Job Discussion Forums

[starteacher]

Hi It's been some time since I last posted, but I'm in my fourth year at my second eikaiwa, and it's great.

I've not checked in lately because it always seems that often the posts are negative, and cannot be bothered to get drawn into the same bore each time when I logged in previously

I find that the job I do is not much different from what most people have said in general (in terms of pay, hours, accomodation etc) but I have found that simply some people are better off and some are worse off than me. But we have a great time together. In fact one of the the teachers here has been working for about 9 years at another eikaiwa and the salary has decreased slightly, but because of her position as almost like a permanent staff, possibly due to being still "cheap" she gets time off easily, respect from everyone inc students, freedom to do her own lessons, helps newbies, and to top it all got married and is having a wonderful time. Much more experienced than the rest of the group of friends we have here, we ask how she can cope...simple...just enjoy life and don't be selfish.

Of course if you think of coming over here for only 1-2 years, you're gonna be selfish for your sight is short; whilst the average number of years of teachers in our area is about 5, I am considered a newbie !! It's not how many facts you know about ELT in Japan, it's how you live life in general that is gonna make your stay worthwhile. You can find lots to complain about but most often it just makes you feel worse. One teacher had a great job with pay and holidays, but complained and sulked that after one year she was out, she left from her own accord and not from the school.

The one thing we notice is that the economy is suffering, and this is everywhere in the world. You can get a job here and there in different parts of the world, but each time you hop around it costs, not just financially but also with friendship. There is such a good network here that friends help each other out and that what makes up life. Facebook has helped more as we have regular events, we know that better money can be elsewhere, but the fun we have after a gruelling weeks work makes up plenty of that. Some people who get paid lots seem to be the most miserable.

And that is why I am writing this post...and why it has taken such a long time (9 months since my last one), for whilst there has been some whinging here, we are out busying going to bars, gigs, each others apartments, nature walks, overseas trips, skiing, karaoke, bbqs, etc and we budget to each other needs. The odd thing is because we like it here, there are not many openings because its like a family and those who left have even come back on vacation and wish to be back in their old jobs even if it takes a pay cut.

I hope this positive post helps people searching for job in Japan or for long-timers, this forum has a lot of facts and information, but the reality of ELT life is to try it, have fun, make friends, share the tears and laughter. If you gonna make money your prime than that notion is gonna stay with you and you'll never really be happy for you are always looking for more and will always be jealous of others who have more or you will always show off you have more. Whilst actual wealth is from the friends (both foreigners and local Japanese) who will make your few years in Japan a really good memory.
And I'm not really to leave yet, even though I miss my family and friends back home, but quite a few of them have visited here and that's more to be thankful for (besides there aren't many jobs going on back home right now anyway !).

So do not fear, don't always think employers in Japan are trying to screw you, the only one doing that is yourself.


Thanks.

Ps: I realise I may have had a whinge or two in the past but have realised now it was just stupidilty.

[starteacher]

[The Great Wall of Whiner]

Thanks for the read.

Welcome back. Sorry to say that not everything is positive in the teaching overseas profession and when something needs to be discussed, we shouldn't shy away from that discussion.

That said, it is good to see more positive, less negative, you are right.

[Speed]

Good for you, Starteacher. It's also good to see something positive being written on here.

[Glenski]

[think_balance]

[Glenski]

PM sent, think_balance.

[think_balance]