Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Jizzo T. Clown]

I've made the decision (officially) to go to Korea and my family (mom, dad, brother, sister) is fighting me tooth and nail. A bit of background:

My first time out in Japan, everyone was excited for me.

The next year in China, they were a little less than enthusiastic.

On coming back to the US to teach, they were ecstatic.

Regarding my plans to go to Korea, they're doing their damndest to keep me here, using guilt as their primary weapon.

My question: How can I impart some knowledge to them that will quiet their fears? Are there any good articles or links on the web I could point 'em to?

I've tried doing the math as to why I need to go this route and they say things like "What's wrong with paying on your student loans for the next 25 years?" or "If you found a woman you wouldn't have money problems." or "You're a business major, why can't you find something using your degree?" etc etc...

Did anyone else have to face this kind of opposition?

FWIW, I'm not going to let them deter me. And please don't fall into the "You're an adult, do what you want" mentality. It's not about that, it's about helping them to understand my decision.

Thanks in advance.

JTC

[the1andonly]

Your family is right. You've been to Japan. You have been to China. Obviously you are a qualified teacher, capable of working in your own country. Stay there. Don't waste your life and skills away in Asia.

Your family probably thought at first (japan) would be a great experience.
Second, China, they were starting to see a pattern.
Now, Korea. It's a pattern. A pattern of unproductivity.

They are only looking out for you. I wish i had listened to my family and friends.

[rednblack]

Disagree 1andonly.

I say come over. Korea is not such a bad place. Another culture and more things to experience.

OP, I'm not having a go at you, but don't you think it's time to make your own decisions?
I left home at 15 to make my own way (yes I had good parents). Made some massive mistakes, but learned plenty.

How old are you? Not 25 I'd guess.

I can't say I know about family pressure. Some folks tell me it can be very intense.

Al I say is "give Korea a go", and make some excuse to mum and dad.

[Jizzo T. Clown]

Cheers for that. Of course I'm making my own decisions. As I said, it's not about that. You're right, family pressure can be intense.

I'm only going to Korea to:

1. Pay off my debts
2. Finish my MA
3. Invest in my future

Yet even these reasons don't seem to be enough for the moment. Maybe they need some time to let the idea marinate on them.

[rednblack]

Your reasons are sound Jizzo. I wish you good luck. Sorry I have no solid suggestions about convincing the family.
Cheers
Rnb

[ron_j]

Well the whole N. Korea thing could be a factor. I believe there will always be some sort of news coming from that black hole. If it's fears of N. Korea, educate them on the facts of the situation.

Some single minded people think all asians are the same. However, we all have different cultures. I'm sure China and Japan were totally different from one another, so will Korea.

All in all, it is your own decision. Your parents probably just want you to be secure in the future.

[rednblack]

ron-j.
I'm sorry, but you have lost me. Fears of a N. Korea missile launch? WTF!
Don't give the OP mislaid reasons for coming here (bad hagwons, ... ok), but this won't happen.
By the state of your engrish, I'm not sure you write (or speak) english.
Where are you from? (as if I didn't know).
Piss-off, if you can't give an intellegent, best of your knowledge, or atleast a humorous remark .

[ron_j]

rednblack-

[SuperFly]

Don't let a few negative posts ruin your thread/day. Roll with it. Come to Korea and have a blast, get your MA.

I went up to Korea university last month to talk to someone about getting my MA there. They told me that I would defenitely qualify for a scholarship. Some would argue that an MA from a Korean university is worthless, I don't agree. Since I plan to stay awhile (wife, real estate, etc) a Korean university makes sense. My company has agreed to help me in any way they can, and a scholarship would be wonderful.

[Jizzo T. Clown]

[the1andonly]

The people who are saying "give it a go" are the ones in Korea. They are brainwashed by their own experience. Obviously not successful or capable in their own country, therefor promote Korea as this wonderment and joy. Even they can't even see that they are wasting their lives. Life at home is worlds better. Why? Why teach English to Koreans? Why? When there is so much help needed in your own country? Such a pity. Such a waste.

[mnhnhyouh]

Let them know that you love them, and will miss them and will stay in contact all the time. It seems to me, from your post, that these are their main concerns.

[OiGirl]

OP, are you going to study in Korea, or make enough money to study elsewhere?

It sounds like you need to tell your family you will be in Korea to make money and pay off debt. As the others said, just make very specific plans to keep in touch. You'd think that after all these years, they'd know the drill.

[xenok]

[The Dude from Canada]

Hello Jizzo. The Dude here. If you already did the teaching thing in China and Japan, then why waste your time over here? You have a business degree. If you want to be an esl teacher you need something of a worthless major like English, Sociology, Phys Ed, or as most of the posters here have majored in, drinking and drugs.
With a business degree you can be a leader of tommorow, not a worker for second rate businesses koreans call hagwons with second rate everything else that comes with it (students, co-workers, etc........)
So, don't be like the other people you see on the eslcafe. Make something worthwhile of yourself.