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Gorf
Joined: 25 Jun 2011
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 Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 8:26 pm Post subject: |
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| You say you work at an after school, but do you actually work at a hagwon? In my opinion, anyone who works at a hagwon for more than a year is doomed for failure, more than 1 year of that stress and nonsense is too much. I work at a real after school program in a public school. 4 hours a day, with a coteacher who keeps the kids in line. Most of them are sweet as pie to me and learn as well, due to having a Korean in the room who can yell at them/call their parents. Look into real after school programs. |
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bluethree
Joined: 20 May 2009
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 8:47 pm Post subject: |
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| Depending on the afterschool program you may face a lot of the same problems though. I work low hours but still have had to deal with unsupportive/hostile Korean coworkers, and the same contract breaking nonsense and pressures to keep up enrollment at all costs. If it weren't for the lower hours I would've bailed from mine. |
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JustinC
Joined: 10 Mar 2012
Location: We Are The World!
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| Posted: Wed Jul 04, 2012 9:11 pm Post subject: |
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Dodge, you have a baby on the way; that's what's stressing you out.
The kids are the same, your workplace is the same, your job is the same.
You have a baby on the way. Blood pressure can spike in times of stress, but go back to normal after the stress passes. Tablets can keep it low while you're experiencing the stress, even if you get stressed about worrying about being stressed.
Can you talk to your work and see if they can help? Also look into breathing exercises - definitely the most bang for your buck in reducing blood pressure.
Maybe look at some stretching exercises and/or yoga you can do in between classes (you can actually do some during classes and your students won't even notice).
I'm sure it's just a short-term symptom of short-term stress, it just needs to be dealt with so you're feeling better. I am not a Dr, obviously. |
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madoka
Joined: 27 Mar 2008
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| Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 11:15 am Post subject: |
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| wishfullthinkng wrote: |
| ugh. the term "apologist" is so stupid it's overwhelming. the people who use it look just as ridiculous when they do use it. |
In the world of Dave's ESL Cafe, if you aren't foaming at the mouth with hatred towards all things Korean, then you're an apologist.
If you appreciate some aspect of Korean culture, then you're an apologist.
If you point out the racism and unreasonableness of haters, then you're automatically an apologist and necessarily of Korean ancestry.
It's how the simpletons of this site think. |
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northway
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
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| Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 11:25 am Post subject: |
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| wishfullthinkng wrote: |
| northway wrote: |
| wishfullthinkng wrote: |
stress is an absolute killer. it causes a myriad of undesirable conditions. fortunately, stress is also mental and can be overcome by changing how you think. it really is that easy if you have the mind to make it that easy. you could do it in a few minutes.
i've noticed you come on the boards and rant about korea a lot, many times without much cognition behind what you are typing. instead of getting upset by where you choose to live and your situation that you are in whether you like it or not, just it just come to peace with it. korea is not like what you are used to as you already know and believe it or not, just like any other place, there is a rhyme to the reason to everything here whether it makes sense to you or not.
just sit back, take a deep breath, realize that stress will ravage your body and it's not worth it, and that it's all up to you and within your power to not be stressed.
and ultimately, have a great day!  |
Good advice, though I'm pretty sure even the most ardent apologist has his wtf Korea days. |
ugh. the term "apologist" is so stupid it's overwhelming. the people who use it look just as ridiculous when they do use it. and i hope you weren't referring to me because i'm hardly an apologist. i have my beef with korea too, i just don't rant about it on the internet because it's pointless and i prefer to as i typed above, change my outlook and try to understand whatever situation i'm in instead of basing it off of what i'm used to. |
I wasn't referring to you in the least, but really, the term isn't stupid. Again, not directed at you, but defending the tiniest perceived slight to the death is just as obnoxious as clogging up the board with paranoid rants about how every Korean stares at you in the street. The former: the apologists. The latter: the haters. I'd offer more nuance in their classification, save for the fact that they don't really provide room for any. That said, the latter are definitely more numerous (and louder) than the former, but that isn't to say that the former don't exist. |
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skeeterses
Joined: 25 Oct 2007
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| Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 12:13 pm Post subject: |
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Dodge7, I don't know if this advice will work or not, but here's something to try.
