Job Discussion Forums

[overhere]

I will turn 50 this year

native speaker, american no accent male

Juris Doctorate, 3 unrelated maters (social work, employment relations & public administration)

20 years management experience including as a training director


10 training experience, 3 years adjunct instructor at a local college
2 years ESL teaching experience as a volunteer


willing to take a CELTA course (actually almost certain I will)

I am divoced, no kids

would like to teach about 10 years until I turn 60 and start drawing a state pension..I have no plans to ever return to the U.S.

I have a couple hundred dollars a month in debt that I can swing with savings


My questions

1) will my age be a major obstacle? I am in excellent health and fairly fit..outgoing, friendly etc.

2) will I earn enough to live in a fair size city & still enjoy a quiet night life? (not a big drinker but like to go to to dinner a few times a week, movies etc.)

3. What cities would you recommend? (I would like access to western food) and good public transportantion

oh and my other preference is to teach young adults in a university setting not opposed to a language school as long as it is legit

Thank you so much for your replies !

[ooragnakkangaroo]

Have you read the MANY other threads regarding age ?

A lawyer (assuming bachelor and law degree) ?, and 3 master degrees? Sure ..........

Only YOU know what city you want to live in - only YOU know your likes, dislikes, weather needs, etc.

[overhere]

Thanks ooragnakkangaroo

yes I have read several threads about age and they seem somewhat conflicting at times...for what I have read age can be a factor but one can still find a job...I was just hoping to read more on the subject.

same with the city..I have read some ..I have traveled all over Asia but never been to China...usually people have a favorite spot.. I was just hoping to see what cities people find appealing.

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

having a debt is not a crime last time i checked. almost everyone in the US has debt of some sort and overhere made it clear he's making efforts to pay his off. as for not wanting to return to the US, I have several american friends in China who, given the state of the US these days, have also expressed no desire to return. nothing diabolical there.

overhere, your age is no obstacle, there are plenty of 50+ teachers here. My advice to you is to take a trip to china and have a look around. spend a month or two traveling around and find a place you like. then start the job search.

[Non Sequitur]

Well it is better to be young because you know more!

But I have 2 friends who finished up finally at age 70. One at a provincial university and the other at an international school.

Beyond 65 you need to be with the same employer and they should be able to extend the visa.

Overall I don�t see a difficulty although language school will want a younger type because that markets well with the parents.

Look for posts about best cities and you can start to narrow your search. Once you have an offer post again and get reaction from others.

Best hiring time for 1 Sept start will be in about 6 weeks.

Best

[vikeologist]

Being 50 won't be a big problem, but there is a rule / guideline that people can only teach here for 5 years. However, that problem would be 5 years away.

[The Ever-changing Cleric]

[dog backwards]

There's some comfort to be found in advancing age: He who has the most birthdays WINS!

Don't sweat your age. Many schools will actually prefer an older male to a younger one.

[desertdust]

Being 50 will not be a big problem.

Who cares about debt? The whole world is living on credit. You'll be fine.

[time to teach]

[overhere]

I appreciate the feedback and encouragement!! Thanks everyone!