Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Mainah]

Is there age discrimination in Korea with respect to obtaining a position? If so, what's the absolute "ceiling"? I'm 59 with BA Ed and teaching experience.

[lhasa]

my observation is appearance means more than biological age.

last school was desperate for a teacher. An older guy walked in with a great history, street clothes and they passed. The way they saw it was he was overweight and didn't fit what parents might be looking for as a teacher for their son/daughter.

didn't matter if the guy could have been a teachers teacher.

you can easily make it here and put most of us to shame. put on some decent clothes and wear an appropriate attitude and you'll be able to sell yourself.

[Mainah]

I do appreciate the response. Thank you so much. There is so much age discrimination in the U.S., albeit subtle because it is illegal. It's not so bad when economic times are good but when they're not, it's rough. Fortunately, nearly everybody who sees me is very surprised when they learn my age and I "clean up" pretty well.

I will carry on the search with renewed vigor!!

[margaret]

I'm 58 now and looking for my 3rd stint in Korea. What I found to my advantage is that I was looking outside of Seoul. I think if you are willing to work in other areas where there are fewer teachers applying and can send your youngest looking but current photo that should work to your advantage.

[SandyG21]

Interesting Mainah - I stated to a friend last night that jobs are difficult to get here in the the USA and they obviously want to hire youngsters - but it is subtle.

At least in Asia - they put it in their ads and you know upfront.

I am in my early 50s - also a BS in Ed and a teaching license.

Thanks Margaret - good to know there are jobs for us in Korea.

[tomato]

It has been rumored that age 60 is the legal age limit.
I had someone call the immigration office, and they said there was no legal age limit.

My 60th birthday was last November and, legal or not, I got a new job since then--and it's a good job, too.

Employers who are superficial enough to worry about hair color and eye color aren't worth meeting anyway.

[Mainah]

I am greatly encouraged by all of the positive feedback. Thanks to all. When one hasn't been in country, it's difficult to know the reality is. It's good to know that folks can speak from experience rather than just opinions.

[Ya-ta Boy]

I'm 59 and am working in Korea. Yes people our age can find jobs. The obstacle is that there is a decided preference for employees who are thirty years younger. Our applications go to the bottom of the pile. Since there are more jobs than potential employees, eventually we rise to the surface.

On your resume, emphasize your experience--there are employers who know a good thing when they see it. Be flexible about where you will work--don't just focus on Seoul. The public schools are most often open to hiring people our age. Employers have mentioned they worry that people our age no longer have 'passion'. It seems to mean they think we are tired and decrepit and won't work hard.

Be patient and don't give up. Good luck.

[SandyG21]

So do I stand a chance with SMOE and Gepik?

I was avoiding Epik because I didn't want to be too rural.

What are other places/schools that like older teachers?

Of course I do want to be earning a salary.

Thanks - I really like this thread!

[cruisemonkey]

Like sex, age discrimination is rampant in K-land. Commonly, universities won't hire anyone under thirty... and, at the other end, EPIK has a 'none over fifty-five' policy.

[SandyG21]

Given the fact that babyboomers are the worlds largest age population group - Korea and other countries need to get over it and rethink the over a certain age thing being too old. They are seeking to hire teachers who are young and there just aren't enough youngsters to hire for these jobs.

[tomato]

[bogey666]

[makemischief]

[giraffe]