Too old for the decent positions at 50?

[Andrew108]

My plan is to come over to Thailand next March and study the CELTA course at IH Bangkok. I’m thinking that by the time the course is finished in mid April (and after Songkran) there should be lots of work available? I’ve heard that getting hired might be difficult due to my age. I’ll be 51 next year. I’ve seen quite a few adverts that specify job-seekers should be under the age of 45.

Anyhow, I have quite a bit of teaching experience from a few years ago and with a newly minted CELTA, I wouldn’t really want to settle for a salary of less than 45k a month in Bangkok. Do you think my age would work against me getting a fairly decent job in Bangkok? 

I don’t really mind a move to the provinces, but I’m thinking working in Bangkok might be more beneficial for my own professional development - I plan on taking a graduate diploma course in teaching methodology - and also have a plan to do the Delta. My long term goal is to teach in the Gulf. 

Thanks for reading and just wanted to clarify a few concerns I’ve had. 

 

[Loaded]

So long as you have a university bachelor's degree, you'll have no problem finding work. However, a lot depends on you. If you dress well, behave professionally and actively look for work, you'll be inundated with offers early May.

 

The schools that specify a ridiculous maximum age are often schools where you wouldn't want to work anyway - superficial standards.

[quandow]

I knew a guy in his 70's teaching at an international school.

[brucefarang]

Age not a problem in Thailand-but if you plan to move to the Gulf...much more stringent-most employers insist on 55 years maximum age-so you had better get a move on!

[thecyclist]

50 is not that old:Ads often specify a lower age limit, but if you make a personal appearance at the school and look healthy and energetic they will waive that.

IIf Thailand doesn't work out, try Vietnam:I am 60 and had no problems landing a job here last year after teaching in Thailand for over 20 years. 

[orchidfan]

China also screaming out for teachers....work visa provided and sometimes travel a nd accommodation assistance.

Salaries 4 times that if Thailand. .but it is China!

[PaceArrow]

No problem Andrew, although most schools prefer and request for Teachers age 45 or younger is more a formality to conform to the Thai hiring age group which is restrictive beyond age 45. I've taught English for 3 yrs 2007-2010 (age57-60) and gave up and Retired permanently. The key for you would be a strong educational background experience and your qualifications. It's a case of supply and demand and the demand is always greater than the supply. So age can and is often waivered to suit the school's needs. You may come across a few schools that want to keep the age difference between teacher and student to a minimum to better relate, depending on that particular school's focus and objectives. Don't over concern yourself about it. 

[mommysboy]

Relatively low wages, and some truly bad gigs.  Decent positions often require experience.  Could you settle for another Asian country?

[Andrew108]

Thanks all for the encouraging replies. Very helpful. Can’t wait until next year!

Thanks again,

Andrew

[DavoTheGun]

8 hours ago, Andrew108 said:

Thanks all for the encouraging replies. Very helpful. Can’t wait until next year!

Thanks again,

Andrew

I have been teaching 4 Years now and I am 77, so not a problem.

[brewsterbudgen]

Language schools, particularly those specialising in exam prep (IELTS, IGCSE etc) and corporate work, will be good places to look. Most will not care about age unless you look decrepit!

Sent from my SM-G930F using Thailand Forum - Thaivisa mobile app

[Byron Allen Black]

23 hours ago, thecyclist said:

50 is not that old:Ads often specify a lower age limit, but if you make a personal appearance at the school and look healthy and energetic they will waive that.

IIf Thailand doesn't work out, try Vietnam:I am 60 and had no problems landing a job here last year after teaching in Thailand for over 20 years. 

I have spent quite a bit of time in Thailand, including working for STOU from 1984-1986, and just came back from 40+ days in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). It was incredibly dirty (garbage everywhere except the central district) but the people were open, helpful and generally easy-going. I think teaching there would be quite pleasant.

 

I have heard, however, that the same problem of thug schools exploiting both foreign and local teachers has become an issue in recent years. Fly-by-nighters

[simon43]

I have regularly mentioned the higher salaries and lack of age-discrimination in Myanmar, where I've been teaching for the past few years.

