Korean Job Discussion Forums

fromtheuk · Joined: 31 Mar 2007

I think labelling others a zero, when the OP doesn't usually even feel the need to address such posters, reveals the actual status of such people.

Doesn't cruisemonkey proudly state on this forum he holds both hands for when he pours the Principal some soju? What a + number you really are! Laughing

I shudder to think what else you do with your hands for your work colleagues. Bravo Mr. plus! Nobodymonkey sounds better to me. Cool

I detect from some of the sarcasm, I have touched on yet another raw nerve. You may act like you're 'above' others because of your unfailing commitment to ESL, but the fact you can't accept or even acknowledge your own actual status in the Korean workplace, suggests you're not in touch with reality.

I am using my University education by following my contract. I also think in reality you're not as 'militant' in the workplace as you suggest.

Let's face it, you kiss up for a living cruisemonkey. To be called a zero by you, must mean you reside in the snow all year long! Laughing

You're patronizing and here is your trademark wink. Wink

wawawawonder · Joined: 30 Mar 2008

I just want to state something for the record, something I've thought many a time, every time I've read fromtheuk's stuff as it happens.

Fromtheuk rocks! He always make me laugh, whether intentionally or not, and for that I am grateful.

I like him so much that I'm considering starting my own tribute profile- fromengland.

No sarcasm

AmericanExile · Joined: 04 May 2009

I understand the "if they want to pay me to do nothing then great" attitude. The first school I worked at they didn't care about the kids or teaching. I spent a year fighting with the administration because I cared more than they did. It can wear you down.

The school I'm at now does seem to care. The students are better and better behaved. I feel lucky. If it had gone the other way would I fight uphill again this year? Yeah, but not as hard.

I also agree that doing nothing can depress you because you feel like you are wasting your life, but we don't have to be solely defined by what we do at work. If I had all that free time in the classroom I probably use it to write a novel or something. Ya know think of ideas and write them down during breaks. Type a page a day and you'd have a nice book when your done. You could write three movies. Something where the westerner saves the day and gets the beautiful Korean woman in the end.

Bemused · Joined: 02 Nov 2007

As to the original poster's comments, that strategy will make life mellow but I guarantee you that you will be blamed for your co-teacher's failure to achieve the desired test scores and, if some miracle occurs and the kids test well, the entire English department will give props to your co-teacher for succeeding in spite of the distractions you caused in class. If you're okay with that, and why not since anything you do in Korea pretty much stays in Korea (professionally speaking) enjoy what you can of the experience and make a difference when an opportunity presents itself. I took on the English "club activities" at the high school I taught at and, since the kids who joined were the best English speakers in the school and really wanted to learn English, I had a great time.

need 2 know · Joined: 10 May 2009

I also have the co-teacher from hades. Last week was classic! I'm on the top floor and it's HOT! So, I open a window. A moment leter, she closes the window. Next, I turn on a fan. Next? She turns off the fan. So that night I fill a large zip lock baggie about half way full of water. I put it on top of an upside down cereal bowl and stuck it in the freezer. In the morning when it's frozen I pull it off the bowl and it fits on my head like a hat, So, I take it to class in a bag so she couldn't see what it was. She's very nosey and I've caught her looking in my briefcase. So I do the greeting thing. You know, who's happy, hungry, etc. When I get to hot all the students raise their hands. So I pull out my " ice hat" and put it on. They erupt in cheers and all want to try it. My sourpuss co-teaches, who is never nice or happy only cares about power and money, jaw drops to and through the floor! I'm singing " school's hot, but Mike is not" and she looks like she's going to explode. Beet red face. All I could do to not LOL. I walk around the room and start to let each kid experiece it and she blows! So the next day the Principal sits in on all of my classes. All were flawless. (not bragging) Co-teacher won't even look at me. She knows she's been played the fool. The next day I ask her to get my degree for me. She immediately freaks and asks " why do you want it?" I say because it's my property that I worked hard for and I want it in my possession. She looks puzzled and tries the " no speakee englishee" thing. Anyway I get it and everyone is wondering what he is going to do. Next day, ice hat AND I pour water on my head!!! I got a towel to get down on my knees to dry the floor. Again, she's agog! The meaner and crueler she gets, the nicer and kinder I get. It ALWAYS leads to her frustration going through the roof. You know, fake kindness. Man, life is great! She thinks she's thousands of times smarter than I. For the record, I'm 52. Yeah, I know an old fogey. But you don't get old being stupid. Trust me on that on. Anyway, my point is never let them know you're upset. And REMEMBER, it's alot easier to pretend stupidity than intelligence. Peace, late.
Very Happy

cruisemonkey · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 7:55 pm Post subject:

Guerciotti · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 9:20 pm Post subject:

The Gipkik · Joined: 30 Mar 2009

rationality · Joined: 05 Jul 2007 Location: Some where in S. Korea

fromtheuk · Joined: 31 Mar 2007

To show gratitude for not working with a slave driver. She wants to take control of the class and I am grateful for that. Today, she has done most of the class. I love it. Laughing

wesharris · Joined: 10 Oct 2008

rationality · Joined: 05 Jul 2007 Location: Some where in S. Korea

fromtheuk · Joined: 31 Mar 2007

Last period before lunch, I did the cd-rom part. Sad

I like to act like an assistant i.e. do less of the work.

I used to feel drained at my last school, because I was doing most of the work.

It is boring doing nothing, but I need a rest most of the time. Laughing

Kurtz · Joined: 05 Jan 2007 Location: ples bilong me

Rationality, I feel you demanding things and pulling out the contract and showing your co-worker is a great way to ruin your relationship. I don't think the Koreans like being told what to do by the foreigner, nor do they take the contract seriously in general.

Wes, you're a total geek my friend, please take your spaghetti monster and go back to high school where I'm sure that level of geekyness is maybe more acceptable than on Dave's, but then again I might be wrong.