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Korean Job Discussion Forums
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Adventurer
Joined: 28 Jan 2006
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 Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 11:55 am Post subject: Hard to be positive about Korea... |
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| I remember back in the day I tried to be very positive about Korea, but I can't see I feel positive about Korea that much. Why? Well, with my first job, I had to go to Labor Board, the second job violated the law in some way, and my current boss wants people to work like crazy. I also remember dealing with a public school I was considering working for, and they were the most disorganized place ever, and they weren't on the up and up, so I refused to work for them. Then, there was the incompetence of Suwon Immigration. I really try to be open-minded, but seriously Korea is ranked number 40 when it comes to corruption, and I can't stand corruption. It would be nce if I could just smile and pretend it doesn't exist. Maybe, I am not such a big man, in some ways, because I am kind of fed up with the attitudes I've had to deal with. I am sure there are awesome Koreans and all............. The kids are great, and all I wanted to do is teach and have a decent job over here. |
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Css
Joined: 27 Sep 2004
Location: South of the river
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| Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 12:05 pm Post subject: |
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Im confused about what your main problem is here.. Your own experiences or corruption? It seems you tagged the corruption thing on the end with no context.
Sounds like you have had a rough time. Its understandable if you are negative towards korea. Others have had better times and its understandable they are positive.
Why do you remain if you have so many issues with this place? |
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caniff
Joined: 03 Feb 2004
Location: All over the map
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| Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 1:03 pm Post subject: |
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| Css wrote: |
Why do you remain if you have so many issues with this place? |
I think he mentioned previously on another thread that this is his last contract in the ROK.
From reading his posts the last couple years, my impression is that he has always seemed to have a positive outlook about most things and appeared inclined to give people the benefit of the doubt. It's disappointing that his employment in Korea has not lived up to his expectations, but he's hardly alone in that respect.
I've had pretty good jobs in Korea, and I am truly great and all, but I also know dumb luck played a big part in the jobs I landed (into). Many of my friends have not been so lucky. |
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Chamchiman
Joined: 24 Apr 2006
Location: Digging the Grave
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| Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 1:09 pm Post subject: Re: Hard to be positive about Korea... |
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| Adventurer wrote: |
| Then, there was the incompetence of Suwon Immigration. |
What happened? |
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seosan08
Joined: 10 Oct 2008
Location: Korea
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| Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 3:38 pm Post subject: |
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| Sounds like someone needs a vacation! |
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justaguy
Joined: 01 Jan 2008
Location: seoul
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| Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 3:43 pm Post subject: |
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| seosan08 wrote: |
| Sounds like someone needs a vacation! |
I agree. |
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crescent
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
Location: yes.
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| Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 5:00 pm Post subject: Re: Hard to be positive about Korea... |
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| Adventurer wrote: |
| I really try to be open-minded, but seriously Korea is ranked number 40 when it comes to corruption,. |
Only ranked 40???
I would have thought it to be much higher. |
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samcheokguy
Joined: 02 Nov 2008
Location: Samcheok G-do
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| Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 5:10 pm Post subject: |
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| Well number 40 for corruuption but 12 largest economy is rather scary. |
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jkelly80
Joined: 13 Jun 2007
Location: you boys like mexico?
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| Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 5:16 pm Post subject: |
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| If I didn't have to work for a middle aged male Korean boss, my outlook on this country would improve dramatically, as I imagine is the case for a great number of teachers here. |
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Seoul'n'Corea
Joined: 06 Nov 2008
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| Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 5:24 pm Post subject: Re: Hard to be positive about Korea... |
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| Adventurer wrote: |
| I remember back in the day I tried to be very positive about Korea, but I can't see I feel positive about Korea that much. Why? Well, with my first job, I had to go to Labor Board, the second job violated the law in some way, and my current boss wants people to work like crazy. I also remember dealing with a public school I was considering working for, and they were the most disorganized place ever, and they weren't on the up and up, so I refused to work for them. Then, there was the incompetence of Suwon Immigration. I really try to be open-minded, but seriously Korea is ranked number 40 when it comes to corruption, and I can't stand corruption. It would be nce if I could just smile and pretend it doesn't exist. Maybe, I am not such a big man, in some ways, because I am kind of fed up with the attitudes I've had to deal with. I am sure there are awesome Koreans and all............. The kids are great, and all I wanted to do is teach and have a decent job over here. |
Working standards are TOTALLY different depending on which country you go to.
