Job Discussion Forums

[bde2]

I should clarify. I'm not technically "running"... I plan to give proper notice and all that. It's just that I rolled the dice on Korea and landed in a not-so-good spot. Now, I need to get out, and I'm looking at Indonesia. A few questions (I did look back through previous pages, but didn't find some info, and some of it is out-of-date).

1. How much cash should I have to tide me over until I get a job?

2. Are they going to look down on someone coming from Korea, with 9 months left on his one-year Korean work visa? I plan on leaving my most recent position off my resume... Will that hurt my chances of finding work? Will they even look at the visa pages in my passport?

3. Is it relatively easy to find cheap places to stay while looking for a job?

4. Are there any areas where it's easier/harder to find work? I'm guessing that the bigger cities are probably the easiest... Just wondering if there are any places I should avoid and/or seek out. Not picky about location.

5. I can't enter without a return ticket, correct? And, I'm pretty sure I know this one, but just for peace of mind: It is common to find work on a tourist visa, correct?

About me: BA, 100-hour TESOL, 3 years experience (excluding the past few months in my current "school").

Any help is much appreciated! Thank you!

[Ozindo]

Happy to answer some of your other questions, but just wanted to suggest you think about 2).
I don't quite see the point of leaving it off your resume, as your passport will be used to process your application for a work visa in Indonesia. Any prospective employer is going to see the Korean work visa and query why you didn't complete your time there.
The prospective employer may well ask themselves if you may do the same thing again, and leave them severely out of pocket.
Why not be up front and explain your reasons for leaving?
PM if you like.

[bde2]

Thanks for the advice. Sorry I can't PM yet... not enough posts.

I'd be happy to explain my situation to a prospective employer, but do you think they'd believe me? I have valid reasons for ending my contract early, but I'm a little worried that they'll view me with suspicion anyway.

But, if you think it's worth a shot, I'll try... One way or another, I have to get out of my present situation.

How about my other questions? Do you think about 25 mil rupiah would be sufficient if I were to come down, resume in hand, and start knocking on doors?

Thanks again for the help.

[malu]

If you are honest and up front about your situation you will be considered for the job, and if appointed you have nothing further to worry about.

If you attempt some kind of deception and this comes out during the selection process you will certainly not get the job. If you blag your way through it all dishonestly there will always be this big lie in the background waiting to come out and trip you up. And nobody in the organisation will ever trust you afterwards when it does.

[Tudor]

1. How much cash should I have to tide me over until I get a job?

How long's a piece of string?! The 25 million figure you mention should suffice, but it's all dependent on your lifestyle and how soon you start earning.

2. Are they going to look down on someone coming from Korea, with 9 months left on his one-year Korean work visa? I plan on leaving my most recent position off my resume... Will that hurt my chances of finding work? Will they even look at the visa pages in my passport?

I think Malu's answered that one quite well.

3. Is it relatively easy to find cheap places to stay while looking for a job?

Yes, there are kosts in Jakarta for under 1 million a month. Admittedly, you won't get a lot for that (no air-con, shared bathroom) but, again, it depends on your needs / lifestyle.

4. Are there any areas where it's easier/harder to find work? I'm guessing that the bigger cities are probably the easiest... Just wondering if there are any places I should avoid and/or seek out. Not picky about location.

Not sure.

5. I can't enter without a return ticket, correct? And, I'm pretty sure I know this one, but just for peace of mind: It is common to find work on a tourist visa, correct?

Yes, you'll need a ticket showing proof that you'll be leaving Indonesia within 30 days of arriving. They don't always ask to see it but it's best to have one to avoid any awkwardness or attempts at extortion by immigration. Despite the risk, and contrary to what some people may say, I think it is quite common for people to begin working whilst still on a tourist visa. When I was looking for work I was offered three separate positions which would all have involved working illegally initially. As long as you're aware of the risks then the choice is yours.

Good luck with your job hunt!

(Edited for spelling )

[bde2]

Thanks for the help everyone. Guess it's time to get down there and start looking.

[eclectic]

how bad could it get in Korea trhat youre breaking a contract after only 90 days? YOu have to get a letter of release from your wanjan-nim, did you know? Or theyll hold your ass up at the airport in icn.

[bde2]