TESOL - Need advice

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for advice and a change of pace really.

I was fortunate enough to get hired for the first job I applied for when I moved to the UK, so I can't complain because I know fellow expats have had a much harder time in the job market. It's a basic retail role. I didn't plan on sticking with it for long, but it has been over 2 years and I can't afford to be unemployed. It's now at a point where I feel stuck because I don't have a university degree or specific career goal in sight and therefore don't know where to start to make a change.

Recently I started looking into taking a TESOL course. It has sparked my interest and I'd welcome having a goal and something to work toward other than the slog that is retail.

I'm finding myself erring on the side of caution because it is a notable wad of cash to complete this course and I don't want to be left with no hope of getting hired because I don't have a degree.

Does anyone have any experience or information to share about embarking on this course/field? Any prerequisites I should know about? Is it worth investing into for someone in my situation?

Would the fee differ for someone who hasn't yet achieved 3 years residency in the UK?

I'm a TEFL teacher, so I think I can help. 

First, lack of a degree won't hinder you, as long as you have a CELTA or a Trinity CertTESOL.  Don't waste money on anything else, they won't be recognised in the UK.  The course should be either 4 weeks full time or 9 months part time and should cost in the neighbourhood of £1000.  The fee is the same regardless of how long you've lived here. 

Second, EFL teaching is a job people do because they love it, not because it's a great living.  It's not.  You most likely won't have work from November to March unless you go abroad, and even if you did find a year-round gig in the UK, it will never pay more than maybe £1200 per month.  I had a full-time, year-round job, and I left it because the working conditions were so dire.  I loved the work itself and my colleagues, but I couldn't handle being treated so badly.  Not every school is like the one I worked for, but the best ones are very competitive.  Also, if you don't live in London, Bournemouth, Brighton, Edinburgh, Leeds, Bristol, Oxford, or Cambridge, you most likely won't find work except perhaps in the summer. 

Having said all the bad stuff, I love my work and wouldn't do anything else.  It can be a very rewarding career, and such a great opportunity to meet people from all over the world, and the other teachers will be great too.   

If you have any further questions, feel free to send me a PM.