Need to make a choice

Professor Smooth · Post by **Professor Smooth** » Fri Mar 18, 2011 8:49 am

I just got an offer to interview for a new teaching job. It's back in the area that I used to live in, so I could (in theory) see my girlfriend more than once every other week or so. And it wouldn't cost 100-200 bucks per trip.

The job is at an English conversation school. So my students would range in age from 1 through 80-something. I wouldn't have weekends off (because that's when most people go to English classes). The pay would probably be at least a little bit lower. The company would try to put me in an expensive apartment with 2 or 3 other people. The hours would be different (a lot more nights). This company has a terrible reputation. It seems that every other year, they wind up screwing all of their teachers out of months worth of pay. This company recently bought several other companies that had similar problems. There are several people at my company who started after being screwed over by this other company. There are also privacy concerns. This company does not want its teachers making money on the side, and they've actually sent people out to follow the teachers around.

BUT...closer to my girlfriend. No more 4 hour bus rides.

On the other hand. My current company has offered me a new contract. Likely with a small raise, more vacation (big deal, I never take vacation because I LOVE going to work), and the possibility of being the company's first Junior High School/High School teacher in this area.

BUT...my girlfriend is seriously pissed off.

Gets worse. I've already verbally committed to the new contract. I just haven't signed anything. The contract is being drawn up and finalized and should be in front of me in a week or two. So, LEGALLY, I could go for this other job. But, if I did that, I would completely burn my bridge at the company I've worked at for 4 years. And I really don't want to do that.

So, my choice is pretty simple. Stay in Hiroshima where I finally have the freedom to teach the way I want. 99% sure.

I feel like Meatloaf. I would do anything for love...but I won't do that.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 18, 2011 2:16 pm

Seems like a no-brainer to me.

There only seems to be one pro with going with the new company, and it doesn't sound as if that'd anywhere near compensate for the many cons, in the long run.

bumblemusprime · Post by **bumblemusprime** » Fri Mar 18, 2011 5:24 pm

One pro you might not have considered:

Teaching adults can be EXTREMELY rewarding. I love it. Most of them are aware that they are at a disadvantage and they are willing to try hard to make up for it. They are very open to you, they are willing to have additional conferences, and they will always seek your help if they need it.

But of course, that might be a cultural thing.

Professor Smooth · Post by **Professor Smooth** » Fri Mar 18, 2011 5:49 pm

I've taught adults. It's great, but I prefer working with kids.

Post by **Kaylee** » Fri Mar 18, 2011 6:43 pm

I'll tell you the same thing I told my sisters:

"There comes a time in everybody's life when someone takes you by the hand and says: 'It's time to consider a career in IT'."

I'll have some books sent out by the next available courier. You'll need to provide your own compiler.

Enjoy.