Korean Job Discussion Forums

[davem5472]

I have both a B.A. (non-English) and an M.Div. master's degree. I have worked 27 yrs in a nonteaching trade and am retiring early. I just turned 55. In a country that seems to "venerate" age/experience, why the prejudice against age? I saw GEPIK has an age restriction, and I have been told by recruiters that they "cant get me a job". Is it JUST the age, or is there something else Ive done? Ive never lived there, but is there some kind of "black list" I could be on, or is it just age?

[furtakk]

when you say a non-english b.a. do you mean a b.a. from a non-english speaking country? if so, i'd imagine that's probably why. if you just mean not in english, then never mind.

to be blunt, most recruiters probably don't bother because it would just be much harder to find a position for someone your age, but not impossible. it's just easier for them to place younger people. that said, there are plenty of recruiters around who would probably help you out. you just may have to look a bit harder.

[davem5472]

Oh no, the resume clearly notes both degrees are midwest (no accent), American native speaker. I just feel like I get all this excitement and then a deadend, and I noted on one site they mentioned GEPIK doesnt accept about 54. But, thank you, if I quit THAT easy Id never try heading to Korea to teach. Im just surprised there is age resistance there.

[asmith]

[davem5472]

Cool, thats why I posted it. Great encouragement (I can use all I can get..lol) thanks, and any other I would be just fine, TY, Dave.

[blackjack]

[asmith]

[davem5472]

Thanks again, Im hoping some "crapwon" picks me up...lol. If it were too easy women would be doing it....errrr...oops I guess they are. Anyway, that is my point about job experience....27 yrs in a union trade has taught me to read and play with tyrants. Thanks again. See what you guys think of the TESL online idea above. Dave.

[asmith]

[davem5472]

Okay, well I recieved a bunch of hits from Dave's site today. I assure you...giving up is not on the screen, Ill keep you ahead...and abreast?

[pie eater]

[quote="davem5472"]Oh no, the resume clearly notes both degrees are midwest (no accent), American native speaker. [quote]

You know you have an accent don't you? Even if you think you have no accent!

You have come at a bad time to be hired in Korea - for some reason - a lot of people want to work there thus oldies, non-Americans, uglies and fatties are having a harder time of it as usual. It will pass but it looks like you will have to try a lot harder than usual if you want a job.

Last year, you would have found work easily and in my opinion that will hold true for next year. This year though - its going to be hard.

[bassexpander]

The trick is not finding a job with the most money... it's finding a job with the most free time. Keep that in mind.

And at your age, I would try hard to find a job teaching adults. That will mean a lot to universiites after 1 year, and you'll stand better chance of getting a university gig later, given that and your past experience.

Screw GEPIK. The best teachers (best credentials) aren't interested in working for them anymore.

[CentralCali]

The public servant age restriction for Korean employees is quite a bit higher than 55.

[frankly speaking]

I don't think that the age is as much as a problem as the lack of experience. As a manager I wouldn't hire anyone that was 40+ that had no experience in the field. Looks like a midlife crisis when people change their professions 180 degrees. If you had relevant work experience, jobs would be plentiful.

Others have stated about teaching adults, but without any experience and background on how to run a class or develop a curriculum, it might be much harder. Adults tend to be more demanding and challenging than younger learners.

Good luck.

[CentralCali]