 

My view hasn't changed.  Despite that, I am coming back to Thailand early next year to continue full-time what I currently do on a part-time basis, which is teaching English on-line. (Internet connections are generally faster in Thailand than Myanmar).

 

In my evenings and at weekends, I teach English to young students in China and Vietnam, either one-to-one or as a group.  The demand for teachers is such that I can work as many hours as I want each week, with a pay rate higher than the good pay rate that I currently receive at my international school.

 

I'm being 'pestered' by these online schools to teach during the weekday daytime, which I can only do if I give up in-class teaching.

 

There seem to be some benefits to online teaching while based in Thailand:

 

- The legal status of this type of work is not 100% clearly defined, but seems to be accepted as legal, provided that one doesn't actually teach Thai students in Thailand.

- As such, no work permit or B or 'marriage' visa (and the associated costs) are needed - one can work on a retirement visa.

- Unlike my current in-class employment, there is no requirement for me to assign homework, mark homework, attend meetings, or complete detailed CATS (continuous assessment) spreadsheets - I just teach the assigned lesson content.

 

Just to add that at 60 years old, I've found no problems whatsoever in finding online teaching work - it does help though if you look 'youthful' ?

[Andrew108]

For teaching online I guess you would need an ethernet connection? In Thailand how does that work? Do you just plug an ethernet cable into your own wireless/internet router?

I would be worried about connection problems because I’ve heard some companies deduct your salary for a whole teaching period even if your connection problems lasted for only a minute or so.

[tryasimight]

6 hours ago, simon43 said:

I have regularly mentioned the higher salaries and lack of age-discrimination in Myanmar, where I've been teaching for the past few years.

 

My view hasn't changed.  Despite that, I am coming back to Thailand early next year to continue full-time what I currently do on a part-time basis, which is teaching English on-line. (Internet connections are generally faster in Thailand than Myanmar).

 

In my evenings and at weekends, I teach English to young students in China and Vietnam, either one-to-one or as a group.  The demand for teachers is such that I can work as many hours as I want each week, with a pay rate higher than the good pay rate that I currently receive at my international school.

 

I'm being 'pestered' by these online schools to teach during the weekday daytime, which I can only do if I give up in-class teaching.

 

There seem to be some benefits to online teaching while based in Thailand:

 

- The legal status of this type of work is not 100% clearly defined, but seems to be accepted as legal, provided that one doesn't actually teach Thai students in Thailand.

- As such, no work permit or B or 'marriage' visa (and the associated costs) are needed - one can work on a retirement visa.

- Unlike my current in-class employment, there is no requirement for me to assign homework, mark homework, attend meetings, or complete detailed CATS (continuous assessment) spreadsheets - I just teach the assigned lesson content.

 

Just to add that at 60 years old, I've found no problems whatsoever in finding online teaching work - it does help though if you look 'youthful' ?

Few years?? 

[strikingsunset]

6 hours ago, simon43 said:

I have regularly mentioned the higher salaries and lack of age-discrimination in Myanmar, where I've been teaching for the past few years.

 

My view hasn't changed.  Despite that, I am coming back to Thailand early next year to continue full-time what I currently do on a part-time basis, which is teaching English on-line. (Internet connections are generally faster in Thailand than Myanmar).

 

In my evenings and at weekends, I teach English to young students in China and Vietnam, either one-to-one or as a group.  The demand for teachers is such that I can work as many hours as I want each week, with a pay rate higher than the good pay rate that I currently receive at my international school.

 

I'm being 'pestered' by these online schools to teach during the weekday daytime, which I can only do if I give up in-class teaching.

 

There seem to be some benefits to online teaching while based in Thailand:

 

- The legal status of this type of work is not 100% clearly defined, but seems to be accepted as legal, provided that one doesn't actually teach Thai students in Thailand.

- As such, no work permit or B or 'marriage' visa (and the associated costs) are needed - one can work on a retirement visa.

- Unlike my current in-class employment, there is no requirement for me to assign homework, mark homework, attend meetings, or complete detailed CATS (continuous assessment) spreadsheets - I just teach the assigned lesson content.

 

Just to add that at 60 years old, I've found no problems whatsoever in finding online teaching work - it does help though if you look 'youthful' ?

