Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mdvl_lady50]

Just want to let others know of this topic, as the usual poster on Dave's does not face age discrimination. I decided 7 days ago to throw my hat into the ring. I'm a lady of a certain age and was unsure of the response. Fortunately, my youngest helped me set up a personal web resume complete with photo and teaching philosophy. It's helpful to have one, even though it can be B.S. (not to be confused with the degree - although sometimes they might coincide) That being said I have a teaching credential and experience. My major when the dinosaurs roamed was in Asian Studies (think history and I speak a smattering of Mandarin Chinese). Because I teach ESL kids in the States, I used a combo of philosophies that I think work when I did my web page.

I've gotten several nibbles, and I'm just kind of deciding what is right for me at this stage of my life. It also helps that I look a bit younger than my age. That being said, one is never too old in life to do what what you want to do. I'm hesitating between two job offers, and if I get off my behind and get that public teaching app in, it could be three.

I really recommend doing that personal web page. You can get it all out there with a click of the mouse.

I've also heard no response from a few otherl recruiters in that hiring a woman in her 50's is just not done.

That's okay.

[gteacher]

If you have experience and a desire to come to Korea look at the EPIK, GEPIK or SMOE programs. I know plenty of people who are currently working in those programs who are older than 50. The recruiters that are telling you it isn't done, just don't want to do it themselves.

[ChinaBoy]

No recruiter told her "it isn't done".

She's assuming that when she doesn't get a reply from a recruiter, it's because of her age.

[moosehead]

it's been my experience you're better off finding schools on your own than thru a recruiter - but that being said

if I had to do it all over again I would have gone to Taiwan or Vietnam, I never would have come here and I'm not sure I'm glad I ever did - especially w/the won nosediving the way it is these days.

anyway, good luck. you can do it because I did (tho am leaving for good in about 6 months or so).

[princess]

OK. I am going to try and put this as nicely as I can, because I don't even know you, but I am sure you are a great lady. I commend you for having the gumption to come here as a lady in your 50s. But if I were you, I just don't think I could do it and I wouldn't want to do it. I know I wouldn't want my Mom to go through that either.

If you are single in Korea in your 50s, you will be treated as a social pariah by many Koreans. Sorry. That is just the way it is. Many Koreans are hung up on this age thing and the marriage thing. I mean, even people as young as late 20s, 30s, 40s get asked those "why aren't you married yet" questions. I could only imagine what a woman on her own in Korea in her 50s is going to catch. Most likely, you will be treated as a socail pariah. Most Koreans close to your age are already going to be married with families of their own, or divorced and focusing on their careers. Then, the ones in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are probably not going to hang out with a singleton in her 50s. Even my Korean friend who is only 35 gets asked by customers at the restaurant where she works, why isn't she married, and does she have a mental disease or something. She doesn't have that many people to hang out with. Because even at 35, most of her peers are partnered up and doing their own things.

Life in Korea can get very, very lonely and depressing. Not to mention the way foreigners get treated by their hagwons, unis or public schools. Just look at all the complaints on here of people getting screwed over by their schools. This year is my last go around in Korea. I am tired of being lonely and missing important holidays with my family. Sure, I have "some" Korean friends, but it isn't the best I can do for myself. Plus, do you really want to be known as the oldest person at your school? I've known people who were 27 and they were among the oldest ones at their school. And according to your post, you have a child, so many Koreans will assume you were married before, and they will ask you "oh my, why didn't you get married again"? "Didn't you want to get married again"? Some Koreans can be pretty harsh, as they ask these kinds of questions and look at you like you are a leper or something.

[moosehead]

having a bad day my dear??

a social pariah?? really??

I've met so many people here - and have made so many friends - if anything - it's been me who's not been very sociable - because I'm a writer and photogrpaher, not just a teacher - I need a lot of time on my own - there's so much to do I've turned down - including relationships -

you really shouldn't speak about things you aren't truly aware of - and whatever kind of person your mother is - I'm sure there's tons you don't even know about her - because well, you've formed preconceived ideas and she's let you stay with that thinking probably you'd be horrified to know anything she doesn't want to tell you!!

at any rate - it's quite possible to establish a life here at least on a temporary basis - heaven forbid I'd want to stay here permanently - but the age thing has very little to do with it - it's too many other things - none of those you mentioned above. I repeat - NONE of those you mentioned above.

[The Grumpy Senator]

Please do not listen to the above poster, she is going on just about every thread and saying how horrible Korea is and that she cannot wait to get out of here (See ya!!!).

If you are a real teacher, I would not recommend public school, as you really do not get the chance to truly teach in that environment. I would do my homework and find an international or foreign language school. You might even get lucky and find something related to your degree in Asian Studies.

Check the job postings on this site and continue to contact schools until one works out.

Good luck!!!

[oldfatfarang]

Sadly, Princess has it right. You will be very lonely here. Your age will act as a barrier to making any real Korean friends. And, although your students and co-workers will give you great respect (to your face), they will be very wary about developing any meaningful relationship with a single 50 yr old lady. Many Koreans think there's something very wrong with an unmarried 50 yr old. NB: You tell them you're divorced or separated at your peril (say your husband died).

That said, I'm single, over 50, male, and this small-minded Confucian age nonsense doesn't worry me a bit. For although I find Koreans to be incredibly kind and helpful (because of my age), language and Confucian cultural barriers are just too hard to surmount to get any meaningful conversations/friendships here. I find most Koreans are scared of me - because of my age, marital status, free-thinking, and international life-style. It's not easy being single in Korea - especially over 30.

I'd think twice about coming. Basically, the recruiters are doing you a favor - they know the stereotype that Koreans have of an "English Teacher (young, white, USA etc). Koreans only know how to react to this narrow stereotype - and I'm sure older posters can attest to this. It can take a very long time before most Koreans accept that your different from their image of an "English Teacher" (but, they will never forget your age - it will govern all their attitudes and behavior towards you).


But, many recruiters refused my applications when I first applied 4 years ago - and many still do when I apply for uni positions. And it's getting harder now that my passport has a recent photo - the photo in my old passport was 12 years old!).

If you must come, definitely try for a public school (and use a very old photo - like Koreans do).

[princess]

[princess]

[esetters21]

[princess]

I've even heard some Koreans go so far as to say things to someone like "oh, you are 27? I am 27. We can be friends". Some won't even be friends with someone with a 5 or 10 year age difference. But, if I tell a Korean girl I am close to her age, she will say stuff like "oh, we're sisters".

[Join Me]

[Ya-ta Boy]

[Looney]

might be worth asking a few people in this thread of their experiences.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?p=1839012&highlight=#1839012