Korean Job Discussion Forums

[teachteach]

I've been back home for a while now, but of course I miss korea from time to time.
But one thing I've realized is that I developed the same syndrome in Korea as most of the long term foreigners have developed, but most don't realize. (I was in Korea for 5 years)
1) Korea isn't the wired center of the universe. We have lots of fast computers and cell phones here too. (Canada)
2) You're not exactly making a killing in Korea. 2.5 a month is almost laughable even by Korean standards. Most Korean students who used to work in Korea and are studying here now made at least 3.0 starting salary, even in junk entry level jobs. I was impressed by 2.5 when I was 22 and first arrived in Korea though.
3) Some re-transplanted Canadians who were working in Korea used their money to buy an expensive car, which is laughable when they drive it to the call center they work at now. Expensive things don't make you look as cool as you think.
4) There are a lot of great jobs back in the west where you are treated well and are given a chance to improve yourself mentally and professionally, but you just need professional certifications to get them.
5) I saw too many westerners in Korea take it from their employers due to a fear of dealing with immi processes if they suddenly lost their jobs. I think it's sad that many of those same people still go back year after year and still face many of the same situations. It's because they think they have it good in the end.
6) Footage of the beef protests demonstrates not normal or mature behavior, at least not be-fitting 'educated' people like Koreans.
7) Korea is very fun to live and work for a couple of years, but if you stay too long you will be like me, or hundreds of other former esl teachers who will have a very difficult time getting back on your feet when you get home. As well, if you try to avoid that process by staying in Korea, you will always be living as a foreigner and never accepted.

[blaseblasphemener]

When I buy a house for cash and have little to no mortgage, will that make me look cool back home? Just wondering.

If I get professional certifications while in Korea, might that help my chances of landing a job higher than a call center?

Do those high paying jobs back home give you 6 months paid vacation while allowing you to save a ton of money due to non-existent taxes and cost of living differences?

I think I'll take my chances for now. Where do you live, btw? Only one guy I know back home works in a call center, but he still makes more than $40 g a year, with full benefits.

Anyone with half a brain or ambition back home is working in the oil and gas industry, or office jobs, or sales reps, or professional jobs. Call Centers are generally for pot heads or maritimer make-work government funded programs. Not a knock, just what I've heard.

[teachteach]

I don't work in a call center. I did in uni.
I'm based in Vancouver airport working as a relief pilot for air canada on the 767. I make it back into Korea now and then on the YVR-ICN route.
Compared to the people I used to meet in the esl industry, compared to now, it is like night and day. Every won jong nim and foreign esl teacher fighting over scraps of cash.
I actually make less now than I did as an esl teacher, but for the quality of where I work and the people I work with it is very worth it.

[Imrahil]

I actually have to agree with a lot you have said. You are completely right with points 5,6 and 7. Also you make extremely good arguements with the rest. I have always said to people I have met here, "Korea is a good place to delay your life." Unless you are marry a local here, or are happy with only minimal pay raises over a long time, you should not stay in Korea for an extremely long time.

[blaseblasphemener]

[teachteach]

I did the uni thing in daegu for a year, but i found myself to be rather disappointed with the experience. I just went back to my old hagwon which was in downtown seoul. Worked harder but I've never been the type who likes too long vacations. I need to keep occupied with work.

[crescent]

I've had enough experience with Air Canada flight staff to question your assertion they are any better than the average ESL worker.

[teachteach]

LOL. Our flight attendants have been with the airline since it opened. Not too many people interested in that job anymore.

[pkang0202]

If you do something to improve yourself while you are in Korea (certifications, degrees, etc...) then you will be very larketable back home.

Honestly, its really hard for a company or business to hire someone who's bee "out of touch" for a few years.

Every year outside of your home country makes it harder and harder for you to find a job whne you go back home. That is why its necessary to continue improving yourself, so when you DO go abck home, you can say, "While in Korea I got this, and that, and I also took a course in......"

If the only thing you have to say after 4+ years in Korea is "I saved a crapton of money" then you will find it hard to get a good job without good connections.

[Unposter]

OP, I agree with much of what you say.

There are some good warnings here about how to best use your time in Korea.

[PRagic]

Then again, if you go back flush after 10+ years, pay cash for your house and cars, who cares what you do? Personally, if and when the better half and I move back to N. America (or elsewhere), we'll be picking a place, not a job. I'll be looking for something in education, maybe a private 4 year college or a community college, just to keep occupied. A move back for us will be semi-retirement, most probably in our mid-to-late 40s or early 50s.

To each their own. If you have a good job here and upward mobility, and enjoy the place and vacation potential, run with it.

[teachteach]

Thank you unposter and imrahal. I made a lot of mistakes with my time in Korea, although I made some good decisions too.
I just don't want people to unnecessarily repeat some of the mistakes I made.

[teachteach]

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[teachteach]

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[teachteach]

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