Korean Job Discussion Forums

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

I would say the number of people who leave Korea saying never again and then returning is about 90%.

Any thoughts comments? There seem to be an awful lot of bitter people venting their dislike of Korea and Koreans out there. Yet if anyone asks them why they are still here they say "It's just not that easy to leave" but still they keep coming back year after year.

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

True: i've seen it time and again. But why? for all its daily irritations and annoyances, I still think its the easiest country in the world to get set up with little cash to start with, and save the most.
Plus, theres the "Devil you know" factor. Other countries aare also problematical, just for a different variety of reasons. If you keep in with Korea, you'll be totally figuring the place out, climbing the ladder, and improving your position every time here.
Starting up in a new country may be exciting, but workwise, you could be back to square one again.

Eazy_E · Joined: 30 Oct 2003 Location: British Columbia, Canada

People just get sucked in to the lifestyle. I've seen it happen, even those who teach in countries like China. It's a relatively easy job once you get the hang of it, and how else can you get almost all the expendable cash you want and still save some? Also, the holidays suck in the first year so there's reason to stick around for a second year to get payback for your dues.

Of course, I vow never to come back to Korea after my contract is up.... hmmm...

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Yeah, tons come back. My first year was in Busan in 96-97. That year everyone of my close group very clearly said we would never come back here. There were probably a solid group of about 10-12 of us. All of us were counting the days down and everywhere had to be better than this place. Slowly we all left never to come back. Here is it though, dawning on 2004.. and about 6-7 are here right now..

Cthulhu · Joined: 02 Feb 2003

Only if my wife gets a job working in a Korean-based foreign company...

...or I burn out teaching here at home.

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

I left in October vowing I would never be back and now I'm getting on the plane tommorrow to teach at a winter camp! Don't know if I'll ever do another year-long contract but the idea of it does have a bit of an attraction still. I think I'd probably check out Japan before coming back to Korea for a year.

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

A poster a few days ago said that those who vent and snarl about Korea really love Korea. And that they haven't, however, managed to satisfy some basic human needs. Lots of other things being great, they return. Back for more of the hair of the dog that bit them, Korea being a fascinating, fast-moving place. Maybe they'll change, or Korea will change; everything moves rapidly here, compared to the West it seems. Change is good.

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

After returning home, it doesn't take long to start to remember all the reasons why you left in the first place.
There are a lot more interesting places to go than Korea, but then again, I know something about the place now, I know what to look out for, I know I can save about half (if not more) of the money I earn. (not many other places can say that) Not to mention how easy it is to get a job here. Laughing

With the money I save, I can then afford to go somewhere I want to be.

Sure, I vowed never to return, and then did. Then I vowed never to make vows again. Shocked

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Could be the familiarity? People stay in situations they abhor sometimes 'cause they know what to expect?

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

Nope. Have always known I'd be back in Korea again and again and again...

katydid · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Location: Here kitty kitty kitty...

I keep saying next year will be my last year here. Next March will be the second next year I go through. It's all about financial planning. I have to start saving some money so I can go "home."

Joe Thanks · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Location: Dudleyville

Me. Vowed never to and here I am.

Joe

itaewonguy · Joined: 25 Mar 2003

does the word LOSER!!! mean anything here??? Laughing

the majority of the people who come back do because they cant get a job back home which is sweet as here... sad but true,.
in my case I want to leave.. but I am chained down byt he ball and chain!!
cant wait to I do get outof here.. I dont want to spend a large portion of my life here.. there are so many other places to see .!!!

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

When you are a single gal it is sooo hard to save money...unless you sit at home all the time^^