Job Discussion Forums

chadron · Joined: 19 Apr 2010 Posts: 1

I have been reading through these forums for months. I fluctuate between being inspired, excited and ready for the challenge to discouraged, confused and generally terrified. I'm 34, B.A. in Political Science with solid work experience ranging from lobbying to speech writing to public speaking. I'm ready for a career change and teaching is something I have wanted to do since college (before I got distracted by bigger salaries). I'm about to begin my TEFL Certificate with 120 hours plus 8+ hours practicum with real live students and I have voluntary taught ESL in the past.

I recognize the decision to go is very subjective and everyone has different motivations and circumstances but I'm hoping some of you can tell me why you do it. How you overcame challenges and uncertainties. Or if there is anything you would do differently now that you know better. Maybe your experiences will help me make this life changing decision.

I greatly appreciate your input.

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

I'm 34 and started teaching 10 years ago. When I started, I had a BA in an unrelated field, no previous teaching experience, a freshly-minted TEFL certificate, and no clue whether I would actually enjoy teaching.

Why do I still do it? Well, I found out very quickly that I just loved doing it. For me, the job is mentally and physically stimulating & keeps me active. Thus, it's very rewarding for me. And of course, for the students that we do manage to help, it's rewarding for them as well.

Some people do it for the thrill of living abroad, experiencing new cultures, etc. I've enjoyed most of the experiences that I have had and I've certainly been able to see more of the world than I would if I just had a normal ol' job back home, but I've discovered that I'm more open-minded about cultures when I sort of keep them at arm's length. So I'm more interested in the actual job than in the living abroad aspect.

d

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

I got into it at age 27 and am still here after 10 years, loving every minute. Falling in love with Mexico was a big factor of course and I call this place home now.

My bit of advice to add is to say that one should set some goals. Why do you want to go abroad to teach? What do you hope to accomplish or learn? How long will you take to do it? Is this a permanent move or a temporary adventure?

Those who have gone abroad and stayed abroad found that just like back home, you have to keep developing. Maybe a master's in education, maybe something different. What you shouldn't do is expect a straight up career jump to be on easy street.

You know all this of course...I'm just airing it... Very Happy

Sashadroogie · Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2010 12:16 am Post subject:

Why do I do it? If pressed, I'll 'fess up more than most males: this is a great job for meeting unimaginably gorgeous chics who wouldn't look twice at me back home. Yet in EFL they pay for my lessons. Why wouldn't I stay in the biz?!

Yeah yeah the teaching is great etc etc. But I'll wager hard-earned cash that my position isn't so rare in the 'industry'. So, good luck to you and all others who long for some exotic adventure!

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

Yeah, yeah, all of the above, sense of accomplishment, babes, keeps your mind sharp. What would I do differently? When I first came here (China), I was a little tentative, I had an attitude of "I'm going to find out what these people are like". WRONG!! "These people" are PEOPLE. People everywhere are basically the same; no "government controls" are going to change human nature.

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

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

I'm 27 and have been doing it for 7 years. Why do I stay? HOnestly, it's all I've ever known as far as jobs go. Yes, I like teaching, but I would like to get out eventually. Now that I'm about to start another MA in Education not TEFL, I think I'll be in it a bit longer. BUt I would like to get out before I'm 40.

cormac · Joined: 04 Nov 2008 Posts: 768 Location: Xi'an (XTU)

Well, I'm pretty new to all of this (teaching).

I'm 33, and have worked in Business most of my life. I'd reached the top (General mgt) of the field I'd chosen previously, and found it lacking, and didn't have the interest to start all over again with some new area. I'd also taken a stint teaching kinder in China, and found that I enjoyed the culture/lifestyle of being there. I've since returned home to finish off a postgrad, and I'm now looking for work again in Asia. (would like to get a distance MA and PHD later while I teach abroad)

I liked Kinder but I never felt I was good at the job compared to the other teachers in my school (the kids liked me, but I never felt I was teaching them anything). Now I'm hoping to branch out into adult learning or corporate training. Just browsing the forums, and job boards seeking a position in either China or Japan.

On a personal side, women do come into it for me. I've lived a rather heavy work schedule in the past and not met anyone "interesting". And I have lost any interest in western living. So living in Asia provides me the chance to meet someone(s) and also have a lifestyle i can enjoy. Serious drop in salary but I'm more concerned with happiness at this stage than money. God knows, I've worked hard in the west, earned good money, bought the house(s), etc, but had remarkedly little to enjoy afterwards. Not my kind of life. I'm hoping that I'll be happier with this new set up.

Still its a gamble. Don't really know for sure.