In Asia-- Japan, Korea and China it is expected that you prove yourself worthy of the bosses respect.
In North America you legally are entitled to it. Different attitude, and millions of Kms different approach to work ethic.
Sometimes it helps to do the Korean male thing and make a little fuss.
Koreans tend to be pretty direct people I have found. Stuff is usually at the surface. Formal work situations are kept in a controlled hiarchial atmosphere. --this is challenging to deal with but not impossible.
I too am adapting to the Korean system and it can be trying at times.
I have been so frustered at times that I have too wanted to quit, but then I usually talk about the problem with the staff at my school and explain why... then I get .. an "I got it" in Korean.. or "Now I understand why"... and then we both try and fill the missing connection, whatever that might be.
I have met lots very very kind wonderful Koreans old and young who are "seriously colour blind" which is a good thing.
I have been repeatedly invited to have dinner a friends grandparents homes and take part in traditional korean festibles like Chusok.
I am caucasian looking, but I guess Koreans can detect my identity as something different? Don't know.
I find if you try and learn Korean and can read Hangul, they will really warm up to you and will start feeling comfortable. |
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Xuanzang
Joined: 10 Apr 2007
Location: Sadang
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| Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 5:34 pm Post subject: |
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| It`S the good friends and people in your life that keep you positive in lieu of work and subway ajoshi and the staring. |
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Adventurer
Joined: 28 Jan 2006
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| Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 6:30 pm Post subject: Re: Hard to be positive about Korea... |
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| Chamchiman wrote: |
| Adventurer wrote: |
| Then, there was the incompetence of Suwon Immigration. |
What happened? |
Well, what happened with that is I applied for a public school position, however I no longer wanted that job, because they had my passport and alien card for 10 days without processing anything leaving me without ID, they lied about the previous foreign teacher and said he was a bad teacher, they changed the apartment without telling me and didn't have one a week before I was supposed to start, so I told Suwon Immigration not to give me a new visa, not to process it, and give me my old visa. They refused, because the school had to accept an apology from me, which they wouldn't. I was given an exit order, and they took my card, and they didn't tell me I had to show the exit order at the airport and just told me when I had to leave, so I ended up being hassled at the airport when I went for a visa run, and I met a guy from the U.S. in Japan who had the same problem.
My main thing is that the government allows these companies to s*rew you over, and many Korean bosses will do just that if they can get away with it. For example, I don't get sick days, and I am not in the best shape to go to work, but you can't be human in this country, you have to be robot or something. Frankly, after what I've seen of this country, I don't really hold it in high regard. You shouldn't have to prove yourself so much to have your legal rights respected. And even if you're awesome, they still can violate your holidays or what have you.
If Korea is ranked number 40 when it comes to corruption, and it's economy is ranked 12, it shows it's way behind most of the other developed states. Learning hangeul or Korean culture just isn't going to end the corrupt practices of hagwon owners. I wish learning about a culture actually ends exploitave practices in this country.
Of course, everything is relative, and there are good and bad people, everywhere you go. I think there needs to be pressure on this government to clean up its act and slam those taking bribes, and if they have to give them heavy fines and jail terms, so be it. |
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Ukon
Joined: 29 Jan 2008
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| Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 7:16 pm Post subject: Re: Hard to be positive about Korea... |
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| Adventurer wrote: |
| Chamchiman wrote: |
| Adventurer wrote: |
| Then, there was the incompetence of Suwon Immigration. |
What happened? |
My main thing is that the government allows these companies to s*rew you over, and many Korean bosses will do just that if they can get away with it. For example, I don't get sick days, and I am not in the best shape to go to work, but you can't be human in this country, you have to be robot or something. Frankly, after what I've seen of this country, I don't really hold it in high regard. You shouldn't have to prove yourself so much to have your legal rights respected. And even if you're awesome, they still can violate your holidays or what have you.
