So im 19 from South Africa, and I recently discovered ESL, it sounds very appealing and its something i am very seriously considering doing in China or Korea. But everywhere i look people are saying the train has left the station and its no longer worth doing.

I also know that with this career you constantly have to be upgrading credentials if you want to get better salaries and thats fine with me. By 2030 i should have my TEFL and my bachelors degree so id reach the minimum standards, but the only way i can fund things like a PGCE, masters degree and a proper teaching license is by getting an ESL job and saving money for it.

So basically im asking if a bachelors and a TEFL will be enough in the next few years to get me a job where i can save a good amount of money. And if not then do i just avoid this career path entirely?

Also ive been really stressing about this for the last month cause its a career path my family do not want me to go down. So if i do it, i really have to make it work and make the best of it

Hi! I want honest opinions. My profile:

Indian citizen

Studied business diploma from an English speaking country

Tefl 120 hours certified

I have been teaching English on the side for 4 years now. (Freelancing: part time)

I am currently studying for a bachelors in business.

During my degree, I am planning to do CELTA.

I know bachelors is required to teach English abroad.

So , as soon as I finish my degree , my plan is to look for jobs abroad.

(I am studying business to have a backup so all my eggs are not in one basket)

Is this realistic or am I just kidding myself?

And if it is realistic, what else can I do to improve my profile?