Korean Job Discussion Forums

[brandonlk]

After having a great interview with the head teacher and being told the rest is just a formality, I was eventually denied a teaching position because the director felt I was too old. I just turned 30 on Saturday. FML

[TL]

30 is too old? There's gotta be another reason.

[juchangok]

Dang, I'm sorry about that man. I didn't realize there was really an age requirement there. I think you should keep trying though. Good luck!

[winterfall]

That's odd. age requirements don't kick in until your in your 60's.

Are they worried they have to pay too much? I'm sure you've got a lot of experience

[brandonlk]

[nomad-ish]

^ it's true, many parents think a young, 20-somethings teacher will be more active and 'happy' in their kids' class. also, some hagwon owners like having younger teachers because they're less experienced and easier to control.

i suggest you just try another hagwon position, not many have this low an age limit. if not, you can always try a public school position (they hire teachers right into their 50s).

[Fishead soup]

They want some backpacker with a huge University dept. Someone they can push around. Someone who will not rock the boat and be a dancing monkey. Consider yourself lucky and try again

[Loudog]

I am 32 and my wife is 34 and we both got jobs, keep looking you will get hired eventually.

[brandonlk]

I'm not going to give up. I know eventually I will get hired but I was a little shocked at the whole thing. And you are correct, I probably am better off if that is the way this school, or rather director thinks.

[T-dot]

Its not your age thats the problem it's the age you look that is the problem.

Maybe you look much older in your photo or interview than your actual age.

[Mosley]

A hagwan job? Too "old" at 30!?

[Mod Edit] Go for a public school job. I knew a guy who got an EPIK job(not Shangri-la, to be sure) at 60.

If you're a newbie, it might be tougher but not impossible.

[Justsurfin12]

I'm over 30... no problems at all getting hired.

At my school there are several teachers in their 30's and 40's.

[brandonlk]

[AussieGav]

Wow, over the hill at 30. Just keep trying, some Hagwons do prefer very young teachers for some of the reasons stated here, but not all. I go my first job here at 39, they want someone more mature. In the public sector there are a lot of teachers well over this age too.

I wouldn't worry too much because if that is their criteria then perhaps it would not be a great place to work. You'll get something.

[Triban]

Get younger.