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afsjesse
Joined: 23 Sep 2007
Location: Kickin' it in 'Kato town.
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 Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 4:07 am Post subject: I have a chip on my shoulder |
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I've been having a pretty bad couple of weeks and I think it's taking a toll on me. Usually I'm pretty positive and happy here in Korea. For the most part I brush off the stares, pointers, looks, rude comments and the like, but this week I've been snapping inside and it's making me really dislike a lot of things.
I suppose arguing about my OT pay hasn't helped and the fact that my coteacher brushes it off as just another thing annoys me.
My coteachers are the most incompetent people on earth and give no help, comments or intrinsic value to any of my classes.
I took a walk to the post office today and it was a nice sunny day. I was walking and this one ajosshi just glared at me and I stopped and looked at hime for a good bit until he went away. It just really urked me and ticked me off.
A while ago I was in the kimbab shop eating naengmyeon and there were a couple. I was enjoying my meal when the girl starting whining like Korean women do and she starting hitting her boyfriend or whatever he was. Kept going back and forth and was really childish and just pathetic. It really made me rethink a lot of things about people here, I think that's sad...
But you know what really gets me... is the fact that no body except 1 nice Korean teacher says hello and talks to me on a regular basis. I usually do and always get 1/2 arsed responses. Today I went to work and lunch time came. All but 1 Korean teacher went out to lunch. No one even uttered a word to me. Not that I care, or so I thought. But it stroke a bad chord in me and just soured my day. Guess the scale armour you need for this place needs to be replaced.
It's my final 3 weeks in Korea and I really want to enjoy them. I really enjoy it here and hate to think that this place is getting to me, but maybe it is?
THe nuances in daily life and at work are just so pitiful and every day I hear Uri Nara and this crap and how Korea's number 1 and I just cant help but want to respond with the most awful backlash that this crap smell like.
Rant over.... beer opened.
Last edited by afsjesse on Fri Jul 03, 2009 4:18 am; edited 1 time in total |
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chris_J2
Joined: 17 Apr 2006
Location: From Brisbane, Au.
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 4:17 am Post subject: |
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Old Chinese proverb:
A beer in the hand, is better than a chip on the shoulder! |
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hugekebab
Joined: 05 Jan 2008
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 4:22 am Post subject: |
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| Old Chinese proverb: The frog born down the well thinks his home is the best. |
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E_athlete
Joined: 09 Jun 2009
Location: Korea sparkling
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 4:36 am Post subject: |
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i call this lonely foreigner syndrome.
a lot of English teacher working abroad go through this. It's actually why the turn over rate for these types of jobs are so high even though the pay is good. I knew a guy that was teaching high school and had his own private school in Japan. After 2 yrs he missed America and English speaking people that actually talked to him. So he left a lucrative career behind and went back to America. |
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The Gipkik
Joined: 30 Mar 2009
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 4:38 am Post subject: Re: I have a chip on my shoulder |
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| afsjesse wrote: |
I've been having a pretty bad couple of weeks and I think it's taking a toll on me. Usually I'm pretty positive and happy here in Korea. For the most part I brush off the stares, pointers, looks, rude comments and the like, but this week I've been snapping inside and it's making me really dislike a lot of things.
I suppose arguing about my OT pay hasn't helped and the fact that my coteacher brushes it off as just another thing annoys me.
My coteachers are the most incompetent people on earth and give no help, comments or intrinsic value to any of my classes.
I took a walk to the post office today and it was a nice sunny day. I was walking and this one ajosshi just glared at me and I stopped and looked at hime for a good bit until he went away. It just really urked me and ticked me off.
A while ago I was in the kimbab shop eating naengmyeon and there were a couple. I was enjoying my meal when the girl starting whining like Korean women do and she starting hitting her boyfriend or whatever he was. Kept going back and forth and was really childish and just pathetic. It really made me rethink a lot of things about people here, I think that's sad...
