Too old at 60?

Too old at 60?

In reply to Kevin O’Donnell (Unemployable at age 60, Postbox 23rd March 2011) I am coming up to your age and yes, the opportunities are a little thin on the ground. You ask if there is any way out of this dilemma and again yes, there is.

Firstly and I say this with respect, look like a teacher and not like someone’s favourite uncle – ditch the facial hair! Secondly, you ‘are’ in demand even at 60 – try China! Seriously, the hours are minimal, the students extremely well disciplined and behaved and on a one year contract I’d be surprised if you couldn’t expect to save in the region of 150 to 200k baht. Like you, my home is in Thailand but I doubt whether I’d ever punish myself by working there again. Also, the vast majority of Chinese schools and universities have no objection to you bringing your spouse with you for the length of the contract, (not girlfriends).

Thailand; it is you who will suffer as your children become the poor educational relations of Asia. You are already near, if not at the bottom of the educational Asian league table. While you concentrate on your classroom ‘activities’ and the young ‘20 somethings’, (or the ancient 40’s), your education system collapses around your proverbial ears! It all looks so nice; everybody pretends they’re happy and the relative few are making a lot of money out of it, so why change? In the end Thailand, as disillusioned foreigners leave, your tourist industry collapses and the current crop of teachers grow older and are replaced by smiling backpackers, or recession refugees happy to join the treadmill for their 30k pay, you will stay a developing country.

James


Read more letters

Send your letter to Ajarn.com



Featured Jobs

NES Grade 4 Math and Science Teacher

฿40,000+ / month

Chiang Mai


Early Years Teacher

฿60,000+ / month

Bangkok


Primary Science Teachers for MEP Program

฿33,000+ / month

Maha Sarakham


Part-time NES Summer Camp Teachers

฿450+ / hour

Bangkok


Summer Camp Teachers

฿700+ / hour

Chiang Mai


NES Primary English Teacher

฿45,000+ / month

Bangkok


Featured Teachers

  • Annalyn


    Filipino, 30 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Elizabeth


    Filipino, 37 years old. Currently living in Philippines

  • Gaby


    American, 44 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Anamaria


    Romanian, 44 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Jahleel


    Filipino, 25 years old. Currently living in Thailand

  • Nicanor


    Filipino, 31 years old. Currently living in Thailand

The Hot Spot


The Region Guides

The Region Guides

Fancy working in Thailand but not in Bangkok? Our region guides are written by teachers who actually live and work in the provinces.


Contributions welcome

Contributions welcome

If you like visiting ajarn.com and reading the content, why not get involved yourself and keep us up to date?


The cost of living

The cost of living

How much money does a teacher need to earn in order to survive in Thailand? We analyze the facts.


Air your views

Air your views

Got something to say on the topic of teaching, working or living in Thailand? The Ajarn Postbox is the place. Send us your letters!


Need Thailand insurance?

Need Thailand insurance?

Have a question about health or travel insurance in Thailand? Ricky Batten from Pacific Prime is Ajarn's resident expert.


The dreaded demo

The dreaded demo

Many schools ask for demo lessons before they hire. What should you the teacher be aware of?


Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work in Thailand?

It's one of the most common questions we get e-mailed to us. So find out exactly where you stand.


Teacher mistakes

Teacher mistakes

What are the most common mistakes that teachers make when they are about to embark on a teaching career in Thailand? We've got them all covered.