Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Johnkim]

Just curious to know whether applicants for public schools would confess to having a mental condition when making an application with the MOE.

Under the: ''Do you suffer a medical condition'' box, I stated I suffer from depression. Honesty is the best policy. I am in good health but need meds to stay balanced. Did I do the right thing by being honest?

Another thing. I am finding it extremely hard finding previous posts on Public school experiences. Some advice from current or past teachers on their experiences would be good.

Cheers.

[Ramen]

[nathanrutledge]

[Johnkim]

If I have eliminated a prospect of geting a Job with the MOE well then tough luck. But, I lived in Seoul between 2000-2002 with the same condition and now I am much better mentally and physically than I was back then and am older too.

I did not isolate myself and made many friends. I know South Korea can be a cruel place, I had my experiences of Hakwon Hell then. But I won't be going back to a Hakwon.

I don't want to sound ironic in wit, but I found spirituality as an answer to loneliness even in my home country and am dealing with it well.

Korea is a tough place I know and I did experience a measure of loneliness and isolation. But I am prepared to take up the challenge again knowing what to expect this time. Besides, there are always Korean people that want to practice English speaking, that is a good social engagement even if it does not promise long term friendship.

I will take the risk as long as it is a secure job and it appears PS jobs are very secure. Correct me if I am wrong on the last statement.

[Kaypea]

I think there's plenty of people doing well here, who have mild depression. I have a little history of anxiety and I'm fine. I find being a cultural outsider helps a lot, ie I don't feel any stressful pressure to fit in because I never, ever, ever will. There's posts on here all the time about how to get an English speaking shrink or how to get prozac, etc, so it's all being done.

That being said, if you don't think your condition is stable... that is, if you go nuts/flip out/ etc from time to time, maybe you shouldn't come on over. If your condition is 100% manageable with meds and good habits, you're fine. Stay well, sleep lots, get exercise, lay off the excesses, you'll be fine!

[shostahoosier]

I originally put that I had been diagnosed with depression on my original application and I was immediately rejected because of it (I was even told so).

I came to this board for advice and everyone told me I wouldnt be able to cope with how miserable Korea is and that I shouldnt bother.

I ignored their advice and I am doing great here...probably better than if I had stayed at home in the crazy work environment I was dealing with. I know of several other teachers in the same boat.

Your environment has a huge effect on your psychological condition. Keeping that in mind, realize that you could end up at a really awesome job here, or a really crappy one and that can help or hurt your condition.

Only you and your doctors know if you're stable enough to attempt to come. I asked mine and they actually told me it would be good for me if I made the jump. Had they told me no, I wouldnt have come.

I'm not saying you SHOULD or SHOULD NOT come. I AM saying that the people who can give you the best advice in regards to your situation are not on this message board.

I've said it before...but not admitting that you've had depression in your past on your application IS a lie...but lying never seems to be a problem for the potheads and alcoholics who come over. Until recently it wasnt a problem for criminals eithier.

good luck!

[shostahoosier]

[ttompatz]

[ttompatz]

[rchristo10]

Considering that Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world and also blames 80-90% of them on depression, I'd have to say it wasn't the best idea.

I got my info from SPSS data obtained from 한국사회과학자료원 @ http://www.kossda.or.kr/

So you can check there for more specific info.

[tamaralynn]

Deleted post

[cyui]

Get help, but don't use Obersturmbannf�hrer for treatment.

Re: Anti-Comintern in Japanese Policy.

[ironclad80]

I survived a year in Korea with depression. I learned that depression will follow you no matter where you go. Luckily, I made good friends to make it through my harder times. Honestly, I get more depressed back home. I live in a small, close-minded town and I'm very open-minded and like trying and learning new things. If you don't feel comfortable stepping outside of your comfort zone, then maybe Korea is not for you.

You need to decide on your own. Everyone is different. Sure those who never experienced depression will say "don't come." But for me and many others, it IS doable.

[Dazed and Confused]

Is your depression situation induced or do you suffer from a chemical imbalance? I suffer from a chemical imbalance and while it does suck at times I know when I need to see my doctor. I've got a great psychiatrist who has been nothing more than professional and helpful. I'm put on the right track with medication quickly with very few side effects and it doesn't effect my job in any serious way. In fact, when I was at my very first job in Korea and needed medication my hogwon director was a bit skeptical about me continuing to work there. It didn't make matters any better that I had to take him along to translate as I'd been in the country for only a month. However, he quickly saw how well I was able to continue to keep up with the work and let it go. Nowadays, I don't disclose my condition to my employer because I see it as a physical condition that needs to be maintained. And I can navigate the health system on my own or with help of family members.

[ironclad80]