Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Dragonfly]

I've been living and working in Korea for four years, and have found that the longer I stay here, the more difficult it is to go back home.

I was wondering if others could share their experiences on what they've done to successfully transition from Korea to a job and life back in their home countries?

[skconqueror]

Been in Korea for 3 yrs. I went home this summer for about 2 months. I had no problems.. and DIDN'T really want to come back to finish my contract.

[venus]

Only go back if there's something better to go into that you truly desire and will fullfil you is my advice.

I worked here 1.5 yrs and went back.

Going from having my own place to sharing; working double the hours per day compared to Korea; earning twice as much but paying huge tax and being able to save only half as much as I could in Korea - was TOUGH even though I had a decent junior management Civil Service position with great perks and five weeks paid vacation.

Guess what? I'm back.

You only realise how good you have it here (well if you're at one of the better haggies orpublic school) until you go back.

I'd only leave here (I am leaving next sept) personally to go into a job of my choice / do an MA / something else fulfilling.

Of course, you may have a wonderful life that you miss back home and hate your life here, in that case - just go regardless of money / working hrs etc.

But if you like it here okay despite the frustrations we have to put up with - going back to a 9-5 you don't care about is hard.

Planning is the key word I guess, although everyone's circumstances are different.

[jlb]

Advice: have a plan. If you just go home and live in your parent's basement aimlessly searching for a job and having no money, you're going to hate your life.

Know what area of work you want to get into and have a plan as to how you will achieve this. Cruise the 'net before you leave for possible options.

[bassexpander]

I tried this.


Missing Korea one warm summer evening, I went to the local Asian food market, purchased a bottle of soju, and proceeded to get roaring drunk. I borrowed a megaphone from my uncle's car (he is a part-time auctioneer) and proceeded to walk down the street, yelling:

SAGWA! SAGWA!
PA-NA-NA! PA-NA-NA!
POH-DOH! POH-DOH!

Unfortunately, I was picked up by the police for breaking the noise ordinance and was also slapped with public intox.

I was on a plane back to Korea within a week.

[venus]

[Dragonfly]

Thanks all. Some good advice, but it seems that everyone comes back. What is it about this place? the lifestyle? or maybe that things stink back home? Maybe we just have a broader perspective from having lived abroad?
Does anyone worry about being 50yrs. old and teaching in Korea?

[bassexpander]