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Korean Job Discussion Forums
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pattyb
Joined: 29 Jun 2009
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 Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2011 12:27 pm Post subject: Headed To Korea!! |
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Well, after many months/years of lurking, I've landed a job and will be heading to Korea. My plan many years ago was to go to Japan. That changed with the economic down turn and my investigative work and learning about the competition, etc. So, I think Korea is my next best option even though I did consider Thailand. I have some bills I need to pay down and Korea seems to be one of the best places to do that without teaching experience. Thanks for all the advice in the last several months. It was a lot of help.
PB |
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Warhammer820
Joined: 03 Jun 2011
Location: USA
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| Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2011 1:36 pm Post subject: Re: Headed To Korea!! |
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wow, you are exactly like me, except i am one year behind you. So, you are me in the future. Congrats future self.
| pattyb wrote: |
Well, after many months/years of lurking, I've landed a job and will be heading to Korea. My plan many years ago was to go to Japan. That changed with the economic down turn and my investigative work and learning about the competition, etc. So, I think Korea is my next best option even though I did consider Thailand. I have some bills I need to pay down and Korea seems to be one of the best places to do that without teaching experience. Thanks for all the advice in the last several months. It was a lot of help.
PB |
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Bruce W Sims
Joined: 08 Mar 2011
Location: Illinois; USA
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| Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2011 1:58 pm Post subject: Re: Headed To Korea!! |
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| pattyb wrote: |
Well, after many months/years of lurking, I've landed a job and will be heading to Korea. My plan many years ago was to go to Japan. That changed with the economic down turn and my investigative work and learning about the competition, etc. So, I think Korea is my next best option even though I did consider Thailand. I have some bills I need to pay down and Korea seems to be one of the best places to do that without teaching experience. Thanks for all the advice in the last several months. It was a lot of help.
PB |
Congratulations. Don't forget to pack your "A" game and give them the very best you have.
Best Wishes,
Bruce |
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Modernist
Joined: 23 Mar 2011
Location: The 90s
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| Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2011 6:56 pm Post subject: |
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Hmm. I wouldn't worry about the 'A' game.
In Korea, do what they ask, even if you know it's not the best way. Do what will make your co-teacher happy. Try to stay on the good side of the vice-principals and directors [NOT by bending to every ridiculous demand. Just don't pick unnecessary fights].
Life here is very often about checking boxes and staying inside the lines and keeping your head down. If you are coming here for money, because of the economic conditions, and you aren't a Teacher with a capital T, this isn't your 'calling'--then screw the 'A' game and giving it your all. When you see how terrible your students are going to be at English, you'll understand what I mean. The 'A' game won't do them any good and will only burn you out faster.
This place will take enough of you as it is. Do what they want, keep them happy [within reason], make a good impression of your country, and forget the rest. Keep yourself focused on your goal and it will make the day-to-day stuff very much easier to handle.
From one economic refugee to another. |
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Bruce W Sims
Joined: 08 Mar 2011
Location: Illinois; USA
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| Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 4:25 am Post subject: |
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| Modernist wrote: |
Hmm. I wouldn't worry about the 'A' game.
In Korea, do what they ask, even if you know it's not the best way. Do what will make your co-teacher happy. Try to stay on the good side of the vice-principals and directors [NOT by bending to every ridiculous demand. Just don't pick unnecessary fights].
Life here is very often about checking boxes and staying inside the lines and keeping your head down. If you are coming here for money, because of the economic conditions, and you aren't a Teacher with a capital T, this isn't your 'calling'--then screw the 'A' game and giving it your all. When you see how terrible your students are going to be at English, you'll understand what I mean. The 'A' game won't do them any good and will only burn you out faster.
This place will take enough of you as it is. Do what they want, keep them happy [within reason], make a good impression of your country, and forget the rest. Keep yourself focused on your goal and it will make the day-to-day stuff very much easier to handle.
From one economic refugee to another. |
I'm thinking your advice is good for pretty much anyone in an employment situation. Good thoughts!
For myself, I am still adjusting to the idea that a significant portion of the people making the effort to teach in Korea are doing so for reasons other than pursuing a career in Teaching.
With the current economic conditions and the political nature of Education I have probably selected a really bad time to pursue a dream. I suppose my hope is that, regardless of the motives, each person who secures a position will do their best to represent themselves and the Teaching profession in its best possible light. FWIW.
Best Wishes,
Bruce |
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litebear
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Holland
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| Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 6:19 am Post subject: |
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| Bruce W Sims wrote: |
| Modernist wrote: |
Hmm. I wouldn't worry about the 'A' game.
In Korea, do what they ask, even if you know it's not the best way. Do what will make your co-teacher happy. Try to stay on the good side of the vice-principals and directors [NOT by bending to every ridiculous demand. Just don't pick unnecessary fights].
Life here is very often about checking boxes and staying inside the lines and keeping your head down. If you are coming here for money, because of the economic conditions, and you aren't a Teacher with a capital T, this isn't your 'calling'--then screw the 'A' game and giving it your all. When you see how terrible your students are going to be at English, you'll understand what I mean. The 'A' game won't do them any good and will only burn you out faster.
This place will take enough of you as it is. Do what they want, keep them happy [within reason], make a good impression of your country, and forget the rest. Keep yourself focused on your goal and it will make the day-to-day stuff very much easier to handle.
From one economic refugee to another. |
I'm thinking your advice is good for pretty much anyone in an employment situation. Good thoughts!
For myself, I am still adjusting to the idea that a significant portion of the people making the effort to teach in Korea are doing so for reasons other than pursuing a career in Teaching.
With the current economic conditions and the political nature of Education I have probably selected a really bad time to pursue a dream. I suppose my hope is that, regardless of the motives, each person who secures a position will do their best to represent themselves and the Teaching profession in its best possible light. FWIW.
Best Wishes,
Bruce |
Bruce for every individual "making the effort to teach in Korea...for reasons other than pursuing a career in Teaching" there will be someone else who is trying to pursure that very career but is restricted by their boss/co-teacher and the expecations of Koreans in general.
I sense you have a pretty low opinion of people already in Korea for motives that you consider innapropriate. Should your "dream" to teach in Korea become a reality I will follow your posts with interest. I have a feeling you might change your tune. |
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Bruce W Sims
Joined: 08 Mar 2011
Location: Illinois; USA
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| Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 6:33 am Post subject: |
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Please don't think less of me, Bear. I can't know whats in the hearts of other people.
For myself, I chose the field of Counseling and Teaching for some pretty pure motives, but that's just me. I know others may not share those motives and that's OK as well. I've seen quite a bit of damage done, both by employees and employers, when the profession of Teaching is reduced to little more than a commodity. FWIW.
Best Wishes,
Bruce |
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