Job Discussion Forums

[voltaire]

We ESL (semi) Professionals practice a notorious amount of job-hoppery, and isn't that the point after all? To see the world? And to yet be a working joe part of it?

Nonetheless I thought it would be fascinating to poll yiz guys on how long you usually stay at a job.

One-year contracts are common, and I am certain you all -being men and women of honor- endeavor to stay the course. So wretched jobs and employers aside, how often do you like to pull up stakes and see another country, or at least change schools?

Of course while I welcome all commentary and explanation of extenuating circumstances and special cases in your replies, I include a general poll.

I do hope this hasn't been done before, recently. Apologies if it has.

[7969]

I spent a total of 24 months at my first three jobs in China. First job was ok but after one term (Feb-Jun) none of us were invited back. Second job was also ok but a couple of problems surfaced that I didn't want to deal with, so I left eight months into the ten month contract. Third job was so-so but it was just a stop gap till I found something I really wanted, was there from Oct-Jul. I'm now into my 73rd month at my fourth and current job in this glorious country. I've got students that I enjoy teaching, a decent work environment, better than average salary, and an overall sense of satisfaction. . . things I never had at the other jobs.

[Shroob]

I'm still on my first job, I've just started my second year but I know it will be my last here. I returned as I like the job, however I know that there's no chance of promotion or significant increase in wages.

I'll miss the place probably, but I know it's for the best if I want to make a career out of TEFL and not just a gap year or two experience.

[52skidoo]

I spent ten years in a university. Before and after that I have had several one year jobs in various countries. I don't regret all the fun and travel, even if it's not the most lucrative career, money isn't everything. I feel happy that I haven't spent my life at some 9 to 5 job in my native country. That said, I feel a little unsettled about my retirement plan which is non existent, hah!

[Denim-Maniac]

I've gone for 'less than a year'.

I have an employer in China who has taken me on a 7 month contract in 2010, an 8 monther in 2012, and will give me another 8 monther in 2013-14. That really suits me.

In the UK (where I am now) I have a local employer who gives me enough work from April - November. So although I have worked for him for a number of years, I have never worked for one complete year.

[Tudor]

I'm on my third employer in three years in the same city. Each move has resulted in a better salary, as well as better opportunities. I might stay at my current place longer than a year as they offer a variety of teaching, plenty of training and development, as well as the option of working at different branches.

[tttompatz]

My first job (in ESL/EFL after leaving academia in my home country) was a year-long contract.

Each position after that was longer than the one before and they have all been steps up (rather than sideways) in terms of NET remuneration.

In my experience, while jumping from pillar to post may appeal to many, the simple act of changing employers and countries does come with expenses and relocation costs.

For those 20-something's who are doing a few gap years after uni that may not be an issue (stuffing the backpack and moving on to the next adventure) but for those who have families and/or who have settled long term/accumulated a house full of stuff it is a consideration. EFL is now their occupation and not their "adventure" of "travel while teaching".

.

[voltaire]

[52skidoo]

For me it's a way of life. I hate being tied down by a house full furniture, a car, a mortgage, and a family. I feel quite comfortable divesting myself of material property, almost like its something I feel compelled to do. But everyone is different. My brother has spent most of his life in one place and feels a sense of security being firmly rooted. I think people who try it after a BA degree and really like it, would do much better to go back and get a masters in TEFL, or a teachers license, or both, then they could flit around the planet at higher paying jobs like international schools, middle eastern jobs, or Teacher Training positions, and if they are easily bored could do all of the above and still have a secure family life and a decent retirement. On the other hand starting over and over again at the bottom every year with a BA and a TEFL might be adventurous but makes having a family life very difficult.

[naturegirl321]

That's right, once you have a family, espeically kids, it gets a LOT harder. Languages, education, friends, etc

[denise]

[52skidoo]

Hi Denise,
When I was growing up as a military brat my family always traveled with literally a semi-truck load of furniture, every one or two years, all over America. As a free spirited adult I never take more than a carry on and occasionally one piece of check in luggage.

Isn't it strange how buying something like a bed or a kitchen table makes you feel like, OK this is the thin end of the wedge, hah! I bought a kitchen table in Taiwan ten years ago and had this eerie feeling I'd be staying here for a while.

Glad to here you are adjusting to being back home-ish. Occasionally, I go back home for a few months at best before I can't stand it another minute.

Now I have a second home country, don't ever plan on going back to America for good. And I am getting down right restless in my second home country.

My plan is to keep on going and maybe for my very last job, when I hit 65, go to someplace like the Marshall Islands, set up a shack, be a beach comber and hang up a sign that reads WILL TUTOR ENGLISH FOR FOOD. Then one peaceful balmy night lay out under the stars and drift into the milky way.
Thinking,hey, that wasn't too bad...

[voltaire]

You're a man of my own heart, sir skidoo, but with me it was the first 25 years stuck in the same old, boring place that did it.

[52skidoo]

25 years in one place sounds good if you like what you are doing... I can see that...I spent 10 years in one job because I loved it so much...even so I still got the travel bug...and set sail out into the unknown again.

Have you heard of the comedian Steven Wright?
"Two guys were born in the same hospital at the same hour on the same day. 85 years later they were in the same hospital room on their death beds. One guy looked over at the other and was quiet for a while then said, 'So what did you think?''

Kinda of like talking to the TEFLER lifers on Daves!

[denise]