As part of your yoga routine, bike ride, or mountain hike, just think of all the millions of unemployed young men back in America who are either living in their parents basements or standing in souplines and competing with illegal immigrants for day labor work, and then contrast that with a man who has it made with a steady job and a beautiful wife. At the end of the day, just remember that teaching is just another job. If you have to take drugs or drink alcohol to deal with the stress at the end of the day, then that's just what you have to do to make it in this tough world. |
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youtuber
Joined: 13 Sep 2009
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| Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 4:14 pm Post subject: |
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Change your job mate.
My teaching jobs in Korea had very little stress and the kids were very well behaved (and one of them was a hagwon). There are definitely less stressful teaching jobs to be had.
PM for more details if you want. |
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slothrop
Joined: 03 Feb 2003
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| Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2012 9:20 pm Post subject: |
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edit
Last edited by slothrop on Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:00 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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earthquakez
Joined: 10 Nov 2010
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| Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 7:35 am Post subject: |
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| pegasus64128 wrote: |
| Dodge7 wrote: |
| No_hite_pls wrote: |
Welcome to life as a working person. You could change jobs but honestly most jobs are stressful. My father's certainly was. Why do you think men live 8 years less than women? The answer is work stress, You need to find more effective ways of dealing with stress; go hiking, lift weights, go for good run.
The other problem us expats have to deal with is cultural differences stress. We are always on show and judged. This is extremley stressful. This is one reason I want to leave the expat lifestyle someday. |
You're absolutely right about the cultural stress. I told my wife exactly what you said before about "put on show" every time I step out my door. It's like a stage with a spotlight on me at all times. All attention and stares on me. Just gets annoying sometimes and times that by 10 if I'm out with my wife. |
That's because you don't matter. People over here know damn well that there's a powerful elite in the West - bankers and big business in it with the military. Most of the people here have the little green man / victim complex about that, and target their rage at you out of jealousy even though you're not a powerful member of any club and probably are less powerful than them. They just need someone to vent at, and it's you - actually they target your wife out of cowardice, and because they are lower than low. It's the ultimate cheap shot but it's acceptable here. Just remind yourself why they do it - because they're Losers. |
Ah, come on! Yes, the staring, arrogance and attempts at outmuscling/line and path cutting of a percentage of Koreans we meet everyday can be stressful and frustrating especially as we are the ones who have to exercise self control and not bite at it. In the case of the over 50s it can be especially galling.
But that's just what it is - a percentage. Some of the older generation look unfriendly and arrogant but if you attempt to speak to them you'll be surprised to see the stares replaced by friendliness. And you don't take the annoying ajummas seriously - they're out for a laugh with their friends like schoolgirls sometimes and they're not malicious.
Koreans also tend to do some of these things to other Koreans. I'd much rather have some of that behaviour cited above then be in my native London facing groups of swearing, drunk teenagers who are bullies when they have safety in numbers - I can handle them but would rather not engage in any communication with them. But it's the ones with hidden knives that are the big problem. Too many of the younger generations are 'up for it' in the UK - up to no good, behaving with a complete lack of consideration, respect and lawful attitudes.
To the OP - you have my sympathy but why one earth are you teaching children when you have a visa that gives you the entree to the jobs I'd love to do but can't such as editing etc? You need to have some ambition in Korea. Your visa gives you the freedom to do more, what is stopping you? |
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thunderbird
Joined: 18 Aug 2009
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| Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 8:09 pm Post subject: |
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| just get another job, there r easier jobs out there |
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Dodge7
Joined: 21 Oct 2011
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| Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2012 9:49 pm Post subject: |
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You guys piqued my interest about free lance writing and editing as an alternative job to teaching. Can anyone point me in the right direction, or if you have any contacts please PM me. Thanks.  |
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sml7285
Joined: 26 Apr 2012
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| Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2012 1:00 am Post subject: Re: I have Hypertension Now--Stress at the Workplace |
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| Dodge7 wrote: |
I work at an after school and for those that do can understand those kids turn a deaf ear to you a lot of times despite you yelling at them to sit down, pay attention, do your work, etc. It stresses me out and on the other hand I could just say, "well I get paid either way if they learn or not," but that's not me--I have to be accountable to the parents I see everyday picking up their kids and ensuring them I'm doing all that I can to teach their kids, and I also have to be accountable to myself and my conscience.
