Job Discussion Forums

[Qaaolchoura]

So I'm fat, technically obese in fact. I actually lose weight fairly easily, without conscious dieting, whenever I'm not so depressed or pressed for time that I don't excercise. Problem being that my first half of college I was frequently depressed, and second half stressed and busy meaning that whatever I lost in the summer I more than put back on in school. Point being, I can, and expect that I will lose the weight within the next year.
But in the meantime, I'm looking for a one year contract. So...

I saw a posting in the China forum indicating that Chinese employers hate fat people. I also have a friend from China who I asked about Chinese perceptions of fat people. She told me that A. it's unacceptable for Chinese people to be fat, but the Chinese have different standards for foreigners, and B. I don't look all that fat any rate. (Though she's normally more forthcoming about such things than most Americans I know, she's a recovering anorexic.)

So, my question is, how do people, especially employers and students, react to people--in the countries you've worked in? Particularly I'm curious about Turkey--my first choice, and Vietnam, China, and Ukraine, the next countries in my list of preferred countries I can find jobs for.

[jpvanderwerf2001]

Interesting topic.
As far as Ukraine and Russia, my instinct (not experience) tells me that it depends on whether you're a male or female. I think that (local) employers and students might look down on women who are obese; this would be less so for men, I surmise. But this is just my opinion, and I hope I'm wrong in this assumption.
Any possible discrimination might depend on how obese and "what kind" of obese one might be. I'm 5'11", 280-ish ( ) pounds, so I'm "technically" obese; however, I have played sports all my life, and just happen to be a big guy, so perhaps because of those facts I've never felt discrimination on the job front.
At the same time, it's my opinion that how a job candidate carries themselves, and the qualifications one has, will alleviate most apprehensions about any physical "idiosyncrasies".
I certainly hope your weight doesn't dash your teaching abroad aspirations.
Good luck!

[keitepai]

Hello,

Regarding Turkey - I think as long as you do your job properly then your size shouldn't be an issue for employment. Turkish employers seem more interested in your degree and qualifications and also your ability to get students through their programme.

People her LOVE to eat and there are many overweight Turkish people. However lots smoke which keeps their weight down (I suspect on purpose )
Food here includes very sweet sticky pastries, oily salads and meat dishes. It suits some obviously but I prefer to cook at home and avoid most restaurants in Istanbul for these reasons. I am considered quite a 'rude' foreigner because I don't eat all the food I am offered (which I can live with )

I would advise you to find some solution for your depression before you come - you explained that stress is an issue, well Turkey can be a difficult country, some people find it lonely and bleak especially in the winter. If you cant speak Turkish it is worse. Housing can be appalling and traffic and services a nightmare.

It is also a beautiful and exotic city with fabulous weather in the summer and fresh fruit and vegetables at great prices.

[CKAB]

Post a picture of yourself. That's the only way for us to know if you're actually as fat as you think you are.

Also, it might be prudent to stop eating horribly and drinking. That's the only reason people get fat in the first place. Is it that hard for you to NOT eat boxes of Snickers bars? And don't use depression or being busy as an excuse, if you have that kind of attitude you'll be fat forever. Being depressed or being busy is no reason for you to not eat right, it's not like making an omelet takes a whole day's work.

[jpvanderwerf2001]

CKAB, while I can't disagree with some of your post, I think you're making a lot of assumptions about obesity and depression, both of which--as I understand it, are clinical problems.
Just seems like you're being insensitive. It's like telling someone who's anorexic to "just eat", or a bipolar person to "not act strange", isn't it?
Geez.

[yangyoseop]

Yes, it's true, I'd say most of the world hates fat people. In my experience (I've taught in over 2 countries) and they have made nothing but rude and disgusting comments about my obese coworkers. I suggest losing weight if you really want to get a job outside the English speaking world.

[Qaaolchoura]

In hopes of squashing further digression, I'll say that, yes, I largely agree that obesity is a decision, the visible result of reversible bad choices. And that's all I'll say about it, because it's not really relevant.

I posted this because I want some feedback on where to go, if it's going to be an issue in some countries. Thanks especially to the first two posters in that regard.

Regards jpvander: I'm male, and I have noticed that there tends to be a bit of a double standard regarding men and women. I do carry myself well, which I learned to do as a result of being on the short side. People tend to guess that I'm about half as fat and 2 inches taller than I actually am. But I am still visibly overweight. If it were all muscle, I wouldn't be asking this.

Yangyoseop: Where do you teach? Your handle sounds Korean, but I know a lot of ESL teachers get their starts there and move on.

[jpvanderwerf2001]

Have you really taught in over TWO countries?!
Wow, what was that like?!
To the OP: Don't let being overweight hold you back; and by the way you've described yourself, it shouldn't be an issue, anyway.

[johntpartee]

I'll betcha that's a typo.

[Insubordination]

I also think you're overthinking/overworrying about the issue. If you have enough stamina and get-go to fly to another country and teach, then you'll be right. In a way, it's good if you are discriminated against in an interview because you know won't be working for a prejudiced employer. It's not as though you're applying to be a PE teacher or something.

As for people judging you, Orson Welles (or someone) said that: "Gluttony is not a secret vice." We all have a little bit of the devil inside, it's just that eating issues are often visible. Most other people keep their vices as dirty little secrets. So what if someone calls you fat to your face? You know it's true so you just have to wonder why they feel the need to point it out. I don't feel the need to highlight the health issues of complete strangers unless they ask.

I personally think there's a link between depression, eating disorders and repressed feelings but you didn't really ask that, did you? That's between you and your doctor.

Finally, develop a thick skin (no pun intended) and don't let fear of others' reactions to your weight stop you from living your life.

[gaijinalways]

OP posted

[Elkythedogsperson]

[fluffyhamster]

Talking of diet(s), can I ask what people make of the Zone, and the Atkins? I like the former especially - genuine science (finally!) behind the nutrition (so I'd call it simply 'healthy, balanced eating' rather than a 'diet' per se), and it definitely works (weight loss, improved health, alertness etc), but it is hard to maintain the required protein intake in the West (for example, tofu in the UK seems to costs about 3 times as much for half the package size that it did in Japan say).

[johntpartee]

[johnslat]

Dear johnpartee,

Since you were kind enough to share your plan, I'm going to reveal my sure-fire, make-a-pile-of-money-in-the-stock-market secret:

BUY LOW, SELL HIGH

OK, now let's all get rich.

Regards,
John