Korean Job Discussion Forums

[humanuspneumos]

Has teaching in South Korea burnt you out?

Lots of people might have burnout without knowing it. I know as I study the subject of burnout I'm surprised to discover that I fit the bill on almost all accounts not too long ago. I wasn't really able to see it until I came off of the high of adrenalin rush from a series of negative events accumulation. Perhaps you're too burntout already to click/read the website or anything more than a few lines- however, it's worth the click. Also- I find many teachers sitting in the burnout circle are even too tired to email friends/family back home- so- clicking/reading/typing can all seem like too much. If you don't vote- I'll understand.

http://www.docpotter.com/boclass-2bosymptoms.html

Negative Emotions
Frustration
Depression
Interpersonal Problems
Emotional Withdrawal
Health Problems
Substance Abuse
Declining Performance
Vicious Cycle


Also, other websites underline the long-term negative effects of adrenalin (shifting one's perceptions of stimuli/environment), decreasing one's patience thresh-hold, and all the way to teeth-grinding at night.

[crazylemongirl]

at the end of my last contract I felt burnt out. But this school is really relaxing and a welcome break from entrance into the rat race while still having a real job.

[Eazy_E]

When I even look at kids I get a feeling like a belt is tightening around my head... I get irritable more easily and even after a good night's sleep I don't feel rested anymore. I've only been doing this for 8 months! I think I'm in the first stages of burnout.... it's definitely a potential working in a hagwon job with crap holidays.

[Homer]

This 'burnout' usually happens during your first year.
Its largely due to a new job in a different country. Some people deal with this and feel very little ill effects.
Others just can't seem to shake this and make mountains out of hills by stressing themselves out.

For many people this job is actually their first 'real' job after university and that has a certain amount of stress in itself.

Its all about keeping your eye on the ball and making sure you do things you enjoy while here.

Of course, some people are just not meant to be here as Korea does not suit them on a basic level. No real culprit here, just the way life is sometimes.

My first year I was working 6 days a week with very little time off and loads of kindie classes. After 6 months I was pretty damn wasted.
I pushed on through and started to do things I enjoy in my off hours. I also found things that helped me relax (public bath and spa, hiking).
Thats what worked for me.

The second year and since then its been much easier. However, like anyone I get my stretches when I am more tired then usual. Thats just life.

Easy E, you just have to find ays to relax in your off hours.

Realistically how many hours do you work per week and how many days?

[Eazy_E]

True, this is my first REAL job. But I am accustomed to having fairly generous holidays. Korea isn't exactly the land of holidays...

I used to be more enthusiastic than I am now, about introducing new games and activities to class, seeing the kids make progress in English, etc. But now I'm told to keep a lid on that and make them study hard. They've become more difficult to control as a result, so I feel much more tired at the end of the day. I work 30 teaching hours per week but the afternoon elementary classes are in a 5 hour block so that can be a little tiresome.

I play road hockey in Suwon on Sundays and go for walks near my house every now and then (we have hiking trails). Weekends are a blast but they're just not long enough!

Also I hate to say it but... studying Korean on top of working full time can be draining. I think for the time being I'll just leave it as is and go with what I know.

Anyways thanks for the advice Homer.

[Homer]

Anytime Easy E...you take care man.