeroy's essays...

[Capergirl]

[ntropy]

the answer is 43. Or was it 43?

Only those who know Arthur Dent need respond.

So long and thanks for all the fish.

[Wolf]