Korean Job Discussion Forums

[fromtheuk]

Next week, my contract in Saudi Arabia will end. Since last week, I've applied for a number of teaching jobs in Saudi. So far, 4 applications are being processed.

The problem is Saudi employers tend to take their time and they sometimes take too long. I had 2 so-called guaranteed jobs before the current job, and they never came to fruition. I'm now a little wary of 'guaranteed job offers'.

As a backup, on Friday night (South Korean time), I sent my CV to around 50 different S. Korean recruiters.

My skills and experience are now: a Bachelors Degree in Psychology, 2 years at a public elementary school in Gyeonggi, a TESOL certificate, and 9 months at university level in Saudi Arabia.

Anybody who knows me will remember I had many problems with my co-teachers in Korea. After 2 years at the same school, I transferred to another one. From May 2009 - September 2009.

I did a runner on that job. To keep it brief (for those who don't know the story), I told immigration and the school I left due to my divorce.

The school threatened to stop me from working in Korea again. After I contacted Korean immigration with my side of the story, the school contacted me to pay what was owed. I suppose immigration may have said something to the school, which made them change tack.

On my resume, I just talk about the 2 years at the first school, from May 2007 - May 2009. I omit the last school.

Any recruiter can contact my first school, they'd have to confirm I did 2 years there, the last co-teacher I worked with was ok.

Should I expect an avalanche of replies in my inbox tomorrow? It's Sunday evening here in S. Arabia.

If worst comes to worst, if after a reasonable period of time no jobs materialize from Saudi, I will choose Korea.

I am even open to hagwons this time. Desperation city? No, it's a case of practical city. I need income.

Could this be the long-awaited return of fromtheuk?!!!

[nathanrutledge]

I hope not.

[creeper1]

So you had a really bad, bad experience in Korea and yet you want to come swanning right back.

Why wouldn't they renew you in Suadi? Wasn't it all it was cracked up to be?

I'd avoid hagwons. If you didn't like PS then you're going to hate hagwons (as I remember it, you were a lazy sod)

[thegadfly]

OP,

You weren't happy here before, I doubt you will be happy here again. Why put yourself through that? More importantly, why put us through that?

I'm sure something in Saudi will pan out for you -- you should concentrate your attentions there. 50 recruiters? Try 50 Saudi recruiters, and I am sure you can stay where you make the most people happy, including yourself.

Stay in Saudi, by popular demand!

[drama_addict]

[loyfriend]

LOL....

Who do you think you are Elvis? No one cares who you are or that yoru coming back. You left because you were unhappy, and you can't get a job in your current country. You didn't save money in either country as money is your issue.

Maybe you shoudl either try a third country or since you don't seem to like teaching English go find a new job market. Maybe something you will enjoy and make money at.

[Countrygirl]

[NYC_Gal]

Yay! I enjoyed your posts

[fromtheuk]

It took around 2 months, I now have a new job. I have accepted a job in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I'm settling in nicely, it's a university job.

I'm very happy. Why, I hear you don't ask? Because this is the best salary I've ever had in my entire life.

I love it.

[shifty]

[fromtheuk]

Cheer up shifty.

[sluggo832004]

[fromtheuk]

In short, yes, definitely.

[Fishead soup]

Don't forget to wear the Mickey Mouse Ears and the bow tie that spins. This is now mandatory in Korea.

[brento1138]

So, whatcha making money-wise over there? I hear some friends over in Dubai are pulling in good money. Over $50,000 a year. Saudi pays more?