 

[strikingsunset]

15 hours ago, simon43 said:

I have regularly mentioned the higher salaries and lack of age-discrimination in Myanmar, where I've been teaching for the past few years.

 

My view hasn't changed.  Despite that, I am coming back to Thailand early next year to continue full-time what I currently do on a part-time basis, which is teaching English on-line. (Internet connections are generally faster in Thailand than Myanmar).

 

In my evenings and at weekends, I teach English to young students in China and Vietnam, either one-to-one or as a group.  The demand for teachers is such that I can work as many hours as I want each week, with a pay rate higher than the good pay rate that I currently receive at my international school.

 

I'm being 'pestered' by these online schools to teach during the weekday daytime, which I can only do if I give up in-class teaching.

 

There seem to be some benefits to online teaching while based in Thailand:

 

- The legal status of this type of work is not 100% clearly defined, but seems to be accepted as legal, provided that one doesn't actually teach Thai students in Thailand.

- As such, no work permit or B or 'marriage' visa (and the associated costs) are needed - one can work on a retirement visa.

- Unlike my current in-class employment, there is no requirement for me to assign homework, mark homework, attend meetings, or complete detailed CATS (continuous assessment) spreadsheets - I just teach the assigned lesson content.

 

Just to add that at 60 years old, I've found no problems whatsoever in finding online teaching work - it does help though if you look 'youthful' ?

Hi Simon43,apologies for veering off topic I was really interested to read your post. I  am currently living in Shanghai and looking to

do some teaching online, please could you advise/recommend the company you work with ?.

many thanks

[Cereal]

On 7/23/2018 at 10:24 AM, orchidfan said:

China also screaming out for teachers....work visa provided and sometimes travel a nd accommodation assistance.

Salaries 4 times that if Thailand. .but it is China!

As someone who worked in China these last 4 words speak volumes. Don't do it. There's lots of woto in Laos too. It pays better than China or Thailand for the most part.

[Rhys]

What is the Chinese ELL Work week... 6 days a week?

 

[simon43]

Few years?? 

 

To clarify, I have been teaching in Myanmar full-time since 2012, with a 1-year break around 2015 when I worked as a headmaster in Laos.  I have also been teaching online from Myanmar for the last 2 years in my local evenings and at weekends.

 

There are dozens of online companies offering work to NES teachers.  ESL Cafe is probably the best place to find details.

[mommysboy]

On 7/25/2018 at 4:16 PM, simon43 said:

I have regularly mentioned the higher salaries and lack of age-discrimination in Myanmar, where I've been teaching for the past few years.

 

My view hasn't changed.  Despite that, I am coming back to Thailand early next year to continue full-time what I currently do on a part-time basis, which is teaching English on-line. (Internet connections are generally faster in Thailand than Myanmar).

 

In my evenings and at weekends, I teach English to young students in China and Vietnam, either one-to-one or as a group.  The demand for teachers is such that I can work as many hours as I want each week, with a pay rate higher than the good pay rate that I currently receive at my international school.

 

I'm being 'pestered' by these online schools to teach during the weekday daytime, which I can only do if I give up in-class teaching.

 

There seem to be some benefits to online teaching while based in Thailand:

 

- The legal status of this type of work is not 100% clearly defined, but seems to be accepted as legal, provided that one doesn't actually teach Thai students in Thailand.

- As such, no work permit or B or 'marriage' visa (and the associated costs) are needed - one can work on a retirement visa.

- Unlike my current in-class employment, there is no requirement for me to assign homework, mark homework, attend meetings, or complete detailed CATS (continuous assessment) spreadsheets - I just teach the assigned lesson content.

 

Just to add that at 60 years old, I've found no problems whatsoever in finding online teaching work - it does help though if you look 'youthful' ?

It's pretty much a perfect understanding of the situation in Thailand- authoritative even.

 

[My Thai Life]

Uh no it's not legal to work online as a teacher without a work permit - and of course you can't get a work permit for it. And of course it's not legal to work on a retirement "visa".

 

The fact that an immigration official has said that he turns a blind eye to digital nomads on a tourist visa does not make it legal. Any country will allow tourists to do online work if they need to when they're on holiday. That's a long way away from repeat visa-runners or retirees abusing the privilege. Will you get caught? probaby not, but do have the integrity not to delude yourself.

