Korean Job Discussion Forums

zizi · Joined: 01 Dec 2007 Location: Korea

I'm applying for a public school position and with the new E-2 visa regulations I'm wondering how I should answer these questions and if honesty is the best policy in this situation. I've read here that it's not a good idea to tell prospective employers you are taking antidepressants, but I don't want to not get hired for lying about it if it comes out during the physical, so here goes...

1. When and for what reason did you last consult a physician?
I went to a doctor here in Korea two months ago because I was having trouble sleeping. He prescribed anti-anxiety medicine and antidepressants which I'm still taking.

Which leads to:

4. Have you ever been treated by a doctor for any mental, emotional, or nervous disorder?
and
7. Are you taking any prescribed medication?

I'm finishing up a year of hagwon hell and have a lot of stress. I really wanted to go PS this time around. Any thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Missihippi · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Location: Gwangmyeong

I wouldn't disclose medical information until after you have been hired, if you disclose that kind of info at all. They could use it to discriminate against you.

zizi · Joined: 01 Dec 2007 Location: Korea

Thanks for the reply, but these are pretty straight forward questions that are on the application. If I lie and the information comes out during the medical exam wouldn't that be worse than the truth? Has anyone taken the medical exam yet? Maybe I'm worrying over nothing....

Mr. BlackCat · Joined: 30 Nov 2005 Location: Insert witty remark HERE

I'm usually a painfully honest person, but when it comes to medical conditions and privacy, especially here, I say do what's best for you. They'll judge you for taking an advil while they drink themselves into blackouts in Korea.

They don't test for those kinds of drugs, so I don't think anything will come up.

If it doesn't effect your job, it's none of their business.

Draz · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Location: Land of Morning Clam

I lied on the question "Do you have a history of depression?" I said no. I do, but I dealt with it, it never caused problems with work, and I don't think it's relevant. I'm uncomfortable with lying about it, but having that question on a job application is UGH anyway so... I don't know.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Since what you describe in your OP is a temporary condition--trouble sleeping--I see nothing wrong with being open about it, or just omitting it.

MarionG · Joined: 14 Sep 2006

I'd stop in your explaination after the word "sleeping." And the answer to the rest of the questions is "No." Try not to add the words "ya beepin' idiot" after the "No."

garykasparov · Joined: 27 May 2007

1. When and for what reason did you last consult a physician?

I have not been to a doctor in Korea.

4. Have you ever been treated by a doctor for any mental, emotional, or nervous disorder?

No, I have not.

7. Are you taking any prescribed medication?

No, I am not.

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

Op. I'd stop use sleeping meds. They are a temporary solution for sleep disorders. A Western psychologist may prescribe them - but only to get a patient 'settled' while they treat the underlying cognitions related to the sleep disorder. Using sleep meds can become addictive with patients relying on them long after their stress symptoms are manageable.

A new acquaintance of mine has insomia (stress from living in K?). Her Korean doctor prescribed sleeping meds right away - without any inquiries into the cause of her problems. Perhaps K doctors overprescribe this medication?