I have become inaudible and invisible most times throughout to many classes and my stress has gone though the roof. It probably doesn't help that I've been teaching the same kids for 2 1/2 years. Maybe I need a change of scenery.
Anyway, I recently had a bad headache (only on one side of my head) in the middle of class this week, with pain and pressure behind my right eye and felt dizzy, sweaty and confused. I thought I was having a freaking stroke right there in the middle of class. I had to walk to the bathroom and splash water on my face. It was kind of scary.
It is absolutely due to stress I believe. I feel depressed because I hate my job but I'm stuck here because my wife has a great job here and I have a baby on the way. I'm 31 year old.
Anyway, I told my wife about it and she insisted I stop with her at the doctor's after work. So I did.
My blood pressure was 150/90 at the doctor's office. It's never been that high, I was always 120's/70's back home. I do weigh 100 kilos though, but I'm tall. I wouldn't say that I'm fat, but could lose 10 kg or so.
Anyway, this kind of freaked me out and the doc put me on some blood pressure pills to get it down. And all the while I'm thinking, "are these kids and occupation even worth all this--my health for God's sake?" It's just gotten to the point each day after the first 2 classes I feel the headache creeping at the door waiting to come out unless I pull back the exertion on my body and voice.
Anyway, keep alert on your blood pressure, we don't need anyone blowing an artery and having a stroke over this profession. One of the most stressful professions (if you take your job seriously and want to make a difference) out there. There's just something about the way kids ignore me even though I'm right in their face that sends my blood pressure through the roof. Sometime I feel why should I even bother and just give them hidden pictures worksheets to do all day. |
You weigh in the neighborhood of 230 lbs - unless you're in the neighborhood of around 6'6", this is pretty high. You're also not in your 20's anymore. Stress may contribute a bit, but I've always found that excuse to be a red herring. Lose 30-40 lbs and I guarantee you'll be back down to the 120-130 blood pressure range. |
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12ax7
Joined: 07 Nov 2009
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| Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2012 1:45 am Post subject: Re: I have Hypertension Now--Stress at the Workplace |
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| sml7285 wrote: |
| Dodge7 wrote: |
I work at an after school and for those that do can understand those kids turn a deaf ear to you a lot of times despite you yelling at them to sit down, pay attention, do your work, etc. It stresses me out and on the other hand I could just say, "well I get paid either way if they learn or not," but that's not me--I have to be accountable to the parents I see everyday picking up their kids and ensuring them I'm doing all that I can to teach their kids, and I also have to be accountable to myself and my conscience.
I have become inaudible and invisible most times throughout to many classes and my stress has gone though the roof. It probably doesn't help that I've been teaching the same kids for 2 1/2 years. Maybe I need a change of scenery.
Anyway, I recently had a bad headache (only on one side of my head) in the middle of class this week, with pain and pressure behind my right eye and felt dizzy, sweaty and confused. I thought I was having a freaking stroke right there in the middle of class. I had to walk to the bathroom and splash water on my face. It was kind of scary.
It is absolutely due to stress I believe. I feel depressed because I hate my job but I'm stuck here because my wife has a great job here and I have a baby on the way. I'm 31 year old.
Anyway, I told my wife about it and she insisted I stop with her at the doctor's after work. So I did.
My blood pressure was 150/90 at the doctor's office. It's never been that high, I was always 120's/70's back home. I do weigh 100 kilos though, but I'm tall. I wouldn't say that I'm fat, but could lose 10 kg or so.
