Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dogbert]

Once again I read a comment posted here speculating that many of us employed in Korea (excluding Korean citizens and kyopos, of course) remain in Korea because we are "unemployable" in North America.

I suppose there is no way to actually prove that supposition one way or the other, but I have a hard time believing that there are more than a few of us, if any at all, who could not find a job paying better than minimum wage and not in the fast-food industry in the United States.

Discuss.

[Zyzyfer]

Well, I've been teaching in South Korea for two years, but I'm still underqualified to teach in my home state; I have to weasel my way in through alternative licensure methods. Take that whatever way you will it.

[dogbert]

Okay, that's fair enough. But the implication always seems to be not just that you're/we're unemployable as teachers, but that we're unemployable in general.

That said, I don't think it would be difficult for you to obtain any required teaching credential at home.

[Zyzyfer]

It's not difficult, but I didn't plan on it, and it's a good 3 semesters back in school.

As far as being totally unemployable, it really depends on what you did in Korea. Someone like sparkx, who landed a corporate position, is obviously very lucky. Someone else who has been hopping from hakwon from hakwon for several years might have a tougher time entering the job market. It's already pretty tight over here, though, so I wouldn't chalk it all up to being overseas.

[OiGirl]

1. Employable as a teacher in the US.
2. Employable in retail sales.
3. Employable in test evaluation.
4. Employable as a private tutor in the US.

Never had reason to try anything else...

[desultude]

I have a couple of jobs waiting for me in the States.

I don't want to be there for a lot of reasons. One thing that mitigates against me returning right now is the election. Those of you who aren't from there cannot even imagine how nauseating U.S. politics and elections can be. 2000 was enough to cure me of any interest for a long time, being a Floridian.

That being said, it would take a hell of a good job to allow me to save what I do here, and to travel as much as I like.

I have haven't any compelling reason to return- which is both liberating and kind of sad.

[Gollum]

I can always find a job doing what I was doing before. Would have to be open for working in a new location -- which I really hope to do.

Am very employable back home, because I'm older and had nine years of experience before leaving for Korea.

[dogbert]

[willgreen]

I would think that it would be difficult to jump back to the US and find a job right away. Of course if you have a skill it is different.

Imagine if you were the employer. Would you hire someone with working experience in Korea. Some employers would like this, others would not.
Certainly I would take someone with experience "in the field" over someone who was teaching english in Korea.

For one, you guys have meet all kinds of people here.

What is your general opinion of the teachers here. Are they " go getters" "over achievers" "top of the class" types.

So, what is your opinion of teachers here? I am curious.


Personally, I feel if you can sell yourself and your learning experiences in Korea to a prospective employer, you can find a entry level job. If you have no confidence in yourself or your experiences here, getting a decent job will be difficult.

Don't be surprised if that middle management job does not just fall in your lap.

[ryleeys]

I only spent about two months after graduation searching for a job and got all the standard "we'll keep you on file" responses. Mostly I was only applying to jobs my dad wanted me to apply for, which aren't the type of jobs I want. And two months if far short of the average wait at the moment... all of my friends in college chose to not graduate as a result of the market. My reasons for coming here:

1) Save some money (no debt to pay off, just saving for the hell of it)
2) Spend some time in a country I've studied
3) Kind of make a transition from college life to the "real world"
4) Wait for the job market to stabilize

Sometimes, when times are good, companies like to hire youngin's that need training, but can be long term employees. When times aren't so good, companies prefer to hire older people that will likely be a short term rental. Well, when I came to Korea, America was in the latter category.

[bellum99]

There is always work and always positions. I have never understood people who say "there is no work back home". I have never been turned down for a job here in korea or at home and I am not young either. I work hard and do a great job everytime. I don't make mistakes twice and I care about what I am doing (no matter what it is). People need to remember a few basic rules:

1: Don't drink so much.
2: Don't pass the buck (blaming others).
3: Get up and do it yourself.

[willgreen]

Good advice bellum.

So many teacher here spend a lot of time complaining and drinking.
Sometimes they complain because they are drinking too much, other times, they drink and then complain.

I am glad there are some teacher that actually learn something, and make the best of thier time.

[Gollum]

I have learned a lot about myself, and about what I want in life. If I had stayed at home, I think I would have come to hate my life so much I'd probably go nuts.

Here, I'm faced with new and different challenges (although they aren't new any more) and I have learned to appreciate some of the things about living in the USA.

On another note, I'm not sure an employer would necessarily look down on you for working in Korea. Most employers wouldn't have the first clue about what qualifications you need to work here, or what the other teachers may be like. They would just look at your resume, or ask you questions about why you did it.

Just a guess.

Heck, you could always lie and say, "I came here to be with my girlfriend, and it didn't work out."

hhahaha. How could they blame you?