What Options Does an EFL Teacher Have If They Hate Their Job?

Some of the most common complaints that newly arrived EFL teachers have can be overcome if they do their research before they arrive in their host country. Their "ideal" location may not be so ideal after all. An EFL teacher who finds themselves in this situation will find it difficult to live and work under such conditions and may start to consider their options. These options will be based upon a variety of factors. This article will look into some ways that an EFL teacher can overcome them.

Resign

Before an EFL teacher chooses to resign and return home, they must look at their contract and see what it specifies. Are they contracted to work for 12 months or is it seasonal work that is based on a month to month basis? It can be very difficult to break a 12 month contract, especially as it will be difficult for school directors to find a replacement teacher halfway through the school year.

However, most school directors will want to have EFL teachers who are happy in their job. An unhappy teacher can have a negative impact on their class. If the school director accepts a resignation, the teacher will usually have to pay for their own airfare back home and any additional costs incurred by the school in securing the teacher's position.

Walk Out

This is not an action that I would recommend for two main reasons. First of all, it is unprofessional to walk out on any job without giving notice to the employer. Second, it is unlikely that the EFL teacher will find suitable EFL work in another location, particularly if the school director spreads the word about the teacher's misconduct. A teacher who walks out cannot expect a reference. So it is important to bear this in mind before considering walking out.

Press on

Even if current conditions seem unfavourable and it is difficult to get on with the job, some teachers choose to keep teaching until their contract runs out. At that time, they simply choose to return home rather than review it. This can be a hard decision to make, but teachers who see through the terms of their contract can be satisfied with the fact that they carried on teaching despite personal misgivings. Teaching conditions can change over time, which will come as a welcome relief to EFL teachers who had to endure difficulties.

The manner in which an EFL teacher deals with their problems will have an impact on their teaching. But the more professional approaches will usually work best to ensure that when they leave at the end of their contract they will do so on a more positive note.