Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tex1982]

I was just reading the thread about 'Why Canadians like Korea' (or something along those lines). I read a few of the posts, and got the general impression that many Canadians like it here because of the job opportunity. As a guy from the States it kinda makes me ask myself, 'Why am I here?' It almost feels like as an American, I have no good excuse. Are most people really only here because of a lack of opportunities at home?
I'm a college educated guy in my late 20's. I could get a job in the States that pays roughly what I make or a little more than here. I'm just not interested. I've never been the 'keeping up with the Jones' kind of guy. I really could care less about the 6-figure income that some of my friends dream of and pursue fervently. I have 2 cousins who are on the verge of finishing med school, buying homes, settling down in the 'burbs, having kids (or have them on the way), making large car payments, etc. All I can think is how I would really want to ram my head into the wall over and over again if I had their lives. When people in the States hear/heard that I've gone to Korea, I've generally gotten a look or reaction like I'm completely nuts. Am I?

[VanIslander]

If you mean the soldiers, then no.

It has to be one of the safest places on the planet for a U.S. G.I.

[jinju]

Nuts? No, you aren't. Or let's rephrase it. Yes you are. By their standards you are nuts. They expect a life you dont want. To them, you are a weirdo for not wanting that. Why do you care though? Do what makes you happy. Live life according to YOUR standards and your wishes. Dont look to make others happy. So who cares if they think you are nuts?

[wylies99]

[richardlang]

I was working as a computer programmer and website designer for a commercial real estate firm in America that regularly sold 20 hotels to one buyer. I made decent money doing the web work side of the business, but was so bored I got a weekend job at a bakery just to meet new people and have more fun. After one and a half years of employment in the same city where I graduated university, I decided to take a job with Gyeonngi Province after I happened to run into a friend in town who was back for two weeks and leaving for Korea for another year.

I brought with me my pack, some clothes, a laptop, some music, and a couple books/novels. I'm mobile, happy, and feeling more on the cusp of a happier life in Korea than in the states.

[Alyallen]

You're not crazy at all.

People thought I was crazy to come here as a exchange student back in '02. I can see their point since there were definitely other places I could have gone to. But now that I'm here working, I get a lot of respect for doing. People think I'm a bit of a maverick anyway since I did fencing, played rugby, sang in a choir and did kung fu....weird ass stuff for a Black chick from the Bronx

The real question is "Are you happy?" If the answer is yes, then that's great since that's what life is ultimately about....

[wylies99]

Some people never take chances.

We take chances. Moving to another country/continent is a bold move. Hopefully, the rewards will be there. It all depends on what you're seeking as rewards.

[shifdog]

Not many people get the opportunity to see and experience the world. Living and working Korea is a great experience. I've lived in Japan 5 years, and I'm in my first year in Korea.

I've been able to travel to many countries during this time, and I wouldn't give any of it up for a six figure salary, car loan and mortgage. If you're happy with your life, then you're not crazy.

[Milwaukiedave]

Wylies really hit the nail on the head. By moving here you take a chance and gain experience about another culture in another part of the world. I would admit that my life now wouldn't be the same had I not come to Korea. Most people don't take risks like we have, but then those people will never experience the world.

As I've stated before, my mom also lived overseas in Sweden for two and a half and had both good and bad experiences. It will be interesting comparing stories when I get home that's for sure.

[princess]

You're not crazy. I'm not crazy. I like Korea. America is too dull and boring, but I am not so sure if I want to live in a concrete box for the rest of my life. I actually would like to own a house like some people I grew up with. Seoul is just like Manhattan or Tokyo. Exciting, but if you live there forever, you will forever be living in a concrete box, with walls that sweat.

[VirginIslander]

After graduating from college and subequently getting his masters and teaching ceftication, my brother taught for eight years. Now he is working on his PHD in education. When he finishes his program, he will have a PHD and ten years of teaching experience at the early age of 32. Then, he might move aborad and make some real money in education.

Now that I am working at a hawgron year-round, I think I am "crazy" for not doing the same. But, with a wife, morgage payments, teaching, classes, papers, papers and more papers, he expresses strong interest in being here, somewhere, elsewhere but not there.

The grass is always greener on the other side (unless you are a Korean kid who has never seen grass).

[Novernae]

[Carmy]

If you�re crazy then so am I! Part of the reason why I am on way back to Korea is because I want to mix with people who are more or less on the same wavelength as me. Here at home, I am surrounded by people who are doing the �settling down� thing because that�s what society expects of them at the age we�re at. And I am soooo not at that stage of my life yet.
Why is it that one is supposed to have achieved everything by the age of 30 or risk being considered a loser in life?
When I think about all the things I have achieved in my life thus far, I feel proud but yet because I have nothing material to show for it, somehow I just don�t measure up to people around here.
Is it so wrong to want to travel and experience things beyond the age of 30?
Glad to see that there are so many like-minded people on hereJ

[wylies99]

There are some things, like just up and moving to another country, that are better to do when you are single. This is definitely one of them. Try to do this stuff later, and you have SO MANY responsibilities that it's almost impossible.