If Korea is ranked number 40 when it comes to corruption, and it's economy is ranked 12, it shows it's way behind most of the other developed states. Learning hangeul or Korean culture just isn't going to end the corrupt practices of hagwon owners. I wish learning about a culture actually ends exploitave practices in this country.
Of course, everything is relative, and there are good and bad people, everywhere you go. I think there needs to be pressure on this government to clean up its act and slam those taking bribes, and if they have to give them heavy fines and jail terms, so be it. |
Did you call the previous employees before taking a job to ask them what it's like? I can't understand how some of you take these horrible positions....
A good job in Korea is golden....I'm loving every minute in this country and my job will likely be the easiest job I've ever had....as for your public school position...some of the open positions are due to people pulling a runner...I would imagine it's not a particularly great school....so try to apply for the government programs like SMOE or EPIK, GEPIK..... |
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Adventurer
Joined: 28 Jan 2006
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| Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 7:23 pm Post subject: Re: Hard to be positive about Korea... |
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| Ukon wrote: |
Did you call the previous employees before taking a job to ask them what it's like? I can't understand how some of you take these horrible positions....
A good job in Korea is golden....I'm loving every minute in this country and my job will likely be the easiest job I've ever had....as for your public school position...some of the open positions are due to people pulling a runner...I would imagine it's not a particularly great school....so try to apply for the government programs like SMOE or EPIK, GEPIK..... |
Ukon, were you here when the new regulations came into play. Things got very complicated and many people, because of the sparkling situation, ended up renewing or trying to find a job as quickly as they can. Also, when the public school job went South, I went with the parent company of my last hagwon. The franchise they had was fine and had no problems, but later the regular hagwon owned by the boss was horrible. It is not like we have easy mobility to move around. You do know that.
If I had that kind of cash and mobility, I wouldn't be here, trust me.
I am looking for a job now and being super picky. I would rather go back to the US then take a major risk. I can't go for a public school job with a one year contract. I want to stay for about 6-7 months and then go home. If I can find a public school job that will accept me, that would be great. I don't need severance. Thanks for your well-intentioned post, but even if you go to a public school things are not necessarily rosy.
A great job in any country is golden, right? If you had a great job in Japan or America, it would be golden. It doens't matter which country you're in if you have a great job in many cases. |
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samcheokguy
Joined: 02 Nov 2008
Location: Samcheok G-do
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| Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 7:24 pm Post subject: Re: Hard to be positive about Korea... |
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| Seoul'n'Corea wrote: |
I am caucasian looking, but I guess Koreans can detect my identity as something different? Don't know.
I find if you try and learn Korean and can read Hangul, they will really warm up to you and will start feeling comfortable. |
-Oh please. He's been here three years...do you think he can't read? Do you think they care? Yes. SOME Koreans are kind. Why one of the nicest people I've ever met is Korean.
-But you know, I've never been punched on a bus in my life until Korea. I've never been to a country where women refused to sit next to me on public transport. I've never been to a country where people openly tell me I'm a drug addled loser. I've never been to a country where people say 'bye-bye' after I've served there purpose by saying a few words of English. I've never been to a country where banks say "oh foreigner very difficult" which means "I'm making up the rules so I don't have to help
you".
-End of the day? 12 countries and Korea is NOT the want I want to live in for the rest of my life. ALL of them would be better. Experience is great, because that is how we make informed opinions. Who should I listen to , a bitter Korea veteren of 5 years? A fresh-faced LA Gyopo off the plane and reeking of ganja? Kim Jong-Il? Compare all the data, and find the truth. |
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