Korean Job Discussion Forums

esglumac · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 4:58 pm Post subject: leaving korea-shoud i try again?

So I am leaving Korea the first week in feb., i've been here since august
Going home for a month and going to try to come back in march
The thing is though, I've had alot of bad experiences ( mainly it involved the 2 hagwons i worked for), but I am slowly learning how to cope with Korea and the depression it can bring. I have a good support system with alot of friends here.
Also, I've been told I am not fit to working with kids by both of the hagwons ive worked for ( which is fine, i don't like it anyways)
i was thinking of comming back and doing older kids ( high school or adults) in public schools. I am not ready to throw in the towel
My question is: Has anyone had a similer bad experience the first time around and come back to a different (positive) experience the second time around? What changes did you make to yourself to adapt? Is it possible to change the bleek outlook of korea or do you have change yourself? Is it korea or the person??When should someone just give up or give Korea a second chance?
Please only post if you experienced a similer situation, I only wanna here from people with similer stories! NO TROLLS!!!!!!

ceesgetdegrees · Joined: 12 Jul 2007

esglumac · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:20 pm Post subject:

ummmm, did you miss the part where i said only post on here if youve had a similer experience??? No, obviously not.

Atavistic · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:21 pm Post subject:

In my first 9 months here I got fired from one job, and evicted from my house at a second (boss didn't pay rent, also still owes me money). I had many reasons to go home. I also had a strong support base because of a Korean family that took me under their wing.

I wasn't ready to go home and I wasn't ready to let Korean beat me.

I switched to a public school, and I've been here 8 months. I've had very few problems, certainly none like before! I've met a great guy, had my parents over for a visit between second bad job and public school job...

It's been great.

BUT I had a support system here.

I didn't change anything I was doing. I just finally found a good job!

If you're not done with Korea, come back. If you are done, no harm in staying away.

ceesgetdegrees · Joined: 12 Jul 2007

MantisBot · Joined: 28 Nov 2005 Location: Itaewon, Seoul, SK

I'd say you'd have to re-evaluate why you came to Korea. If you came to run away from responsibilities at home or to see the world, there are probably better places to go. If you are here because you have a specific goal that has to be fulfilled in Korea then keep at it. No-one can tell you whether or not you should stay, it comes down to why you came in the first place.

As for teaching older kids, it'll be difficult to land such a position unless you've got relevant experience or a degree in education. I'd also make sure you get your papers in order as you may not be able to get back in before the March 15th deadline. Couldn't hurt to have it in any event (although I wonder, is there an expiry for this paperwork? I know for E-6 HIV tests, they're only good for a month).

Good luck on making your decision, but I wouldn't necessarily trust anyone who tells you one way or the other. You've got to make up your own mind, otherwise you'll just be upset at whoever gave you the advice if it goes badly or be dependent on others if it goes well.

chris_J2 · Joined: 17 Apr 2006 Location: From Brisbane, Au.

I agree with Atavistic. Try a Public School.

Some tips:

* Learn about the Country & it's culture
* Keep in touch with family by cellphone / email
* Take up a hobby (eg photography, hiking)
* Make Korean friends
* Make friends with Expats
* Learn the language (Hangul)
* Have an open mind
* Counterbalance loss of old friendships with newly formed friendships
* Be patient
* have a backup Support Group

esglumac · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 6:03 pm Post subject:

No, you wouldn't. You should definitley stay away, no wonder your bosses said you weren't cut out to teach children.

P.S Your spelling and grammar is atrocious, so to recoup. You can't teach kids, are prone to violence, can barely spell or string coherent sentences together, sure...come on over![/quote]

Well, iam sorry you feel you have to bring up my faults to feel better about yourself. People arent perfect, you know. Were only 100% human, prone to making mistakes and learning.

Atavistic · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 6:04 pm Post subject: Re: 2nd Try?

esglumac · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 6:06 pm Post subject:

thanks for all the stories and good advice

esglumac · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 6:33 pm Post subject:

thanks for all the stories and good advice...it's truly a relief to know that other people have experienced the same kind of pain. Yes, you have to stay positive, even through the bad and you need good friends and a support system wherever you are. i guess learning to cope is part of it.

As for the one troll on this board, well, iam sorry you feel you have to bring up my faults to feel better about yourself. No, Iam not perfect at grammer or spelling, nor iam gifted in the teaching kids area. But, the point is no one person is perfect in life. people make mistakes but that doesnt make them less of a person as you are making me out to be.

hari seldon · Joined: 05 Dec 2004 Location: Incheon

Khyron · Joined: 27 Jan 2005 Location: Japan

esglumac

Sapa · Joined: 05 Nov 2007

Just curious why the two hagwons said you were unfit to teach young kids? Was it because you were too quiet, stern or something? How did they want you to behave?