But you know what really gets me... is the fact that no body except 1 nice Korean teacher says hello and talks to me on a regular basis. I usually do and always get 1/2 arsed responses. Today I went to work and lunch time came. All but 1 Korean teacher went out to lunch. No one even uttered a word to me. Not that I care, or so I thought. But it stroke a bad chord in me and just soured my day. Guess the scale armour you need for this place needs to be replaced.
It's my final 3 weeks in Korea and I really want to enjoy them. I really enjoy it here and hate to think that this place is getting to me, but maybe it is?
THe nuances in daily life and at work are just so pitiful and every day I hear Uri Nara and this crap and how Korea's number 1 and I just cant help but want to respond with the most awful backlash that this crap smell like.
Rant over.... beer opened. |
Yeah, fully grown adults slapping and hitting each other, playing rock, scissors, paper, over and over again is really annoying.
As for waiting for everyone to say hi to you first, well, that is the way to Lonely Street. It's hard when you've made the precedent of not being the one to say hello first, or expecting some kind of signal or sign of acknowledgment, but you've just got to snap that little behavioral pattern in two. I often have days when I don't talk to anyone that much at school, it is a bit isolating, but I do make the habit of trying to greet everyone. My personality is quite accessible, though. I sometimes sit and eat lunch alone and I sometimes sit and eat lunch with others. They know me this way. I'm not a wild and crazy guy at work. When I am teaching, I turn the teacher button on and when I am not, I relax and chill. I like to think a lot and they respect that. I do love to joke with the other teachers, though. I crack jokes a lot and that seems to have a very relaxing effect on them. Just be yourself and don't let your feelings of difference get in the way. If someone stares at you too long, just give them a friendly wink and blow them a kiss and move on. That should take care of the problem.  |
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Straphanger
Joined: 09 Oct 2008
Location: Chilgok, Korea
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 6:31 am Post subject: Re: I have a chip on my shoulder |
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| afsjesse wrote: |
My coteachers are the most incompetent people on earth and give no help, comments or intrinsic value to any of my classes.
It's my final 3 weeks in Korea and I really want to enjoy them. I really enjoy it here and hate to think that this place is getting to me, but maybe it is? |
I guess this is coming a little late, but have you ever ... did you ever think about including her in your classes? Like, "break the fourth wall" start asking questions?
We have a unit about planets. The earth turns around. It does this every day. The moon goes around the earth. It does this every month.
Problem is, "turn around" (rotate) and "go around" (revolve) are effectively the same word - 돌다.
And this is a very, very low level story... so I can't teach them "rotate" and "revolve"... I actually called in a Korean teacher to help me (I teach alone).
So as she explained it to me, in Korean and English, the students paid attention. I had my marker out, she had hers out, and the lesson was her explaining to me how in hangukmal, they say the difference between rotate and revolve.
I have a rule, had it ever since I was an intern. If you come into my classroom, you are a part of that class. When my intern supervisor came in to evaluate me, he wanted to sit at my desk, with the desk between him and the students. I said that's basically unacceptable, he needs to be as much a part of the class as I am.
Yeah, it's a circus, and yeah, I'm the ringleader, but people don't come to see me. The guy that sticks his head in the lion's mouth? They don't come to see him. They don't come to see the lion. The come to see the act of a man putting his head into a lion's mouth.
So maybe, in future endevours, you can use that co-teacher (willing or unwilling - for me, they're always willing, even in protest, or as objects to be mocked if they don't participate in my circus).
Your co-teacher is a member of your class. Use her. |
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Seoul'n'Corea
Joined: 06 Nov 2008
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 8:12 am Post subject: Re: I have a chip on my shoulder |
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| afsjesse wrote: |
I've been having a pretty bad couple of weeks and I think it's taking a toll on me. Usually I'm pretty positive and happy here in Korea. For the most part I brush off the stares, pointers, looks, rude comments and the like, but this week I've been snapping inside and it's making me really dislike a lot of things.
I suppose arguing about my OT pay hasn't helped and the fact that my coteacher brushes it off as just another thing annoys me.
My coteachers are the most incompetent people on earth and give no help, comments or intrinsic value to any of my classes.
