Korean Job Discussion Forums

[lastat06513]

Hi all

I started my career as an ESL teacher in Korea back in 2000 when I was 23 years old. I finally left Korea last year after 6 beautiful years there and with tons of experience.
The main reason I left at the time was for professional growth, I am back here attending school and I figure I would be done in 6 to 8 years (possibly with a PhD, if I go that far)
It means that by the time I return to Korea, I will be 37-41 years old.


My question is, for those that are in their late-30's-early 40's;
Do you or did you find looking for a job in Korea relatively or extremely difficult for you?

[lion]

Not a problem; I know people in their 50s working here. Adult students in particular seem to have more respect for older teachers.

[The_Conservative]

[sadsac]

I'm 49, been here nigh on 7 years, not a problem.

[BS.Dos.]

37 and I've been here a month.

Haven't experienced any ageism thus far.

[MarionG]

I'm 62 (western) and have been here since February...loads of offers.

[jinju]

I would never do this outside the corporate setting past the age of 36. The only other possibility is a university. But certainly not teaching kids and not at a hagwon.

[sojourner1]

I'm 35 and most teachers I know are older than me like in their 40's and 50's. Many also don't have their youth any more and have pot bellies and still manage just fine though may not command as much respect as a good looking 25 year old. While image is very important in determining if people like you or how much they respect you, you can still get by being old or out of shape if you have no other choice, but people will annoy you more so if you care about that.

A few Koreans told me the reason why so many people were very rude to me is I am fatter than they are even though I am not obese!!! Weight and image is more important than age. Many employers prefer 30 to 50 year olds due to maturity in being responsible and dependable.

[wanderingsalsero]

I'm 63 and having a great time here. Just by the luck of the draw, my agency got me a job at a public school but I probably would have taken a hagwon job if it was all they'd said they could find. In retrospect though, I think public schools are a better deal for most people.

Most people tell me I don't look my age. Maybe I don't but nevertheless I suspect that I get perhaps more respect from my co-teachers and other adult Koreans because I am older. Oftentimes the kids won't jerk around with you as much if they know you're older. Seems that way to me anyway.

Frankly I think you get treated for the most part based on what you do here. I know younger people who do nothing but complain and it seems like they're always having problems with on thing or another. And then I know other people, older like me, who are thoroughly enjoying their time here.

If you're as young as in your 40's I darn sure wouldn't let it stop you from coming over.

[merkurix]

I am the youngest of my faculty (almost 30ish) and I work with a little over a dozen foreign staff. Most of them are in their late, late 30s and 40s. All except one have at least an M.A.; a few more have two or more M.A.s or a Ph. D. They seems very happy.

[oldfatfarang]

Koreans' ageism is a POSITIVE thing. You don't want to work for a school that hires on age - believe me. Also, other posters are right - kids, co-teachers, adults, Koreans in general will give you far less hassle if you are older.

However, the flip side is - you'll find that once they put you in this 'age box' - your life here can be difficult. Korean society is based on Confucian notions of filial piety -respect for elders- and age related behaviors. So you're going to get a lot of respect - but it will be very hard for you to make any meaningful relationships with Koreans. You will be treated according to your age - and expected to act the way Koreans act for that age. This can be very difficult for Westerners at times.

[Zark]

I was 39 the first time I went to Korea (1993) and 55 last time I left. The better employers will see your age as an indication of stability and reliability.

Not to worry! Age is an advantage in most of Asia.

Oldfatfarang said:

[kiwiliz]

Agree with the last two postws. I am 48 and in a public elementary. I am not overweight either so don't have those issues. I have great fun with the kids , very positive, and also good relationships with my co-teachers. A lot depends on your own attitude ofcourse.

However I also agree that its harder to make friendships outside of the schools and with older people..and most of the Korean males I have met in my age group..sorry all..are married, not that I want a Korean male.
But on the whole I think its a little easier being older and if you don't want to go drinking with the teachers you just say you are tired and they leave you alone!

[Keepongoing]

At 47 I moved back to the States. I was living in Hong Kong. I attended Grad school for 2 years and then came here at 49. No problem so far and when I am too old for Korea I can always go to China.