W: So you are not sure which to go for?

M: That's it. Of course, the conditions of work are very different: The Polytechnic is offering two-year contract which could be renewed, but the Language School is only offering a year's contract, and that's a definite minus. It could be renewed, but you never know.

W: I see. So it's much less secure. But you don't need to think too much about steady jobs when you are only 23.

M: That's true.

W: What about the salaries?

M: Well, the Pistoia job pays much better in the short term. I'll be getting the equivalent of about 22,000 pounds a year there, but only 20,000 pounds at the Polytechnic. But then the hours are different. At the Polytechnic I'd have to do 35 hours a week, 20 teaching and 15 administration, whereas the Pistoia school is only asking for 30 hours teaching.

W: Mmm...

M: Then the type of teaching is so different. The Polytechnic is all adults and mostly preparation for exams like the Cambridge certificates. The Language School wants me to do a bit of exam preparation, but also quite a lot of work in companies and factories, and a couple of children's classes. Oh, and a bit of literature teaching.

W: Well, that sounds much more varied and interesting. And I'd imagine you'd be doing quite a lot of teaching outside the school, and moving around quite a bit.

M: Yes, whereas with the Polytechnic position, I'd be stuck in the school all day.

What was said before this conversation?


M: I got two letters this morning with job offers, one from the Polytechnic, and the other from the Language School in Pistoia, Italy.