I took a walk to the post office today and it was a nice sunny day. I was walking and this one ajosshi just glared at me and I stopped and looked at hime for a good bit until he went away. It just really urked me and ticked me off.
A while ago I was in the kimbab shop eating naengmyeon and there were a couple. I was enjoying my meal when the girl starting whining like Korean women do and she starting hitting her boyfriend or whatever he was. Kept going back and forth and was really childish and just pathetic. It really made me rethink a lot of things about people here, I think that's sad...
But you know what really gets me... is the fact that no body except 1 nice Korean teacher says hello and talks to me on a regular basis. I usually do and always get 1/2 arsed responses. Today I went to work and lunch time came. All but 1 Korean teacher went out to lunch. No one even uttered a word to me. Not that I care, or so I thought. But it stroke a bad chord in me and just soured my day. Guess the scale armour you need for this place needs to be replaced.
It's my final 3 weeks in Korea and I really want to enjoy them. I really enjoy it here and hate to think that this place is getting to me, but maybe it is?
THe nuances in daily life and at work are just so pitiful and every day I hear Uri Nara and this crap and how Korea's number 1 and I just cant help but want to respond with the most awful backlash that this crap smell like.
Rant over.... beer opened. |
I for one make sure I do something that makes me noticed.
I know the feeling you describing to me. It sucks.
quite a few Koreans are ultranationalistic people and will always compare themselves with other countries. I don't understand the fascination but they more and more remind me of rightwing wingnut Japanese fascists of which they despise. Funny how one can quickly become the very thing one hates...
I know about the awful history about the occupation, but these days I really wonder if the occupation.. .ah never mind I can't say that here....
I can't lower myself to say that.
This country really needs to grow up and fast! Education system needs a serious critical overhall. |
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AgentM
Joined: 07 Jun 2009
Location: British Columbia, Canada
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 9:27 am Post subject: |
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OP, it sounds like you could use a vacation! Get out there, see another country or something, have some fun!  |
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winterfall
Joined: 21 May 2009
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 9:05 pm Post subject: |
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OP I can relate. I grew up with racism in America. Koreans don't accept me because I look like them but, I don't act or talk like them. And pretty much everywhere else in the world people think I'm either Chinese or filipino.
At first its hard to deal with being an 'Outsider' like that. But, Its just a phase. It'll be over soon. Eventually you'll be able to just go with the 'flow' of things. Look back and probably get a kick out of it.
Unquestionably the funniest things happened while I was running around Jordan. At the Amman International Airport, I was the only Asian walking around. People actually stopped what they were doing to look at me.
I got my bags and I was waiting for my pick up to come. And I guess I looked lonely or something. So some random guy came up to me and just started talking about how great China is. How he does so much business with them and how beautiful the country is blah blah blah. And I'm just like...... umm.... I'm Korean. He does a double take, stares at me with his mouth hanging open and then just starts whistling and walks off. |
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newinseoul
Joined: 22 Sep 2005
Location: Busan
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:00 pm Post subject: Re: I have a chip on my shoulder |
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| afsjesse wrote: |
It's my final 3 weeks in Korea and I really want to enjoy them. I really enjoy it here and hate to think that this place is getting to me, but maybe it is?
THe nuances in daily life and at work are just so pitiful and every day I hear Uri Nara and this crap and how Korea's number 1 and I just cant help but want to respond with the most awful backlash that this crap smell like.
Rant over.... beer opened. |
I can really relate to this. I have six weeks left, and I'm leaving with a bit of a sour taste in my mouth. I can't even describe everything that I've been through this last year, but the new public school didn't turn out so great. My co-teacher made my life hell, even though I tried my best to be cordial. My school board has not been helpful, and frankly, I got screwed over this year due to a nasty vice principal who doesn't really like foreigners to begin with. I'm just riding things out till the end. I've met some great Koreans over the last three years, and I hope that I've inspired some little kid to keep up with English. 
