Job Discussion Forums

[phis]

Okay, I know I said I was going away forever, but I am really angry and just have to vent.

Yesterday I sent an email to someone who had applied for a teaching position just before Xmas, asking him if he was still interested.

This morning I received a really 'snotty' reply, expressing his disbelief that we had the audacity to continue operating as a school, and even more, continue soliciting applicants for foreign teacher positions, in view of recent events, (earthquake and tsunamis). SO, AFTER A DISASTER, NATURAL OR MAN-MADE, EDUCATION IS NO LONGER IMPORTANT?!!

He 'implied' that, after consulting a map of Indonesia and seeing where Medan was situated, he knew more about the current situation here than people who had actually lived through current events, and that in his view not only should foreigners not continue to live and work here, they should not encourage others to come here either.

In translation: When things are going well - enjoy all the benefits of living in a foreign country - but when there is a problem - run away!

Okay, it is not very pleasant here at the moment, but I love this country and I am not going anywhere. And that applies to all the people I know here in Medan.

If someone doesn't want to come here - for whatever reason - then that is okay. But don't try to justify your decision by denigrating people who feel that the best way to aid Indonesia at the moment is to continue to function as near normal as possible.

Well sorry, I could go on forever! I did respond to the original email, but didn't feel any better - so thank you for allowing me to vent.

[Chester]

good for you mate.
he/she probably is a pompous ass anyway.
cheers and good luck to you.

[gugelhupf]

Look on the bright side, Phis: at least you didn't wind up employing the little sh1t!

It's strange, but in the short time I've been in W Sumatra I have become really attached to the place and its people. I read this book when I came out here - a guide for expats dealing with culture shock in Indonesia. The book implied that the going would get tough at or around the 3 month mark. This has failed to happen in my case, and with each week that passes I feel more at home and comfortable here.

[Gordon]

If you had hired him before the earthquake, you'd now be looking for his replacement on little or no notice. Be happy.

[phis]

Thanks everyone. I am know feeling loads better. And you are all quite right. There is a positive side to this. At least we didn't go through all the time, trouble and expense of telephone interviews etc., only to have him back out at the last minute.

[Winmar]

Like the others said, at least you don't have a pompous git like that working for you! People like that make my blood boil.