Korean Job Discussion Forums

RR · Joined: 28 Jan 2003

While I can certainly understand teaching in Korea for a lot of reasons (or just teaching overseas generally), I don't get the I'm doing it for the $$ arguement.

$2000 per month is not much. I used to make $200+ a night as a waiter. Hell, usually made $100+ a day delivering pizza 10 years ago. IM NOT COMPARING JOBS OR DEGRADING TEACHERS Very Happy

, I'm just saying that if your in it for the $ your in the wrong thing.

You can teach in the US and make $40000-50000 pretty easily, which is closer to $4000 per month than $2000.... and yes I know about taxes and the free apartment, but are those such benefits? What about quality health insurance, job training, sick leave, workers comp., paid vacations, retirement benefits, loan discounts, housing programs, etc.....

So by all means teach in Korea, but don't come here to get rich.

RR

Tancred · Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2003 3:34 pm Post subject:

i was making $38,000 in canada, toronto specifically. Now, as any Canadian living in TO can tell you, that will not get you very far. I was paying for a car (it was necessary), an apartment...both of which took their toll. I couldn't save any money....

In korea, i'm able to bank EASILY $1,200 a month. And while that may not be enough for a lot of people, for me to save that much money is a very good thing, particularly as i have something i'm saving for. I don't love korea, but it isn't a bad place...the taxes are low, the people are for the most part okay, and i'm taller than everyone else...plus, the food is delicious and a refreshing change. I have no desire to work in a "company" or work for the "man", as they say...this was a very good choice for me...and that is why i'm in this country.

t.

kiwifruit · Joined: 26 Jan 2003 Location: my apartment

This is black and white buddy. (New Zealand dollars)

Living in New Zealand: I saved 2,000 in 6 months (working 40 hours a week).
Living in Korea: I saved 36,000 in 15 months (working 20-25 hours a week) and then travelled the world for 7 months, returning home with 10,000 still in the bank.

You work out why I am here.

Imbroglio · Posted: Wed Feb 05, 2003 4:51 pm Post subject:

I stay for the modeling jobs, the elevated sense of importance and of course, the nookie.

Confused

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

I Can't Tell You Why - The Eagles

Is this the Song Titles Thread?

GlowStickGirl · Joined: 22 Aug 2003

i dunno, possibly because these people have no where else to go? judging by many of the posts, many of those who come to teach here were not doing so hot in their native countries in terms of jobs (dead end careers, or no careers at all). or then again, perhaps these folks are just bitter people, and have nothing else to do but to complain to others in their free time. who knows, maybe they complained twice as much in their homelands and korea is the lesser of two evils.

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

I came for the money. And like other posters have said, it doesn't look like that much until you see how much you can save here. Back in Canada, I had to own a car, that meant car payments, insurance, gasoline, repairs, tires, batteries, and then the humongus taxes on all of that as well as income tax, GST, PST, deductable fees, user fees, heating costs and on and on.

In Korea, I pay for food, entertainment, and moderately cheap heating costs. Utilities are extremely cheap here.

Korea was not my first choice. I packed up and moved to Mexico first, but found I couldn't make it there. (although I loved the culture and the climate) Korea has and always will be second choice to a lot of other places that I would find way more interesting. But I know I will never save this kind of money anywhere else. (except perhaps the middle east)

As for whining, yeah I've done too much of that. At the time, I always felt it was "justified" though. Confused

I am just wondering how many people out there used to hate Korea, but now enjoy it, and how long it took them to develop an appreciation for the country. I've read somewhere on here that it takes around 3 years before the average person can start to enjoy life here. How much does your job situation determine your quality of life?

cheers

Austin · Joined: 23 May 2003 Location: In the kitchen

That sounds a bit odd to say that you can not start enjoying life until so many years have past.

Is not contentment a personal choice? It is not so difficult to appreciate each moment.

Does it really matter where you are?

"No matter where you go, there you are!"

If you are comfortable in your own skin, every moment in your day can be a joy. It is a frame of mind that you either cultivate or not, regardless of where you hang your hat.

Being positive is a personal choice, as is being negative.

YiSunSin · Joined: 08 Jun 2003

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

No it isn't much money. Though some are making lots with their privates or whatever. (esp. prostitutes? lol) But for 25-30 hours per week with free housing it ain't bad. And it's mostly easy for most of us, except the foreign country thing can be hard. Mainly I like being around the kids. Cannot relate so well to the adults. Or is that mainly just Korean adults?

Yaya · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

Drakoi · Joined: 26 Sep 2003 Location: The World

Drakoi · Joined: 26 Sep 2003 Location: The World

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Clutch Cargo · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Location: Sim City 2005

I agree with Derrek. I was offered a permanent teaching position 4 mths before I finished my degree (usually 10% of us got this first round offer) and was snapped up by one of the nicest schools in my city. But the boredom of my familiar environment and the powerfully persistant travel urge won out, as I knew it probably would. I own a house and have a bunch of good friends there too.