Korean Job Discussion Forums

saw6436 · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon, ROK

FTUK. I don't think I am off the mark at all. I've been reading your posts since you joined this board. You consistently point out that you have NO wish to be included in social activities with your fellow teachers.

While you might find it acceptable to pay lip service to polite behaviour in Korean society others (meaning your fellow teachers) may not. Like it or not, social activities are a HUGE part of korean working relationships. Clearly you have rejected that part of Korean working culture.

You might feel that a nod and a smile are enough. Maybe they should be enough. My take from your posts is that you consistently segregated yourself from your co-workers yet still expect them to treat you as an equal. Why would they? You rejected them. You made little attempt to "get into their skin". Why should they reward self-segregation?

I've maintained for years that the most of the problems that FTs endure in Korea can be laid at the FTs feet. The same goes for you. Everything about your posts smacks of insincerity and smugness. You may not be aware (you do seem pretty oblivious) that that attitude stands out. I hope I never have to work with a p***k like you.

Good luck in your future.

fromtheuk · Joined: 31 Mar 2007

No saw, you're totally wrong.

You've only hinted at one truth, that maybe a nod and a smile should be enough.

If I am perfectly civil with my colleagues, and they can't reciprocate that, that is their failing, not mine, and the fact you are unwilling to accept that shows you are a total idiot.

You infer I am smug, insincere etc. This is merely your perception of reality, which is totally wrong. Civility is a concept which very few people understand nowadays.

Back in the U.K. there are countless government campaigns to teach youngsters the value of respect and good behaviour. Why? Because they lack those qualities.

You can crawl back under your rock now.

Tell me saw, which social activity was I ever invited to? None anyway! Self-segregation. The only time I could have 'bonded' with them was during lunch. I always bring in my own lunch and like time to myself.

I expected to be treated as an equal? That's another assumption you've made, which is completely untrue. I didn't expect anything from them, I just hoped the awful swine would keep their distance. Sadly, all they could do was talk loudly outside my office, like pathetic little children.

You questioned why they should 'reward' self-segregation? Are we adults or retarded children? Let me explain to you, my colleagues are just employees like me, they are in no position to grant me rewards, they are teachers and I am an assistant. Why would I look for rewards from my work colleagues? That sounds quite insincere. Laughing

Trying to get into their skin? I think you mean trying to kiss their bottom. That may be something you enjoy, but with the unflushed diarrhea at my school, I could never entertain such a thought. That would be disgusting.

Using your brain cell, which is totally insecure, that warrants a total lack of respect for me from my colleagues?!! I am an assistant teacher, not a teacher, why would I want to associate with people who are clearly 'higher' up the ladder than a lowly assistant?

It's brainless, spineless comments like yours which are the problem. If you think behaving like a wild animal is acceptable behaviour when somebody likes to be alone, and not part of the crowd, I suggest you seek medical advice.

I suppose polite non-participation equals rejection in your eyes? (I wonder if this poster has ever seen Psycho).

If by being polite and aloof I am viewed as worthy of ridicule, I conclude my colleagues aren't worth the time of day, if that is how they think.

Have you heard of self-respect saw? Obviously not. Laughing

saw6436 · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon, ROK

^Thank you for proving my point. Don't let the door hit you on your way out!

fromtheuk · Joined: 31 Mar 2007

Who's smug now? I suppose your inability to even respond to any of my points demonstrates how 'spot on' you aren't. Bye bye. Laughing

cwflaneur · Joined: 04 Aug 2009

I think I would have to defend fromtheuk in this matter. Not eating Korean food at lunch shouldn't be an excuse for hostility or rude behavior by your co-workers. I can't imagine anyone in a Western cafeteria feeling offended by an Asian man bringing his home-cooked lunch with him to work instead of eating the Western food. There are a lot of Koreans who are too sensitive and need to grow up.

morrisonhotel · Joined: 18 Jul 2009 Location: Gyeonggi-do

E_athlete · Joined: 09 Jun 2009 Location: Korea sparkling

I work at a really old high school type environment. What the OP is saying is true to some extent - there will be those that mock you

1) behind your back.
2) in front of you.

This is REGARDLESS of how well you are behaved. I am personally well liked at my school being the only foreigner the school has had in 7 years. I bow to everyone, try to learn the language, praise Korea, etc but there will always be a few bad apples no matter what that get jealous and try bringing you down by insulting you. It's almost instinctual for people to do this. If everyone likes the waygooksamin your value and status will drop slightly. To prevent this, you ridicule waygooksamin in Korean so that he cannot understand you but the group can. Some women teachers with a mid life crisis also get really jealous that I get a lot of attention. People behave like animals, slaves to their emotions and instincts....I can't help but feel sorry for them.

fromtheuk · Joined: 31 Mar 2007

I knew her for 6 months actually. Pakistanis are not Arab, they are Asian. I suppose being from Seoul you should have known that. Your understanding of the world is very impressive. Laughing

Learn some geography and try and patronize somebody who is lower than you, if you can find anyone that fits that description. Laughing

The thread 'do nothing' was about me dutifully following my co-teacher's instructions. As an assistant, that is my job. If she wants me to do very little, I must follow her.

At my last school I did quite alot of work, so it's nice to have a rest sometimes. Recently, I've been doing all the teaching though.

Tomorrow is the start of a 2 week summer camp, 6 classes everyday! Shocked

SHANE02 · Joined: 04 Jun 2003

Good luck with whatever you do fromtheuk, it was fun to read your posts.

uk27 · Joined: 19 May 2009 Location: Korea

Epicurus · Joined: 18 Jun 2009

not a flame, just a good natured jibe:

Conrad B Hart · Joined: 27 Jul 2009

Wannamin? Songsaenim? Waygooksamin? Waygook? I'm confused :/
I sure hope there's a thread where all these terms can be explained in simple terms for a Koreanewbie as I'm getting the feeling I'll need to know such terms if I make it over to K-Land.

Epicurus · Joined: 18 Jun 2009

iggyb · Joined: 29 Oct 2003

Just listen for "noam" at the end of any word tossed in your direction - and know that it is not nice... (nyon for women)...

One of my goals in Korea this next year to two years is to learn Korean or give up trying. It is my final push.

My Korean wife has no patience as a language helper. And I am a slower language learner than average. Maybe it has something to do with being tone deaf as well...???... So I have to be more disciplined in studying a language than on average, and I haven't been to date. I am still just a high beginner in Korean, but I'm going to work on it HARD this time. I want my future children to be naturally fluent in Korean and English...And I also want to stop being such a failure at learning the language...