Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Nicco61]

Hello all. I am an American male totally fed up with my current job. The only beneficial thing is the money and benefits. So I am thinking of taking the jump and getting my teaching degree. Unfortunately my current position does not allow me the time to attend these classes so I think I am going to quit my job, rent my house, tell my ex that she will get a severe cut in her child support and go to Korea and teach. My plan is to get my MATESOL online while I am gaining experience. I am not sure that this is the wisest thing I have ever done but it is certainly not the dumbest either! Also I wouldn't mind never coming back to the USA (except to visit family) again.

I have already lived in the ROK for 2 years but had SOFA status and got a lot of bennies. (38 pyong apt, rent paid; utilities paid, 4 weeks leave among other things) I am currently married to a Korean women and have in-laws there who are awesome. I also understand and respect the culture more than most.

Taking a cut in pay by 2/3rds seems stupid but if I stay in my current job the blood pressure thing and stress will probably kill me if it doesn't ruin my marriage first.

So some of my preliminary questions are as follows:
1. I know we all work hard at our jobs but do you feel that this is a real job? Or is it just a transitory thing?

2. Is it really possible to save as much money as some claim? One night out at a Korean night club can be expensive.

3. How many over 40 year old teachers are out there?

4. For those of you that have/had established households before you went overseas...How did you feel about giving up all your "stuff?"

5. I had a SOFA driver�s license before. What did it cost you to get a drivers license? How did you take the test? (Language barriers, etc.)

6. Do you own a car? How much did you pay? How much to register?

7. When I was single in the ROK I dated a few young ladies with their own apts. They were freakin' tiny. What is the average size of apts provided for teachers?

8. Does everything have to be registered in the schools' name? i.e. utility accounts, internet accounts, etc.

9. I enjoy instructing people and giving classes so I think I would enjoy teaching. It seems that working for a company as a company instructor would be a good gig. What do you think?

I would like to hear about all your experiences and circumstances involved with your expatriation to South Korea and any life experiences would be greatly appreciated. Also anything that I am missing please feel free to mention. (I already know about my brain.)

Thanks in advance.

Nick

[ttompatz]

[BS.Dos.]

Can't help you on many of the above points suffice to say that if you scratch around long enough you'll find something related to everything mentioned above (I spotted Elvis alive and well in the Buy & Sell forum the other night!)

As for ages, this may give you an idea of the age of the average user/teacher.

[dutchy pink]

trollbait probably has the best advice...
I got my teaching degree in NJ before I came here, albiet in HS science, so not so relevent to the ESl world. Perhaps next year after my first year contracts is fulfilled I can do better. but I would say you have a pretty good "in" to Korea, where you don't have to worry too much about credentials. If you are free to move from job to job at any time, it only gets better. Personally, I wouldn't spend money on a degree untill you know it will get you a better job, i.e. more money, better hours, in korea, until that is what the job requires.
Just my opinion, but, living with in-laws, having been in korea before, choosing to come back because you 'love it' will go farther than 'credentials'.

[cbclark4]

Good luck with the child support reduction thing.

cbc

[Nicco61]

bump