Korean Job Discussion Forums

Stinky Llama · Joined: 12 Nov 2006

Okay, I really don't want to be another "whiner" but...

For the past few weeks, I've been extremely unhappy about going into work. I sometimes spend the twenty minutes before going in trying to plot a way out of it (but I still always show up on time). I've only been at my job for two months but it feels like an eternity.

In all honesty, the school is good although they have a rather large load of work for the teachers (as I'm sure any other teachers at this particular hagwon corporation could vouch for). I just feel surprisingly and incredibly unhappy about teaching. Perhaps I'm not cut out for it?

The idea of slaving away for another ten months gives me a dreadful sinking feeling but I hate to be a quitter. I plan on staying in Korea regardless of the outcome (no problems with a visa since I have an F4).

What should I do? Embarassed

Update: Below

oneofthesarahs · Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Location: Sacheon City

I would recommend trying to pinpoint exactly what is making you so unhappy. Then, once you figure it out, you can try to think of ways to improve that particular thing.

For example: maybe it's the material that you're teaching that you dislike. Can you supplement it with other things you enjoy?

Maybe you're feeling lonely at school. Perhaps you could extend an invitation to some of the other teachers to get a drink or something.

Etc., etc., etc.

Stinky Llama · Joined: 12 Nov 2006

yingwenlaoshi · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Location: ... location, location!

Don't do any extra work. Only teach your classes. Don't do reports. Don't give tests. Don't give homework. Just teach. You'll be happier and so will your students.

If they ask you where such and such report is, etc., just say, "I'll get right on that", but don't bother doing it.

Screw them.

sock · Joined: 07 Oct 2006

You have an F visa? Do whatever the hell you feel like doing, with no consequences whatsoever. And then come back here and tell us E-2 losers how it felt. Laughing

Usually I would say DON'T QUIT! Make them fire you, so you get the one month paid vacation. Cool

But I'm not sure if that applies to the F visa folks too, so, I guess I can't give you that advice.

Very Happy

This is your life. Fill it with happiness and live with no regrets. If you dread going to work every day, it's not healthy. And it's a sign that you should be somewhere else, doing something else.

Good luck.

ChuckECheese · Joined: 20 Jul 2006

You're the best judge for your situation. Do what ever you think will make your life happy.

1. Quit and get another job.
2. Suck it up and finish the contract.
3. Have a meeting with your boss and tell him/her the reasons why you're unhappy and demand solution to the problem.
4. Go back home.

Take your pick.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

inverse_narcissus · Joined: 17 Oct 2006 Location: Masan / the pub

I wouldn't say it's among the teacher's responsibilities to be "a one-woman[/man] circus show".
Just be yourself. You may be quiet and reserved, but I'm sure you have a sense of humor. Let the students see that, and let them see your personality.

(Today, for example, I had a great class, the highlight of which was the students having a laugh at my expense. I let them do it, we all laughed together, and the teaching resumed. Soon as it did, they turned from silent "zombies" into enthusiastic learners. The chocolate rewards helped, too.)

Point is: let them see your personality, and your bright side. It may not be the end of your problems, but I think it'd be the beginning of the end.

ED209 · Joined: 17 Oct 2006

F4 you're a god. Walk

But seriously are you sure it's the job and not just the isolation and a bit of culture shock. What have you said to your boss? Nothing. Then find a new boss who you can communicate with. Or book some holiday.

gsxr750r · Joined: 29 Jan 2007

Give them notice and move along in a month or so (earlier, if they can get someone). Tell them how it just isn't working out, and that you want to do everything you can to help them find a teacher and make a smooth transition. You don't need the E2 release, but please try to be honest with them and help them find someone new.

richardlang · Joined: 21 Jan 2007 Location: Gangnam

Stinky Llama · Joined: 12 Nov 2006

Thanks for all the feedback. I gave my thirty days notice last night.

I am sticking to what is stated in the contract and yes, that does include paying back airfare. I'm fine with that. Now I just need to find another apartment within the next thirty days.

Once again, thanks for the input!

DeLaRed · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

hagwonnewbie · Joined: 09 Feb 2007 Location: Asia

get paid. quit the next day. find a new job the day after that. make new friends.

TheChickenLover · Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Location: The Chicken Coop

I had similar feelings with my last high school that I worked at. I literally hated working there & could not wait to get out.

They made an ultimatum & I quit on the spot, packed up my things and left less than 1 hour later.

Fast-forward 8 months later I'm at a new PS and absolutely love it here. The students are great and have a great time in class, I can do real work that is both enjoyable and challenging and the people are great (on the most part).

Quitting was the best thing I ever did!

Chicken