Korean Job Discussion Forums

IAMAROBOT · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

...see people

Well, not really. But here I am in deep in the mountains, in a small rural village, and the combined loneliness and the cold is almost oppressive. I've held on for almost a year, but the holidays and PS seatwarming have just made everything worse.

Recently, I noticed that I've been talking to myself a lot and sometimes I almost forget that other people could hear me even though they can't understand me though I always catch it.

Is there anybody in the Gyeongbuk/Daegu region who's willing to let me hang out with them?

Draz · Joined: 27 Jun 2007 Location: Land of Morning Clam

I'm not in that area but have you tried watching TV? I find it very comforting when I'm too isolated or busy to see people. The trick is to watch a long series and follow the same characters for awhile. It's almost like you know them.

Sure it's crazy to have TV as your best friend, but what have you got to lose? Try socializing more too, but TV is great for this kind of thing.

travelingfool · Joined: 10 Mar 2008 Location: Parents' basement

That is terrible. It sounds like you are starting to lose your marbles. I have felt the same way in a city of a million people in Korea at times. I have traveled throughout the countryside in Korea and always wonder who if anyone works in schools those tiny villages.

I sincerely hope you feel better soon.

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

OP, it's called "Cabin Fever."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabin_fever

IAMAROBOT · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

IAMAROBOT · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

Gnawbert · Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Location: The Internet

It sounds silly, but honestly consider getting into a video game or some form of entertainment like an MMO that let's you interact with other real people and not just passively sit back like television. World of Warcraft or Xbox360 comes to mind.

I was in a similar situation to you a few years ago on a job house sitting a ranch in the middle of the California sierras. It was literally a 'Shining' gig during the winter. In addition to doing copious amounts of reading I ended out downloading World of Warcraft and it actually helped pass the time quite nicely, as well as allowed me to talk with others online to keep from blathering to a volleyball named Wilson.

Good luck! I get terrible cabin fever in the winter too but luckily I dragged my girlfriend along to Korea and she tolerates me.

Jandar · Joined: 11 Jun 2008

How far are you from Daegu?

IAMAROBOT · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

Two hours by bus.

poet13 · Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2009 6:40 pm Post subject:

Are you in Kyeong buk province still? I might want your job in the fall...

IAMAROBOT · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

poet13 · Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2009 7:27 pm Post subject:

I have a wife and two young sons so I wouldn't be alone. The oldest is a four year old fearless explorer/adventurer. I would love to live in a place where they could walk outside and not worry about their safety too much; where we could take walks in the country and see and talk about all the little creatures we find; where we could have a small garden, and our rabbits, and maybe a dog for him to look after. I don't mind taking the bus 40 minutes to town to do shopping once a week.....not a problem at all. In fact, I'm completely ok with no foreigners at all.

Straphanger · Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Location: Chilgok, Korea

Chris_Dixon · Joined: 09 Jan 2008

At least you'll be saving alot of money Razz

Just remember it will come to an end, then you can get into a more social scene....

MrRogers · Joined: 29 Jun 2008

IAMAROBOT,

Sorry to hear about your problem.

I have also been in a similar situation, in possibly a more isolated town. I just left it two weeks before Christmas.

I would go for days not speaking English to anyone...the Korean teachers, etc., who I worked with could barely utter a word ... plus I never socialized as no one else socialized with me ... which is fine as I am older and it is not a priority in my life.

However, I know what you mean about being isolated and talking to one's self. It seemed to me to be unhealthy to be alone without a supportive network of family and friends.

Things that kept me sane were:

* calling people/friends, family in the U.S., - you can use google talk for free; chat and email;

*jumping on a bus to the nearest city and buying healthy food, window shopping, etc.;

*reading the New York Times/BBC and other things online;

*watching Korean movie dramas with English subtitles on www.mysoju.com;

*cleaning;

*walking the neighborhoods; viewing the "culture";

* meditation;

*appreciating the goodhearted children everywhere (though they might not be around while you are seatwarming); and

*making plans to get the h.ll out of there asap.