Anyway, this kind of freaked me out and the doc put me on some blood pressure pills to get it down. And all the while I'm thinking, "are these kids and occupation even worth all this--my health for God's sake?" It's just gotten to the point each day after the first 2 classes I feel the headache creeping at the door waiting to come out unless I pull back the exertion on my body and voice.
Anyway, keep alert on your blood pressure, we don't need anyone blowing an artery and having a stroke over this profession. One of the most stressful professions (if you take your job seriously and want to make a difference) out there. There's just something about the way kids ignore me even though I'm right in their face that sends my blood pressure through the roof. Sometime I feel why should I even bother and just give them hidden pictures worksheets to do all day. |
You weigh in the neighborhood of 230 lbs - unless you're in the neighborhood of around 6'6", this is pretty high. You're also not in your 20's anymore. Stress may contribute a bit, but I've always found that excuse to be a red herring. Lose 30-40 lbs and I guarantee you'll be back down to the 120-130 blood pressure range. |
Yes, don't blame the kids for your stress, blame the decisions you make which affect your health. |
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Dodge7
Joined: 21 Oct 2011
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| Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2012 3:30 am Post subject: Re: I have Hypertension Now--Stress at the Workplace |
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| 12ax7 wrote: |
| sml7285 wrote: |
| Dodge7 wrote: |
I work at an after school and for those that do can understand those kids turn a deaf ear to you a lot of times despite you yelling at them to sit down, pay attention, do your work, etc. It stresses me out and on the other hand I could just say, "well I get paid either way if they learn or not," but that's not me--I have to be accountable to the parents I see everyday picking up their kids and ensuring them I'm doing all that I can to teach their kids, and I also have to be accountable to myself and my conscience.
I have become inaudible and invisible most times throughout to many classes and my stress has gone though the roof. It probably doesn't help that I've been teaching the same kids for 2 1/2 years. Maybe I need a change of scenery.
Anyway, I recently had a bad headache (only on one side of my head) in the middle of class this week, with pain and pressure behind my right eye and felt dizzy, sweaty and confused. I thought I was having a freaking stroke right there in the middle of class. I had to walk to the bathroom and splash water on my face. It was kind of scary.
It is absolutely due to stress I believe. I feel depressed because I hate my job but I'm stuck here because my wife has a great job here and I have a baby on the way. I'm 31 year old.
Anyway, I told my wife about it and she insisted I stop with her at the doctor's after work. So I did.
My blood pressure was 150/90 at the doctor's office. It's never been that high, I was always 120's/70's back home. I do weigh 100 kilos though, but I'm tall. I wouldn't say that I'm fat, but could lose 10 kg or so.
Anyway, this kind of freaked me out and the doc put me on some blood pressure pills to get it down. And all the while I'm thinking, "are these kids and occupation even worth all this--my health for God's sake?" It's just gotten to the point each day after the first 2 classes I feel the headache creeping at the door waiting to come out unless I pull back the exertion on my body and voice.
Anyway, keep alert on your blood pressure, we don't need anyone blowing an artery and having a stroke over this profession. One of the most stressful professions (if you take your job seriously and want to make a difference) out there. There's just something about the way kids ignore me even though I'm right in their face that sends my blood pressure through the roof. Sometime I feel why should I even bother and just give them hidden pictures worksheets to do all day. |
You weigh in the neighborhood of 230 lbs - unless you're in the neighborhood of around 6'6", this is pretty high. You're also not in your 20's anymore. Stress may contribute a bit, but I've always found that excuse to be a red herring. Lose 30-40 lbs and I guarantee you'll be back down to the 120-130 blood pressure range. |
Yes, don't blame the kids for your stress, blame the decisions you make which affect your health. |
Thanks, I'll just accept the fact that I'm few pounds overweight and that's the ONLY reason my blood pressure is high, 12ax7. I'll just also neglect the fact that I was 120/80 back home 2 years ago at the same weight. Didn't know the day your turn 30 you add 30 points to your blood pressure. WOW!
You're clueless if you think stress has nothing to do with blood pressure. And everyone and their bodies relate to stress in different ways.
