Korean Job Discussion Forums

[antiamerican]

Has anyone out there really lost it here? Or should I say, who's gone through that long and lonely 'valley of the shadow of death' feeling since being in Korea??
I mean, I go through these tunnels, you know, where there seems like there's no end. The contract seems interminable. The life here becomes like the Sea of Sargossis, where I get into the real doldrums. What's my purpose here? What are some practical ways to achieve things, socially, intellectually, or economically, other than just this teaching?
Then there's the journey home. Man, where's the lighthouse, the landingstrip? All this can beat one's mind like a hammer. Wonder who's faced these doldrums, and how you've fared here in South Korea.

[stalinsdad]

I'm not sure about the Doldrums, it sounds as though you are being tossed(emotionally) on the waves of doubt and self reflection. I often feel as you do, It has little to do with Korea and more to do with your own lifestyle and your expectations. Korea is not the best country in the world to "find yourself" I personally would, if I were you, save some money and tour India or South East Asia. You could always return if need be. Maybe your doubts and own self esteem/confidence needs an expression/outlet, I would be glad to give you some advice, even though it is limited.

[PootyTang]

[stalinsdad]

Yea, I learned to dive in Ko phan gan. Good idea pooty.

[weatherman]

Yeah, I can hear you. You have to find a goal where your energy can be best directed. I understand what the others have said about a new location, and I trip can be a great way of doing some house cleaning of the mind, but if your funk is caused by Korea, maybe you need to change how you relate to Korea, for Korea will not change how it relates to you.
I don't mean to sound negitive, but your funk on Korea will be a never ending cycle until you change.

(Geez, I should take some of my own advice )

[gajackson1]

been there, done that. You have my sympathy, and some advice.

Like quitting smoking, you need to know WHAT is the source. And then, make steps to fix it.

So, is it the job? the life? things you thought you were leaving behind? the future?

Trips out are great, and I highly recommend a week spent somewhere in the region. Ko Samet in Thai is another choice, if beaches are your gig, BTW.

If you can, come on to Shin-chon with the rest of us on Sat evening. That may be a start!

Regards,

Glen

[Ya-ta Boy]

Lots of people get the winter blahs at this time of year. Maybe that is what is bringing on this particular episode.

But I know what you mean. Although most of the time I think teaching is pretty rewarding, it isn't always enough. When I get to feeling like that, I know I need some kind of change. I try to think of something I really like doing but haven't done in a while and then get out and do it.

Or I try to learn something new. Learning can be really stimulating and I don't feel so stale. I happen to enjoy reading history, so every once in a while I order a bunch of books about a country or a time/event I don't know much about and do some in-depth study. Lately, I'm on a Viking kick.

Another thing that works for me is to do something creative, like painting and writing. That gets the brain working in different paths and seems to help me.

Good luck

[antiamerican]

[Imbroglio]

...

[captain kirk]

for me the endless drag is the unfulfilled expectations, at the end of the day, of having 'no cnnection with koreans'(it can sometimes 'seem') besides work. and work is 'elementary'. luckily my elbow seems to have blown out so instead of going to the gym i'm going to take taekwondo or hapkido. i like koreans. i heard a guy say that they relate to each other in a genuine/sincere appearing way like canada a hundred years ago. well, you can think what you like about that observation. but they seem 'just folks' from a certain light i like to look at them. i like to go to the 'ajumma' markets to buy food rather than the 'air-conditioned nightmare' of 'e-mart', carrefour, etc. any activity or meeting place that has that 'genuine', 'old time' korean vibe about it. korea isn't far from the 'old small town' aspect that charms me because not very long ago it was RURAL. there are roots to be found in that feeling of being 'just folks' and to me there's still lots of it around to enjoy.

[matko]

I find imbroglio's posts "hypnotic". I don't know what it is. Just something about his posts that make me stare and forget that there is a world around me. What could it be?

[VanIslander]

Now that the New Year's holidays are over I find myself looking forward to a warm spring but dreading a hot summer. I think having short- and medium-term goals and special projects avoids the doldrums.

My first winter was an adventure just adjusting whereas this winter I'm commiting myself to going someplace new every week. (I hiked up Guksan yesterday and saw a view I should've seen over a year ago.)

I doubt I'll get Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) because this part of Korea RARELY gets cloudy in the winter. Much like the sunniest mid-size city in the world: Winnipeg. And here I'm not numb with cold.

I just hope I won't get another three-week bronchial pneumonia from my students.

[rapier]

Everyone needs a lighthouse, a goal to look forward and work towards. My goals are such things as new travel experiences, new people, and realising my potential as far as my talents go.
If you have no goals, the tunnel is dark and never ending indeed. If you feel locked and trapped into the whole esl thing, remember that its mostly all in your head, and that you could carve out a different niche for yourself if you really wanted to.
If you're semi- content with the life of esl, make sure you get your sense of achievement and fun from things like your hobbies or personal life and relationships. Or if its just korea you're sick of, teaching in a new and different country could be just the challenge to liven you up.
Escaping esl at a late age is difficult, but not impossible. Just tune into whatever you've always wanted to do, feel passionate about, and are good at, and find a way to make it work for you.
best wishes.

[Harpeau]

[John Henry]

Can't you just get on a plane and go home?