Korean Job Discussion Forums

charger · Joined: 24 Oct 2008

I'm thinking of teaching in Korea and it seems like people either love it, or hate it. Take this (quite bitter) blog:

http://teachingenglishsucksinkorea.blogspot.com/2010/02/7-lies.html

I think he works in a public school, something I do not plan on doing

It seems like there is so much negativity out there about teaching in Korea but I wonder how much of it is just a manifestation of home sickness, culture shock, and the shocking realization that you are over here to work. It seems like a lot of these bitter people have never traveled outside their own little bubble. I can't say that I haven't been there myself; I lived in the netherlands for a year and I had my moments of culture shock and bitterness, but it was a worthwhile experience nonetheless.

I'm not in Korea, but it is really seems like there are a lot of jaded people out there.

schlotzy · Joined: 10 Mar 2010 Location: South Korea

I think that actually most people would say that public school jobs are better than hagwans...that is unless you're against waking up before noon.

schlotzy · Joined: 10 Mar 2010 Location: South Korea

Also, as much as I love Korea, if you haven't been here, you really can't say. I can guarantee you, it's not like living in Europe or traveling in Thailand. Working and living in Korea can be REALLY frustrating sometimes. You will have days where you feel as though you could spontaneously combust. Possibly many more than you'd have at home. But yeah, you're right. Some people deal with it better than others, and some people probably just aren't cut out to be here. Love it or hate it I guess.

nomad-ish · Posted: Mon May 17, 2010 9:40 pm Post subject:

a lot of it depends on the situation you find yourself in over here, but i can definitely see people becoming that negative. on a side note though, i read a bit of the blogger's section on camps and he was actually given half-days... anyways, from what i read his position doesn't sound that bad.

Senior · Joined: 31 Jan 2010

You summed up the situation quite well.

Senior · Joined: 31 Jan 2010

creeper1 · Joined: 30 Jan 2007

If the loser that wrote this blog was even lucky enough to get a job in McDonald's back home he would find that the manager never lets him go home early. Never!

"oh but look mr manager! There are no customers right now. No-one wants a hamburger at the moment!"

Yet he gets all pissy when the principal refuses him.

The guy probably never worked a day in his life.

The glass is always half full for this 100% negative person. He's really not worth discussing any further.

Check out other more positive blogs out there.. THere are plenty.

E.g. http://www.eatyourkimchi.com/

8 years down · Joined: 16 Dec 2009

I read all his articles and his experiences were very close to mine when I taught at a public school. I agree with a lot of what he says.

His article titled "summary" speaks many truths. If you are someone who loves teaching and really wants to make a difference in your students' lives, Korea is not the best place for this. You will only be disappointed and disheartened when the reality of what is actually going on sets in.

I never felt the need to escape as he did (I've lived in Korea for 8 years) but I can certainly understand his points and his blog is definitely worth reading, even if only for entertainment.

air76 · Joined: 13 Nov 2007

jonpurdy · Joined: 08 Jan 2009 Location: Ulsan

I just read through a few of those posts (car crash; can't look away). This guy is a miserable, inflexible, small-minded person.

If you are a newbie reading this I'd suggest ignoring most of what he says. Most of the situations he gets into and problems he has are caused by his own inflexibility.