Korean Job Discussion Forums

[teachteach]

I am a member of 2 professional forums. eslcafe, for pro teachers, and jetcareers, for pro pilots. I'm not a pro-pilot per se, but I have the private license and the Multi Engine/Instrument license, but never got the Commercial License because, well, for the cost of the Commercial License you may as well buy your own 747.
But I digress, I have noticed several marked contrasts in the 2 forums.

1) jetcareers: Members talk about the places around the world they have flown into and the local sights and sounds with a mature approach.
eslcafe: Members talk about the places around the world they have thrown up in and the local women they did and how much the weed was.
2) jetcareers: Members tell newbies about the routes they took through the industry to become successful and the difficult road from beginning to end.
eslcafe: Members believe any success they have had in South Korea is because of their natural rights.
3) jetcareers: salary is never discussed.
eslcafe: From reading these forums, I know how much 60% of the people on this board make and how much they have stashed away.
4) jetcareers: Members believe they always have to improve their professionalism to reach the highest standards.
eslcafe: Individual members believe they are the standard.
5) jetcareers: Members are not afraid to relocate to the most foresaken corners of the world if it means continuing to fly planes.
eslcafe: Members will only stay where girls like them.
6) jetcareers: A member loses their job because of the economy and is forced back to loading baggage under the plane instead of flying it, but doesn't care because they are still around the industry.
eslcafe: Uni teachers worst fears are losing their jobs and going back to Hagwons.
7) jetcareers: Members treat each other with respect and encourage each others goals.
eslcafe: Members don't believe any more teachers should enter Korea because it will drive down their salary.

The reason why there are no oo's and aah's around ESL instructors is because we act and talk like morons. If we dignify ourselves a little bit then maybe one day we can be looked upon, finally, with all the respect we deserve. There has been more than enough blood, sweat, and tears poured into this industry from hard working ESL instructors (95% of us fit that description), so we should try to act the part.

First, don't talk about how much you make because it makes you look cheap, like a hip hop guy straight out the ghetto with bling. Has your doctor or professor openly discussed their salary with you? I doubt it.

Secondly, try to handle stares on the bus and subway with a little more tact. Remember, it's their interest in you and your language that keeps you employed in the first place.

Thirdly, if an old ajumma on the subway is racing towards the 1 empty seat you were going to occupy, just be a gentleman and let her have it. What's it to you? Everyone in Korea, at least once, has been helped by an ajumma, whether she slipped an extra egg in your dukbokki, or gave you a box of cookies at her store for no extra charge. They are caring people underneath.

Fourthly, the old ajosshi who looks like he is pissed at you wouldn't be pissed if you tossed a smile. He'll probably buy you a bottle of soju after.

Just, be responsible and even headed and see how much better Korea treats you.

[mrsquirrel]

You also forgot the really important bit of information

Flying planes is a real job

Teaching ESL isn't

[bogey666]

[Papa Smurf]

Yeah good post.

This place is a real breeding ground for negativity. It does give me some chuckles but sometimes the people on here are so OTT. There are some examples of terrible attitudes toward life in general.

[samd]

Great post, especially the four points at the end.

[visitorq]

[Joe Boxer]

[Scotticus]

I'm not sure what's more depressing; that you typed up a whole post stating things that are glaringly obvious to anyone with half a brain, or the fact that you spent so much time doing it.

Congrats, you win the internet.

[Joe Boxer]

[bogey666]

[RJjr]

OP = Dave Sperling's sock.

OP, do you fly and teach ESL or load luggage and teach ESL?

[moosehead]

[blaseblasphemener]

I agree in spirit with the part about the older Korean men and women, although I've slipped a few times and shown my anger at them, especially the pushy older women. However, I still find the ajummas, not the halmonies, to be infinitely worse in terms of manners.

[Unposter]

[Stormy]