 

This is a topic which comes up repeatedly, so tedious. If you really believe it's legal, go to the labour office and the MoE and notify them of what you're doing.

 

In the last couple of years I've heard of several expats being deported for teaching illegally, and even of Thais being closed down for not complying with regulations.

 

90% of online teaching is so tedious anyway. 

 

 

[wgdanson]

From the title, I was expecting some advice from the Kama Sutra !

[jenny2017]

On 7/25/2018 at 4:16 PM, simon43 said:

I have regularly mentioned the higher salaries and lack of age-discrimination in Myanmar, where I've been teaching for the past few years.

 

My view hasn't changed.  Despite that, I am coming back to Thailand early next year to continue full-time what I currently do on a part-time basis, which is teaching English on-line. (Internet connections are generally faster in Thailand than Myanmar).

 

In my evenings and at weekends, I teach English to young students in China and Vietnam, either one-to-one or as a group.  The demand for teachers is such that I can work as many hours as I want each week, with a pay rate higher than the good pay rate that I currently receive at my international school.

 

I'm being 'pestered' by these online schools to teach during the weekday daytime, which I can only do if I give up in-class teaching.

 

There seem to be some benefits to online teaching while based in Thailand:

 

- The legal status of this type of work is not 100% clearly defined, but seems to be accepted as legal, provided that one doesn't actually teach Thai students in Thailand.

- As such, no work permit or B or 'marriage' visa (and the associated costs) are needed - one can work on a retirement visa.

- Unlike my current in-class employment, there is no requirement for me to assign homework, mark homework, attend meetings, or complete detailed CATS (continuous assessment) spreadsheets - I just teach the assigned lesson content.

 

Just to add that at 60 years old, I've found no problems whatsoever in finding online teaching work - it does help though if you look 'youthful' ?

- As such, no work permit or B or 'marriage' visa (and the associated costs) are needed - one can work on a retirement visa.

 

Not trying to destroy your dreams, but you're NOT allowed to work on a Non - O/ retirement visa. But you are allowed to work on a Non-O based on marriage to a Thai. 

 

The retirement once approved allows you to stay in Thailand for one year. You are not allowed to have employment while on this type of visa.

 

http://www.thaiembassy.com/retire/retire.php

[simon43]

In the last couple of years I've heard of several expats being deported for teaching illegally

 

For teaching overseas students online?  Show me the link.

 

This is veering off-topic and has been 'done to death'.

 

Jenny, yes I'm aware of the visa requirements for working in Thailand.  For digital nomads, different, unwritten rules seem to apply ?  I have a Thailand Elite 5 year visa.

 

90% of online teaching is so tedious anyway. 

 

The only thing that makes teaching tedious is a tedious teacher.......

 

[My Thai Life]

@Simon "show me the Link”, actually Simon I didn’t get to know about this through forums. I don’t rely on forums much, except for entertainment.

 

I also know of a Thai teacher who was “let go” for online teaching, and of other teachers who are prevented by contract from teaching elsewhere ("moonlighting"), including online – just in case they are unable to understand the terms of their work permits I guess.

 

As for you saying that “The only thing that makes [online] teaching tedious is a tedious teacher.......” ,

a strange comment from someone who claims to be an experienced online teacher. You must know that the vast majority of online teaching is scripted by your employer – it’s a highly prescriptive and sterile environment.

 

I’m not quite sure of the relevance of your claim to have an Elite 5 yr visa. It would seem to be completely unnecessary for someone in your position.

[DILLIGAD]

Your green font on a white background doesn’t help your case for clarity.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[My Thai Life]

@ Dilligad

 

Is that for me? I haven't written anything in green font, and my display shows standard black and white for that post!

 

If it's showing in green maybe the mods would be kind enough to help out.

[DILLIGAD]

It’s sorted now. I wasn’t picking holes, just suggesting an improvement.
I’m not going mad, it was in green, honestly!!!!


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[Neeranam]

22 minutes ago, My Thai Life said:

I’m not quite sure of the relevance of your claim to have an Elite 5 yr visa.

I'm sure he does, he is a long time helpful member here. I remember back in the day he earned over 1 million a month. An elite visas is nothing.