> Having been "between jobs" on far too many occasions in the
> recent past has gotten me to wonder about things such as my
> presentation, my possible lack of concentration, job neglect, sudden
> change of personality ... or even bad breath! Following an intensive
> investigation, I can happily report that it's neither of the above.
> Quite to the contrary, my desire to teach has done nothing but
> increase over my 13+ years of participation in the ESL industry.
> Therefore, these temporary periods of inactivity seem attributable to
> my getting older (I am now 67). Yes, I am well aware of the fact that
> many of my fellow-veterans of teaching are gainfully employed, in
> many cases on jobs which they have managed to hold onto for many
> years. But, what I have learned from many other colleagues is that,
> during these times, it has been more and more difficult to get placed
> in new situations... particularly here in the USA. Ergo, many of us
> have had no other choice but to consider positions in Asia -- mainly
> in the People's Republic of China, where age and variety of
> experience are regarded as nothing less than valuable to any ESL
> operation. I have absolutely nothing against teaching abroad --
> having already lived and worked in Japan and Brazil -- but, as one
> grows older, he/she, as a senior citizen, has an increasing need for
> medical coverage, prescribed medications, etc. which are next to
> impossible to obtain in places such as the PRC. But even if it were
> possible, the cost of such "luxuries" would be much too
> inflated to be satisfied by a teacher's average monthly wage of
> $450-600. Therefore, the alternative of most "senior"
> instructors is to stay here in the USA to face the growing
> uncertainty of employment. One can only reach the conclusion that the
> powers that be in the US language business are more than somewhat
> apathetic in facing this problem, thereby making the ESL industry in
> the United States appear as nothing less than a young person's
> pursuit! Now, I don't wish to appear paranoid in my observation, but
> idly sitting here has created some mighty strange suspicions. In any
> event, I'd like to know if any of you out there have had the same
> feelings. In the interim, thanks for your attention.

I am in my late fifties currently working as a human resources consultant with the Queensland (Australia) Government but want to return to teaching English internationally. I am a native English speaker, have a Masters degree in Applied Linguistics (Australian uni) and the best part of a second Masters (US uni) in Linguistics/TESOL, and for the first 20 years (till 1989 when I came back to Australia) of my life taught multinational adult classes in EFL in England, Greece, the States, Malaysia in private institutions, universities, the British Council.

What are my chances, do you advise getting (expensive) CELTA certification as a refresher before applying, will my lack of immediate prior experience (and therefore teaching referees) be an obstacle? Appreciate any advice, particularly from those making yet another career change as they get older (and wiser)!