Job Discussion Forums

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Here's the situation:

I went back to school with hopes of becoming a teacher in Japan. At least for a few years.

I have finished school (bachelor's in business admin.) but know that the job market isn't great.

I have a plan of trying to land a job in Japan and if all else fails try China or even Korea. However, I'd really prefer Japan.

The strikes against me are that I'm older (43) and have no teaching experience per se. I do have a lot of real world working experience and I'm in very good health and look 10 years younger than my actual age.

Should I go for it now? or go back to school to increase my education and wait for the economy to pick up?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Mosley]

Hate to be a negative nelly, but to answer your Q in a word: No!

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=72003&start=45

You'd be better off trying China or Korea but if you're middle-aged w/no experience it'll still be tough going....

[bamboocactus]

I think experience is a big part of it, but they really like qualifications over there. If you're looking to teach, ESOL/TEFL certification or even CELTA certification will help you out.

The economy isn't as bad as people think it is, it's just people thinking it's bad that makes it so. Once people start realizing this and start spending money it will pick up quickly; it's already picking up in the United States, and most major Japanese companies have already started restocking their warehouses, and we all know what that means.

There's always jobs. If you're driven enough, you can find them! It depends on your field, though. For example, if you really want to teach, be prepared to hear the word "flooded" on this forum a lot (I'm suprised a certain someone hasn't already come in and dashed your hopes, flinging that word around like crazy! ). It's true that there are a lot more prospective teachers than there are positions available, but people are leaving all the time, so things open up.

If you really want to be in Japan specifically, take a look at job opportunities outside the major cities! My buddy got a posting in Chiba no problem, and even though it's kinda rural, it's near enough to Tokyo that he can have fun, or go to the beach! Keeping your options open increases your chances.

Korea isn't bad, my cousin is teaching over there. Their currency is really hurting right now so you can live like a king for relatively little money (American or Japanese money) there. When I went there for a vacation, it was pretty amazing how little things cost for us!

Good luck, and most of all, keep a positive attitude! It's important to understand the reality of the situation, but it's more important to keep positive and focused; if you have a great attitude, it will rub off on anyone you talk to, including employers! You never know how it might help!

[Mosley]

It's OK to say keep a "positive attitude" and all that but I assume the OP came here for realisic assessments as well. And to be realistic...it's dog eat dog. At the very least, the OP should try to get a job lined up before coming over.

Even in Korea, things have worsened. There ARE more jobs opening up, but there's a reason, as bamboo mentioned: the won meltdown. Sure it's great to go there for a vacation from Japan but if you're living in Korea & have financial obligations back home, you're getting hammered.

In my 13 yrs. since I started this "teach-in-E. Asia" routine, I think things are worse, overall, than they've ever been.

[Glenski]

[bamboocactus]

[Deep Thirteen]

Go for it as the hiring season comes early next year. Although I'm 15 years younger than you, I'm trying to crack into the NE Asian ESL field also. I can relate to some of the things you are probably thinking.

For China, I'm pretty sure most places require TEFL certification at the least now for entry-level by the way, unlike Japan, Taiwan, and S. Korea.

[cornishmuppet]

There's an ALT in my area who must be 60-odd by now and I bumped into his JTE at an onsen the other day and the JTE was singing his praises, how he's making all the difference at their school, giving kids who have no interest in English real motivation, etc.

While ESL is often seen as a young person's game older people have a lot of benefits such as they are seen to be more responsible, more likely to stick out a contract, more likely to work hard and actually teach rather than spending half their time trying to hook up with the students. I suggest you search the web, get as many school email addresses as you can and send out your CV. Take an evening class in Japanese or teaching young learners or something to boost it.

I keep hearing this 'flooded' word and while I'm not about to get into an argumwent with anyone about whether the market is or isn't, there seem to be plenty of jobs where I live and I'm pretty much in the middle of nowhere. Obviously it helps if you're in Japan already.

[[email protected]]

Glenski, I think you may have mixed me up with another poster who made a comment. But I appreciate your comments along with the others.

I am thinking of getting certification in case I have to enact "plan B" and for my own benefit. Are any of you familiar with ICAL? They seem legit and the price is right.

And I'm glad a lot of you think my age won't be a huge factor. There seems to be a lot of conflicting reports on that subject in regards to Japan.

[Glenski]

[Hot-Carl]

Honestly... go to Korea. Way better chance there now. Of course, apply to jobs in Japan, but Korea is your best bet.

Get a job in Busan, apply to jobs in Fukuoka and tell them you're available for interviews on weekends (or whatever your days off would be). It's a relatively quick and cheap boat ride from Busan to Fukuoka.

That's how I'd do it (and did it... although I ended up in Tokyo eventually).

[cvmurrieta]

[Suwon23]

Why do people hate Korea so much? It's a perfectly good place!

Anyway, most companies seem to be cutting back on their hiring, but there are still jobs here, I got one. All you need is a four year degree and a pulse. Certification is pointless. All that's counting against you is age and the small number of positions, both of which are overcome by just applying to a shoot-ton of schools. Somebody somewhere has a job. AEON is still hiring oodles of people.

[cvmurrieta]

[Glenski]