Korean Job Discussion Forums

[VanIslander]

I was asked that question at an academic conference by an old professor I respected when I was in grad school and the simplicity and sincerity of his query changed my life.

It's now in my head often, in a sort of regulative function, to ensure I move in a good direction with my decisions.

Here in Korea the question has a particular significance.

Whether the overriding concern for you is your students, your way of living in Korea, or your life in general:

Are you thriving or surviving?

[Juggertha]

thriving!

I am happier than any other time in my life.

I am looking forward and planning for the future.

[Arthur Fonzerelli]

surviving...

the low salary of an english teacher only allows for surviving...thriving not allowed...

[rapier]

I am in an intermediate transitional phase: starting to thrive after surviving for so long. Its definitely getting better...!!! Even starting to appreciate being here a bit more.

[Homer]

It would have to be thriving.

Got married.
Have a great job.
Bought a house back home which is paying for itself.
Travelling twice a year and saving more then I ever could back home.
Happy with my life here.

So...thriving.

[sadsac]

Thriving, money in the bank, wife and I happier than ever. Great lifestyle, minimal stress.

[Mashimaro]

Thriving on learning a second language with some great people from all over the world...

If I was teaching I'm sure I would merely be surviving.. that is not a knock on teaching, it's just not where I want to be..

[just because]

Thriving....

same as mashimoro, I'm really into learning and I'm coming along well now, so I'm thrilled.

Also, i only have to be at my hagwon 5 hours a day at the most which gives me heaps of time for other activities.

[peppermint]

somewhere in between. Job prospects are looking good, and I'm enjoying my time here, but thriving would suggest permanence.

[kiwiboy_nz_99]

I'd say just a whisker short of thriving. I love my situation, but it would be perfect with just a bit more money. If I could get some privates reasonably close to me I'd be wrapped. My job is great, I live 5 min walk from work, g/f is a hunny bunny. Only problem is I am torn between two goals, wiping out my loan and putting together my recording studio, I'm doing both which of course is slower than focusing on one at a time ...

[Mr. Pink]

Guess that depends what your idea of thriving is...

I'd say I am surviving.

Thriving for me would be banking a lot more than I do each month.

I am happy with my job etc., but financially I don't think I could be thriving until I am banking 2-3 mil a month "extra".

[justagirl]

I feel like I'm running in "safe mode" right now, So right now, I'm surviving. It's not that things aren't good with the job or at home with the hubby, it's more along the lines of culturally surviving. I could use a breather from Korea. Only 3 more months until vacation!

justagirl

[katydid]

I'd have to say I am thriving. I have a good job now, and really like working with my students.
I have made a lot of good friends in a short time and have a cool roommate. I'm a social animal, and things in that department are sweet. I really haven't had this much fun since, well, high school or college.
The only thing I can think of, the one thing I could change would be maybe a later start to my day. With the school's extra classes, Japanese lessons (yeah yeah) that I am taking, and a couple of private lessons, I wonder if one day it'll all catch up to me, but for now, things are sweet.

[kiwiboy_nz_99]

[jajdude]

Surviving... but compared to millions and millions elsewhere in the world, probably thriving. And compared to a few I'm doing poorly indeed. Without comparing....? Who knows!