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[overhere]

I Plan to take the plunge into teaching this fall!


I am almost 51 years old....been doing the "smart and safe" thing most of my life...and it has left me well miserable.


I have been flirting with teaching for years...been coming to this site for at least 10 years...the plan was to start TEFL'ng at age 55 in 2016 when I start drawing a pension....honestly I can't take my job anymore...I am miserable.

I enjoy teaching as a volunteer...spend most of my vacation time in Asia and that is where I want to be.

my background

JD and 3 unrelated masters

I work as an administrator now...did HR training for years...managed a career center..taught as an adjunct and volunteer as an ESL instructor for a local non profit organization.

My only real debt is $200/month student loan but repayment is based on income so it would be lowered. I have maybe $20,000 in the bank....I have a nice IRA when I turn 59 1/2 and when I turn 55 I will collect a pension around $1950 a month. I am single/no dependents

I live very simply...I don't even own a car

I do like american fast food other than that I won't be spurging unless it is for a trip somewhere in SE ASIA

I was thinking about getting either a TELF or CELTA is there a major difference between the two?

I would like to teach at an University and maybe pick up a few hours at a chain school on the weekends.. Is this possible?



Does my plan sound doable??? Thanks for your advice. I have a great admiration for you all.

Tim

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[7969]

Finding a university job with part time stuff on the side is very doable and as long as you can adapt to living in China you're not going to have any major problems. Jobs aren't that hard to come by here, and a teaching job with a modest salary for the next few years, and your $20,000 in savings will allow you to meet your living/travel needs till that nice pension kicks in. Then your retirement funds a few years after that - you're in better financial shape than many other people. Just decide where you want to live and work and start the search.

[JamesD]

There are so few plunes left; try to leave some for those in need.

Joking aside, I'm a couple of years older than you and, aside from the standard culture shock issues, have done pretty well. There are a few baby boomers who have found a niche, a lot of places appreciate the mature outlook. Gives them a break from babysitting the latest generation of entitled backpackers (let the flaming begin!!!!).

Take George's advice to heart and life is pretty easy here. "Don't sweat the petty things and don't pet the sweaty things."

[Non Sequitur]

I did it Tim and at an age in excess of yours.
As you have some classroom experience I would go for the cheapest online ESL cert.
Be ready for the main state college and uni hiring time which will start late March/April for 1 Sept classes commencement.

[overhere]

Thank you so much for your replies. I admire those of you who left it all behind to live a more interesting life...I will take ex-pat english teachers over the stuffy folks I deal with any day. I really admire you all and can't wait to join your ranks!

[choudoufu]

yes, but.....

health insurance. you'll get very basic (meaning useless) coverage
included in your employment package if at a uni. you need to find
ex-pat insurance that will cover someone of 'mature' status.
something with full coverage overseas, that allows at least partial
coverage when at home, with 'guaranteed' renewal into the
later years, and with repatriation and emergency flights included.

age. some provinces are more stricter concerning age, with cutoffs
at 55. others not so strict, as in it doesn't seem to matter. others
allow you to continue teaching, but must have been hired before
reaching 55....

[Non Sequitur]

A Kiwi friend of mine was hired at age 70.

[overhere]

Good point about health insurance..is ex pat health insurance very expensive? I will have health coverage here in the US when I turn 55 and can return here at that time if I need something major...but may need supplemental with something there. Overall I am pretty healthy...just had that dreaded test one gets at age 50 so at least that is behind me (no pun intended).


I have read alot about ageism and that is a concern...basically if I make it until I am 55 I think I will be OK...but hope to teach for many years beyond that.

Thanks again for the great advice!

[Non Sequitur]

PICC (Peoples Insurance Corp Of China) offer cover for local treatment for about RMB1500 per year.
They take the medical exam you have on arrival (for your year visa) as evidence that you are healthy.
Any problems identified will be exclusions on the PICC cover.
My last college organised a PICC rep to come in to talk to a group of new FTs and provided an interpreter. This avoided each teacher organising their own appointments.

[roadwalker]

I have PICC health insurance and had a claim paid this school year. Not useless in my opinion, but I think I'm only covered on the mainland. If insurance is an issue for you, then you should get travelors or other gap type of insurance for those times not in your regular coverage. Health care is also a concern. Mine was fine, but for serious illnesses, could be an issue if not in a top tier city. Search on this site for main issues and solutions.

[astrayalien]

Good luck Tim. My school is looking for teachers, feel free to PM me.

I'd be careful about relying on a future pension to be paid in USD. If there is a way to cash it in and convert it to precious metals, it might be the prudent approach.

[Beyond1984]

"JD and 3 unrelated masters..." -overhere

You don't mention the subjects of your Masters' degrees, but at one of the many Business Colleges in China, you would be a good candidate for the Business Law course that is usually part of the curriculum.

Using your JD, considered a terminal degree like a doctorate, could put you in a higher salary bracket at a university or college than if you taught a subject in which you have a Master's.

-HDT

ps: With a total of four degrees beyond your Bachelor's, you're fortunate to have a fairly low student loan payment. Would it make sense to use some of your savings to pay it off?

Anyone who has read my book Walden knows I am debt-averse.

[overhere]

Thank you all so much!

In addition to a JD I have a masters in Public Administration, Masters of Labor Relations and Masters of Social Work. My undergrad is in social work.

I definitely would like to work at a university and would enjoy teaching english and other classes related to my background. Is it possible to get a job teaching other subjects in English at a Uni??

Students loans are another story...My student loans repayments are based on income..the rules in the US changed a couple of years ago that has made student loan repayment easier. So I will be paying for many more years (15)...I suppose if I die the government will get the remainder from my estate...I am single no dependents so it's ok with me..until then I will make the low payments allowed by the new regulations. I feel a little bad about it but the loans will be repaid either thru monthly payments or thru my estate so i guess it will come out in the wash.

I have no other debt...no credit card debt..no mortage or car notes,,I live a simple life..the only time i splurge is to travel once a year...other than that I don't spend a lot.

Thanks so much for all the great advice and encouragement.

[Beyond1984]

" Is it possible to get a job teaching other subjects in English at a Uni??" -overhere

Aside from Business Law, you could teach Sociology and maybe a course in Business Management. Sociology/Psychology are typical elective courses for business students. Your Public Admin Masters could qualify you to teach Management.

"... the loans will be repaid either thru monthly payments or thru my estate so i guess it will come out in the wash."

Is it better to pay thousands in interest on your loan, possibly even after your demise, or just pay if off now with your savings?

-HDT

[Davai!!]