Life surely is funny sometimes. You just have to laugh at the insaneness. |
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BritishinSuwon
Joined: 17 May 2008
Location: No longer in Suwon! Now kicking it in Shanghai
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:19 pm Post subject: Re: I have a chip on my shoulder |
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| afsjesse wrote: |
It's my final 3 weeks in Korea and I really want to enjoy them. I really enjoy it here and hate to think that this place is getting to me, but maybe it is?
THe nuances in daily life and at work are just so pitiful and every day I hear Uri Nara and this crap and how Korea's number 1 and I just cant help but want to respond with the most awful backlash that this crap smell like.
Rant over.... beer opened. |
I feel you. I'm into my final stretch here too, ( I leave on the 29th) and I'm finding the things that I would have normally let roll off me, are now really getting under my skin. Everything you mentioned is what I am feeling now.
I've been here for three years, and what I am telling myself is to focus on all of the positive things that have happened to me in my time here. It's hard, for sure.
What I have started to do is, in my own time (not at work or coming/going to work) is just surround myself with things that will make me forget where I am for now. Before I would go for a jog, I wouldn't wear my iPod, now I go to the store down the street, and the iPod is on my hip. Before I wouldn't think of spending the weekend in my apartment, now I'm working on my packing, writing letters, keeping myself busy in my own little world. It might seem childish to some, but it's giving me a sense of normalcy and a sense of closure, that I don't think I would have been getting if I was out and about in Korea outside of work. Maybe this will work for you, maybe not.
It sucks that the last amount of time you're spending here has gotten you this down, but hopefully you'll be able to get through your last couple of weeks in a way that lets you keep your sanity about you.
Good luck! |
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Bloopity Bloop
Joined: 26 Apr 2009
Location: Seoul yo
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:26 pm Post subject: |
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AFS.
I'm sorry to hear this. I haven't departed for Korea yet, but I think your post will help me prepare better for what I might come across. Wish you the best man, both in your remaining weeks and in the future.
By the way, any update with that one girl you were talking about in a previous thread?  |
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Zulethe
Joined: 04 Jul 2008
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| Posted: Fri Jul 03, 2009 11:42 pm Post subject: |
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Take the fight to them!
I drive like a maniac, cut off buses and taxis, honk at every driver that makes the slightest driving transgresion.
I knock people over like bowling pins when I'm in a crowded area.
When I see a lady dressed like a clown, I point at her and laugh mockingly.
When some dude makes that nasty sound before they spit, I make it 20x louder right next to his face.
If somone litters, I pick up their trash and throw it back at them.
If I'm on a bus and some punk doesn't get up for an old lady, I politely ask him and non-compliance results in physical removal of said punk.
When I see some guy diving his motorcycle without a helmet, I honk at him and yell even though I'm not wearing one.
Does all of the above make me fill good?
You bet your ass! Excuse me, I've got some people to f...with
good luck! |
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Zantetsuken
Joined: 21 Dec 2008
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| Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2009 12:04 am Post subject: |
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| Zulethe wrote: |
Take the fight to them!
I drive like a maniac, cut off buses and taxis, honk at every driver that makes the slightest driving transgresion.
I knock people over like bowling pins when I'm in a crowded area.
When I see a lady dressed like a clown, I point at her and laugh mockingly.
When some dude makes that nasty sound before they spit, I make it 20x louder right next to his face.
If somone litters, I pick up their trash and throw it back at them.
If I'm on a bus and some punk doesn't get up for an old lady, I politely ask him and non-compliance results in physical removal of said punk.
When I see some guy diving his motorcycle without a helmet, I honk at him and yell even though I'm not wearing one.
Does all of the above make me fill good?
You bet your ass! Excuse me, I've got some people to f...with
good luck! |
Do you really do all this??? Because if you do..then you get the "Z-Man's official stamp of approval." |
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jinks
Joined: 27 Oct 2004
Location: Formerly: Lower North Island
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| Posted: Sat Jul 04, 2009 1:23 am Post subject: Re: I have a chip on my shoulder |
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| The Gipkik wrote: |
| If someone stares at you too long, just give them a friendly wink and blow them a kiss and move on. That should take care of the problem. :) |
I haven't thought about blowing kisses, but the winking definitely does the trick. |
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