Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Omkara]

I'm curious. How does working abroad work into your long-term goals. Are you there for savings in order to invest into some larger scheme? Are you there for language, culture, to refine you teaching skills? Are you there for the experience alone? Or, do you ask yourself regularly, "What the *@## am I doing here?"

[andy202]

You can save a lot of money and invest in Asian economic enterprises (see your financial advisor - China is a good prospect for investment).

As for career prospects, having taught English in Asia is no outstanding achievement, but it does demonstrate your independence and ability to get by almost anywhere and, the work is valuable teaching experience. Put together with a qualification you would be accepted for a job in education in most countries.

It does your resume no harm!

[Gamecock]

You might be surprised to find that for some, teaching abroad IS a long-term goal. I love teaching. I love living in and interacting with another culture. I don't see this as a short-term adventure or a stepping stone to something more "prestigious." I think being an ESL teacher is as good of a job as any (and more honorable than many high paying jobs in the West), even in the midst of those short-termers who give it a bad reputation. I have enough in terms of finances to live comfortably because I'm not into materialism, and I have no desire to ever own a house in the suburbs or live the "American Dream."

Sure I could make more money doing something different in the States. I learned a long time ago that I am happier and my quality of life is greater by making less and doing something I truly love.

[europe2seoul]

Work 1-2 more years max, go to North America, get a job in the same field major and do MBA as well. After MBA get a job mixing two fields. Hopefully in the next 1-2 years will learn 1 asian language and leverage that to my advantage with tech field + mba + language.

[Bibbitybop]

It fits into my long term goals of not being an average joe, not working in the traditional rat race, seeing parts of the world most people will never see, not working in a cubicle and being able to look back on my life as I die and laugh at everyone who busted their ass all their life wondering what it would have been like to travel the world.

[europe2seoul]

[Zyzyfer]

Original goal was teaching exp. before getting qualified back home. But I dislike teaching as a permanent career unless it's something I want to teach, so now I'm trying out a new field and building up experience and bank here with the current gig, hoping it'll translate well.

[Mashimaro]

[Bibbitybop]

[Fredbob]

My original long term goal was to come here and learn as much about the language and the culture as possible, so that I could go back to the States and apply some of it in a psychotherapy setting. I didn't want to be one of those counselors who never got out of academia or their own office.

Possibly the best choice I've ever made, opened up a whole new world.
I've found so many interesting possiblities (cultural, career, academic, etc..) here that I'm considering staying for the long term, at least until I become fluent. (Which at this rate should take another 10 years. )

I'm seriously considering getting involved (at least part-time) in the mental health industry in Korea or even getting a second Masters at a Korean University (just for the experience). Will that help me get rich, no, but if that was my long term goal, I wouldn't have gone into Counseling in the first place.

I've got my degree, making decent money here, I can go back anytime and within 6 months have my own practice. Everything else is gravy.

[captain kirk]

"I'm seriously considering getting involved in the mental health care industry in Korea".

Wow. Just wow.

[twg]

It pays off my debts. Not having any is my future plan.

I'm simple like that.

[blaseblasphemener]

Paid off my student loans, visas, other debts.

Got married.

Got healthy, away from the viscious cycle of McDonalds/Wendy's/Tim Hortons/7-11/10 cent wings/

Got a whole lot of perspective on how life as we know it back home is really a Truman show. We don't know that we are being played until we leave the bubble. When I return, I will have a world perspective, knowing that while Canada has it's advantages, I can take it or leave it.

[Delirium's Brother]

Working (i.e. teaching English) abroad is my long-term goal; oh ya, there's enlightenment, too. I forgot about that. Money is just part of the illusion of reality trapping you in the continuous cycle of rebirths. Break the habit! Live simply--simply live.

[blaseblasphemener]