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am I too old?

Posted: 23 Jun 2019, 06:40
by Renier8
Hi.
I am a guy, 46 years old. I work from home and I was thinking of the tefl even if just for experience and to supplement my income. I do realise that the real opportunities are for youngsters ready to travel. I could travel if there was a good opportunity, but for the most part I would probably teach online. Is there scope for this?
Are there any other "older" people like me that still teach?

Thank you for your input

Re: am I too old

Posted: 23 Jun 2019, 06:45
by Joe
There are lots of people over 46 teaching English as a foreign language all over the world, both offline and on. Some countries make it more difficult to get employed after 50 or 60, but it's far from impossible.

Re: am I too old

Posted: 23 Jun 2019, 06:48
by Renier8
Thank you very much. I will pursue this further then

Re: am I too old

Posted: 23 Jun 2019, 06:54
by Firefox
Pardon me while I roll on the floor laughing :lol: I got my first teaching job (in a language school in Asia) when I was 50. And if teaching online, your age is even less relevant. Also, don't forget that not all countries are as ageist as we are in the West.

On the other hand, many native English speakers think they can teach English just because they speak it. It's increasingly difficult to get work on that basis today, and having a good TEFL certificate up your sleeve also prepares you personally to teach better and feel less stressed.

If you're into online, check out:
Introduction to Teaching Online

Re: am I too old

Posted: 23 Jun 2019, 07:04
by Renier8
And thank you kindly for that as well.

Re: am I too old

Posted: 23 Jun 2019, 09:25
by MiaWilliams
I'd like to add on here what others have written that while you may sometimes come across a school with an age policy, it is the exception rather than the norm. More mature teachers bring experience to the table and are less likely to go swanning off and breaking a teaching contract. And yes, teaching online has no age limits.

Mia.

Re: am I too old

Posted: 23 Jun 2019, 09:56
by Renier8
Thank you for all the input.
appreciated.

Re: am I too old

Posted: 30 Jun 2019, 13:51
by MiaWilliams
You are welcome! :)

Re: am I too old

Posted: 18 Jul 2019, 11:35
by Ms. Clara
That's the great thing about TEFL, there is no age limit! Many of my past and present colleagues are 50+ and fantastic teachers, loved by their students and enjoying their work. You are NOT too old. I say go for it with gusto :)

Re: am I too old

Posted: 18 Jul 2019, 13:45
by Renier8
Thank you for the kind reply.
I will begin the course in a week or two.

Re: am I too old

Posted: 11 Sep 2019, 11:23
by DAP
I am 58 and in my second year
Thoroughly enjoying it.
Teaching line and in a voluntary capacity face to face for local refugees.
Go for it!

Re: am I too old

Posted: 11 Sep 2019, 11:30
by Renier8
Cool - thank you for the reply

Re: am I too old

Posted: 08 Oct 2019, 14:58
by Romeo
These days, its all about life experience., the more life experience you have.. the better!! Yes, being young and free is still a bonus, but if I was a student today and serious about learning English, I would prefer an older teacher. As well, don't be fooled, lots of schools hirer older teachers.

Re: am I too old

Posted: 09 Oct 2019, 04:51
by Renier8
Thank you for your input.

Re: am I too old?

Posted: 09 Oct 2019, 16:53
by diane
Hi
I was wondering the exact same thing. I am 57 and have been teaching for 20+ years. I am retiring with my husband to Greece over the next few weeks and have completed my TEFL qualification. My idea is to do some online teaching because I love the job and I feel too young to "do nothing". I have taught English previously but not in this format. My question is; is TEFL teaching online easy to adapt to? Any information/experiences will be appreciated.

Re: am I too old?

Posted: 10 Oct 2019, 03:16
by Waylon
normally at this age,you are young enough to teach overseas,such as China,if you are older than 60,that's too old to teach in China or even online.Usually the university teacher or adult trainer will still be able to teach at that age.So you are just 40s,that wont be a problem at all.

Re: am I too old?

Posted: 10 Oct 2019, 12:05
by pasqual
There are lots of options for the "mature" teacher. Good article here.. https://www.tefl.com/blog/article.html? ... id=1108084

Re: am I too old?

Posted: 14 Oct 2019, 05:30
by HomebasedTch
It's never late to teach,the order you are the more knowledgeable you are,what you have to do is to find the right fit,you may not teach young kids but adult or teenagers would be great.

Re: am I too old?

Posted: 17 Nov 2019, 15:39
by COLIN
Well, I am 60. But I feel that I am in my sweet 20s. I am very active and can run a mile alongside a youth of 18, and win. Some people do not seem to respect my vigor and lucidity, much more my life experience. And this is the sole reason why they do not accept my job applications. Maybe their youth has blinded their insight not to acknowledge merit where it is deserved. If only they would put me to the trial to see exactly what I am capable of doing.

Re: am I too old?

Posted: 18 Nov 2019, 14:08
by Joe
COLIN wrote: 17 Nov 2019, 15:39 Well, I am 60. But I feel that I am in my sweet 20s. I am very active and can run a mile alongside a youth of 18, and win. Some people do not seem to respect my vigor and lucidity, much more my life experience. And this is the sole reason why they do not accept my job applications. Maybe their youth has blinded their insight not to acknowledge merit where it is deserved. If only they would put me to the trial to see exactly what I am capable of doing.
Maybe should be illegal to ask for age? Agist?