Job Discussion Forums

[geomood]

I'm sure a lot of people have noticed that you simply can't find a job in China if you are over 60. Is there a way around this? What a stupid thing to do. Most places don't pay enough to get real teachers, then when you retire, and can afford to teach there, they eliminate you. Comments please if you've beaten the system. TIA

[forwantofabetterusername]

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=78491

[ttorriel]

I hardly consider it age discrimination.

[DHAPhotography]

What are you smoking? If you want to work in China and you're over 60, it's still a piece of cake. A woman I know in Virginia just packed it in and is headed to Dalian in a couple of weeks. She's 60 and has never taught ESL in her life. Go figure.

[SnoopBot]

I've seen teachers over age 65 (retired) teaching too. They were certified teachers or those teaching in a Western University system before going to China. The universities actually treasure these experienced teachers because they bring lots of life experiences to the classroom. They also don't chase around the Chinese women students, or cause other trouble associated with the younger FT teaching groups.

I've seen age discrimination based upon these factors though:

1. Working with kids, any age groups k-12 including private, the reason they wanted younger teachers is because of the high energy entertainment needed to be preformed by the FT. Hence, the term "Dancing monkey" comes to mind. Sometimes it is actually 30% teaching, 30% entertaining and 30% babysitting with 10% showing your face to the paying parents. You don't want these jobs anyway.

2. Higher end University positions that require an image for the FT. These institutions require lots of Face time and salesmanship, if you are in good shape without noticeable flaws, can wear a trim looking suit you can be hired. They often think the older teacher will present a poor image of obesity, health, and possibly cost them additional $. If you can present yourself clean-cut, trim, and look good in a suit age doesn't matter.

What they don't want to see are the things I mentioned above and I will list them again below. Again, I am only giving an honest list of things I experienced in China. I do NOT support such listings but will list them for reference here.

List of things Chinese institutions use to eliminate potential teachers from employment.

1. Old age if the age shows poor health conditions.
2. Tattoo's that are visible
3. looks of heavy years of drug/alcohol use
4. Bad hygiene
5. Unacceptable clothing styles
6. piercings, and weird hairstyles
7. Open Gay lifestyles
8. Religious or human rights involvement activist
9. Anyone that discusses short comings or criticizes Chinese culture/government
10. Older men that "hit on" Chinese women students-- yes they watch this!
11. Playboy types, (different women each week)
12. Sex-pats
13. generally unqualified teachers
14. too much alcohol use
15. FT's that cannot adjust properly
16. Serious obesity
17. Speech or accent problems

These are just a few things I know about, I'm sure the list can be longer. Go through this list and make sure none apply to you or insure that this list cannot be applied to you during the employment process.

[mike w]

[hankemhigh]

I am in the same boat as Mike W... and agree with his post.

[SnoopBot]

[A'Moo]

There are many teachers in China over 50. The ones truly valued are those who have been with the same school for a good while. Almost all are men. If they are qualified, they almost always come cheaper than qualified younger ft's. Some are good, some not so. Students in China are onto the game now-there is very little deference/reverence to the everyday oral English FT now, especially in the larger locales. If I was in my 60's, it wouldnt be a bad life as an FT...
However, age discrimination is rampant here, more so for locals than th FT

[rogerwallace]

I have taught for several years and have been in my 50's. I have know a number of older teachers in China but they all were university graduates and not out of shape. The last time I was chalenged about age , it was all over as soon as I took them to the hoop court-one on one. Nothing like slam dunk at 55!!!

[kukiv]

[colonel]

I signed on for a further year before I left China for the winter break.

That means I'll be teaching at the grand old age of 65!!

Uni students, seem, to appreciate an experienced (older) teacher.

[SnoopBot]

[forwantofabetterusername]

An EF ad:

http://www.tefl.com/jobs/fastview.html?jo_id=38779&popup=1

[tomstone]

Another reason to avoid EF!! Now they're making up visa regulations!