Wednesday, April 28

I got a job! I accepted the Kindergarten teacher position with Thai Christian School.

After I accepted the offer yesterday, I wanted to be excited, but instead I felt ambivalent. Mostly because I made the decision a little quickly and I don’t really like doing that—it tends to lead me to second guess myself.

I had also interviewed with another school yesterday morning and liked them a lot, and I felt a little bad/anxious about turning down their offer. That position was for a primary school teacher at a private Christian school in Silom. The neighborhood was great—right next to a BTS station in a fun, lively area with lots of street food and coffee shops.

And the interview was relaxed and friendly. I interviewed with the three school heads, who were all around my age and all spoke good English. I got the sense I would have a lot of freedom about what I taught, which I thought was both a benefit and a drawback—it would give me a lot of flexibility, but I wouldn't have much support. There wouldn't be any Thai teachers in the classroom that I'd be working with (in all the other schools I interviewed with, there was at least one).

But the main issues with the position were the pay, and the fact that the interview had been arranged through an agency. The salary was 40,000 baht a month, and the agency would take 3% of that. So, really, 38,800 a month, which is less than most of the jobs I’d been looking at.

And I've been warned against agencies a lot—even though schools pretty much universally offer sick days and paid holidays, the agency determines how many holidays and sick days (if any) you get. A lot of agencies won’t give you any sick days at all, and will financially penalize you if you take any days off. And you don't really work for the school—you work for the agency, which I think can put you at a disadvantage.

Anyway, after I'd gotten back from my interview yesterday morning, I got an email from Thai Christian School, offering me the position. The salary is 49,000 baht per month (before taxes), plus 20,000 if I complete the full 10-month contract, plus holidays and sick leave, plus extra paid after-school teaching opportunities once or twice a week. Plus free lunch at the school (but that's pretty standard here).

I was kind of stunned at the offer, really. I read the email and thought, How could I say no to this? After thinking it over and talking to Roman, I sent an email, accepting the position.

I do think it was the right decision. I think the school is more well-organized, there is no online teaching component, and I'll end up taking home about 10,000 baht more a month. But I did like some things more about the other school—the location, and the more relaxed vibe. Also, I liked the interviewees a lot, and I think I felt a little guilty turning them down (although I know this is a job search and isn't personal!).

On reflection, I wish I'd had a little more back and forth with the agency, to see if there was any flexibility on that salary. I wish I had slept on my decision, since that probably would've lessened my anxiety. But I think in the end, I would have come to the same decision.

And also, I am reminding myself that everything doesn’t have to be perfect. This job isn’t forever, it’s only for 10 months. Or less—if I’m not happy with the school (or they aren’t happy with me) there's a 3 month probation period where my employment can be ended without breaching the contract. I could always get a different job.

But for now, I have a job that starts June 1. And I can finally end this job search.

And...here are some pictures from the day!