The Extra

And so the story goes. The hunt for adventure; the hunt for that perfect job.  Late last week, I learned that the job I wanted or at least thought I wanted was previously filled.  Keeping on a daily search for new job postings, I have been cautiously and slowly submitting a few applications to worthy schools or facilities.  On Sunday, I noticed a job that was published 6 days prior.  The job looked too good to be true. I dug deeper into the job posting and decided that it was worth a shot to apply.

27 March 2013, morning in Pak Song

On Sunday night I sent in my resume with my photo, a cover letter, and a brief questionnaire.  In the questionnaire I was asked to put down a potential date/time for an interview.  I said 3/25 or 3/26.  By Monday morning I received an email saying that my resume was reviewed and that I should confirm an interview Monday night, 7pm. 

I went into my interview via Skype, the interviewer’s name was Holly G.  She introduced herself and followed it by saying that we had the same birthday.  The connection wasn’t the greatest so she called me on my prepaid phone and we kept the video streaming.  She asked me several questions, wanting specific example of real life experiences versus hypothetical situations.  At the end she allowed me to ask questions.  She wound up the interview detailing the classes I would teach, how the school is set up, what the location is like.  In addition she briefly talked about benefits of the job. I was well aware of the benefits, hence my interest in this particular job, but let her explain them.  Benefits to this job were much different than other job postings I had seen.  As the interview trailed to a close, she left me with some less than thrilling news and an assignment.  She went on to tell me that the two positions I was applying for has already been offered to two other teachers and that neither had confirmed the job offers.  As for the assignment, by this time it was 8pm and she asked me in her sweet British accent to put together 2 lesson plans for two different age grouping, at different learning levels.  This occupied much of my night.  By morning I submitted my lesson plans, hoping there was a chance. Within an hour I received an update that one of the teachers had accepted the position but had falled ill.

 By 11am Tuesday I was told that she had reviewed my lesson plans and that they were very detailed and creative. It was then that I was offered the job. I accepted, after calling Nick, keeping him up a little later. So there you have it, job hunt complete. 

As for my position, I will be teaching bilingual K1, 4.5 days per week.  The semester starts in June.  I was also offered a position teaching in the summer camp in April for a couple of hours a day.  One of the greatest assets, free fully furnished housing (may have a roommate) with Internet access and a KITCHEN (Most apartments and homes in Thailand do not have kitchens)! I’m not getting my hopes up on the kitchen just yet but knowing that I can cook and experiment with Thai food has me in the clouds. It has to be more than a toaster and microwave, right? I can be creative.  In addition I will get some free Thai language lessons, global teaching education, continued teaching education, paid holidays, paid visa, overtime, etc. 

As for me at the moment, I am waiting to hear about signing my contract before I head to Malaysia to get my visa.  My Thai tourist visa expires 4/10. In my mind this means the exploration of a new culture, a new country, and new cuisine!