Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Sethro]

Hi! I am in the process of trying to find a job teaching English in Korea. I would like to get a public school job and a start date in early July. The very sweet recruiter that I am dealing with has told me that this is pretty unlikely, as most public schools start in September.

I really am excited about this opportunity to take off for a year and teach in Korea, but if my contract starts/ends in September, how will I get a job when I come back home? I am an elementary school counselor, and getting a job in September when I come home is pretty much not going to happen. So what do teachers/counselors/etc. do when their contracts are over and they come home? Thanks!

[Robot_Teacher]

A RTW trip is a great idea when your year is up. Maybe apply ahead of time online for another job at home? Be warned that many people are going into education and other civil services that never intended this route so it's getting more and more competitive in non-profit sectors.

Ever hear of the former business people and a plethora of various professionals becoming teachers, police, firemen, medical specialists, and nurses? Well, now you just did.

[Kurtz]

Korea is like a drug for many. They know it's bad for them but it's like "just one more year (time)" and so on and so on for years. Do one year and get the hell out.

Apply for jobs online, keep a look out on the job market, network from where you are now and try keep in touch or in the loop, don't just drop out of contact for a whole year.

The reality though (IMHO) is that coming here is quite a waste of time career wise unless you're serious about ESL or you want to appear wordly on your CV.

Fingers crossed I'm out of here September and my networked job comes through.

[refikaM]

Yeah, the timing for start dates in Asia just don't coincide with the N. American school system..Also, since you can't leave Korea til the end of your PS contracts (not sure if you'll be in a PS), it's difficult to even get jobs in other parts of Asia because often they want you there before your contract end for training or whatnot..You'd be real lucky to slide right into a job immediately after leaving here.. Often you just have to find somthing to do for 5-6 months between teaching jobs because of these overlaps...

[prideofidaho]

Just thought I'd add that the public schools in Seoul also hire in March, so if you went for that one you could have 6 months to go home and start applying to jobs.

[yoja]

Or you could always extend your one-year contract for an additional six months instead of another year, and try to negotiate for some extra cash at the end of that time instead of a plane ticket home and no severance.

It's quite easy for public schools to do this, slightly harder for hakwons to receive the same permission. If you stay in Korea during the winter (or summer) camp season, it's quite easy to work at a camp and make extra money before you head home. Sometimes the visa situation is tricky, but it can be done.

Head home and get a part-time job or work nights or at a temp agency or something for a month or two until you find a good permanent job.

It can be done, but it takes some planning and forethought.

There are *SOME* public school positions that will begin in mid-July, as there will be foreigners who will leave Korea before summer camps start, and they will need to be replaced. Keep asking around, and contacting other recruiters.

[Sethro]

Wow! There were some really great solutions offered that I had not thought about! Thanks! I will investigate staying an extra six months, as suggested by Yoja. That would actually be perfect!

Thank you again to all who took time to help!

[The Gipkik]

First of all, stop thinking of "home" as where you were born or raised. Your home is where you are when you are there--and that means a small apartment not too far away from your school. So, what do I do when I get home? I cook dinner or go to a restaurant or go workout or have a nap. There. If you want to live overseas, it's time for a sea of change...

[Sethro]

I do appreciate you sharing your definition of the word home, but please understand that other people may differentiate between the place they live and their home.

I was in the military for eight years, and although I made the most of what I did and was genuinely happy where I was stationed, I did not consider it my home. I lived in those places. My home is where my roots and family are, and the place I plan to return to.

I do hope you are happy where you are! Sounds like you have a pleasant existence.

[The Gipkik]

Thanks Sethro. I appreciate that. As a traveler, I always want to share my, perhaps unnatural, philosophy with others about the definition of home. It can make all the difference in the "world."

[okokok]

[Robot_Teacher]

[okokok]

[PatrickGHBusan]

[EvanD85]