Korean Job Discussion Forums

[OBwannabe]

Just wondering how some of you ESL vets deal with working and living amongst recent college grads (or those in their 20's in general).

I'm no longer in Korea, but am considering a return to the ROK soon. I am a little apprehensive for a few reasons, but the most prevelant is working with, and trying to relate to, the young guns.

I'm 37 now and have been away from Korea for a year and a half. During my previous 5 year tenure there I found it increasingly difficult to work with FOB's who were usually recent college grads. I have nothing against them mind you. And in some ways I wish I was in their shoes from time to time, but the repetitiveness got old. Not to mention the issues regarding maturity and professionalism in the workplace.

A social life outside of work is also a concern. The ESL profession in Korea consists of mostly young people. Now that I'm older my priorities have changed and will not likely be spending much, if any, time in clubs. I do like to be social and enjoy watching the "game"over beers or spending an afternoon/evening on the patio with friends over drinks. But is there really a worthwhile atmostphere for those of us who are a bit older, but still like to have a few pints, have some fun and engage in some interesting conversation over darts or pool?
Are there jobs out there that have teachers who are over 30 on staff. Perhaps only uni jobs?

Let's hear from the long-timers!

[northway]

Some of the pubs in Itaewon have what you're looking for (Sam Ryan's and Craftworks come to mind).

[english puppet]

The vast majority of ESL teachers here seem to be under 30 but I've met quite a few people in their 50's and a few into their 60's even who are teaching.

On the whole though I'd say it's not a great place socially for those past their 30's. Just my take on it and I'm sure others know exceptions. I think you start to see folks who are married to locals in their 30's so their concerns may be a bit different if they've got kids etc..

[Julius]

[english puppet]

[myenglishisno]

[Otherside]

[Squire]

There's always the option of getting out of the big cities to somewhere there are no western style clubs and sitting in bars is the only option on the weekend. I sometimes think life for ESL teachers is Seoul must be far different to what I know. Practically all of the stories of NETs fighting and going out clubbing every night seem to come out of Seoul

[english puppet]

[northway]

[fosterman]

Some of the responses here just goes to show how ESL in General really isn't a career. Age discrimination is a reality here.(not only age)
I have friends who are trying to come back to Korea, sending resumes to recruiters and schools to only hear "well , because of your age it wont be easy to place you" the guy is 38 and white.
imagine looking for work when you are 48. or how about 54?
good luck with that.


I still think Korea is a great place , fantastic actually,
work wise though, I think come here straight out of uni, travel around south east asia on vacations, do about 5 years here and head back home before you are 30 and settle into a career is the way to go. well IMO
of course this doesn't apply for those who are not career orientated.

I feel that's what I should of done. but still I make a decent living here.
but it's not career orientated or even secure for that matter.
I worry when I am 52 and hassling around looking for work or privates against FOB's half my age. sure it's possible, there are options.
but I guess like any career once you get into your 50's we are all hanging by a thread.
53 years old in the hakwon accepting pay for 2.3 as the FOBS are. and you are that old guy who has been here forever. and your pay doesn't increase due to seniority or experience.

I know in Korea it's fun to party here, date women, travel around Asia, and put off saving until later.. but really, you should be saving everything now, because IMO this job has a high burn out factor. 5-6 years in a hakwon can burn you out quickly with these kids, if you have been drinking and blowing your salary in kangnam every weekend, 5 years will go by and you have nothing. then you will be that guy over 30's still hassling
then you will be that guy in his 40's sitting at the bar in 3ally wondering what went wrong, "I was cool here 20 years ago".

you know the guy hahahahaha

yeah that guy

[sirius black]

Its definitely harder socially I would imagine for older teachers. Its a young folks game in terms of numbers. However, I've seen plenty of older folks. They find each other. There are all kinds of social events, clubs, etc. where older teachers can find people in their generation. You just have to look a bit. My guess is there are FB forums or groups. Most cities have a FB group. Make a post saying you're looking to hang out with similar aged teachers out there. Teachers your age will respond or people who know of older teachers who may intersted in hanging out.

At a few military base towns there are older officers, etc. as well.

Korea is gong to be a lonelier place than usual for a few demographics. Older teachers. Some women. Minorities. However, I've met folks from all those groups that have a great life here. Its about you and your attitude for a large percentage of that.

[Julius]

[edwardcatflap]

My Korean father-in-law is 63 and has been trying to retire from his management job for years now. They keep asking him to stay on.

[Weigookin74]