That's very ignorant to suggest it's all about my weight and has nothing to do with the stress of my job and the daily annoyances of living in Korea and its affect it has on my stress and subsequent (on and off) depression.
Yes, I should learn better ways to deal with that stress, that I know, but to suggest it's all because of my weight is flat out wrong.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5132210.stm |
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sml7285
Joined: 26 Apr 2012
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| Posted: Sat Jul 07, 2012 3:54 am Post subject: Re: I have Hypertension Now--Stress at the Workplace |
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| Dodge7 wrote: |
| 12ax7 wrote: |
| sml7285 wrote: |
| Dodge7 wrote: |
I work at an after school and for those that do can understand those kids turn a deaf ear to you a lot of times despite you yelling at them to sit down, pay attention, do your work, etc. It stresses me out and on the other hand I could just say, "well I get paid either way if they learn or not," but that's not me--I have to be accountable to the parents I see everyday picking up their kids and ensuring them I'm doing all that I can to teach their kids, and I also have to be accountable to myself and my conscience.
I have become inaudible and invisible most times throughout to many classes and my stress has gone though the roof. It probably doesn't help that I've been teaching the same kids for 2 1/2 years. Maybe I need a change of scenery.
Anyway, I recently had a bad headache (only on one side of my head) in the middle of class this week, with pain and pressure behind my right eye and felt dizzy, sweaty and confused. I thought I was having a freaking stroke right there in the middle of class. I had to walk to the bathroom and splash water on my face. It was kind of scary.
It is absolutely due to stress I believe. I feel depressed because I hate my job but I'm stuck here because my wife has a great job here and I have a baby on the way. I'm 31 year old.
Anyway, I told my wife about it and she insisted I stop with her at the doctor's after work. So I did.
My blood pressure was 150/90 at the doctor's office. It's never been that high, I was always 120's/70's back home. I do weigh 100 kilos though, but I'm tall. I wouldn't say that I'm fat, but could lose 10 kg or so.
Anyway, this kind of freaked me out and the doc put me on some blood pressure pills to get it down. And all the while I'm thinking, "are these kids and occupation even worth all this--my health for God's sake?" It's just gotten to the point each day after the first 2 classes I feel the headache creeping at the door waiting to come out unless I pull back the exertion on my body and voice.
Anyway, keep alert on your blood pressure, we don't need anyone blowing an artery and having a stroke over this profession. One of the most stressful professions (if you take your job seriously and want to make a difference) out there. There's just something about the way kids ignore me even though I'm right in their face that sends my blood pressure through the roof. Sometime I feel why should I even bother and just give them hidden pictures worksheets to do all day. |
You weigh in the neighborhood of 230 lbs - unless you're in the neighborhood of around 6'6", this is pretty high. You're also not in your 20's anymore. Stress may contribute a bit, but I've always found that excuse to be a red herring. Lose 30-40 lbs and I guarantee you'll be back down to the 120-130 blood pressure range. |
Yes, don't blame the kids for your stress, blame the decisions you make which affect your health. |
Thanks, I'll just accept the fact that I'm few pounds overweight and that's the ONLY reason my blood pressure is high, 12ax7. I'll just also neglect the fact that I was 120/80 back home 2 years ago at the same weight. Didn't know the day your turn 30 you add 30 points to your blood pressure. WOW!
You're clueless if you think stress has nothing to do with blood pressure. And everyone and their bodies relate to stress in different ways.
That's very ignorant to suggest it's all about my weight and has nothing to do with the stress of my job and the daily annoyances of living in Korea and its affect it has on my stress and subsequent (on and off) depression.
Yes, I should learn better ways to deal with that stress, that I know, but to suggest it's all because of my weight is flat out wrong.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/5132210.stm |
Stress has not been shown to raise blood pressure in the long term. If your blood pressure is high, I'm willing to bet that your cholesterol levels are also higher than normal.
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HighBloodPressure/PreventionTreatmentofHighBloodPressure/Stress-and-Blood-Pressure_UCM_301883_Article.jsp
Source: American Heart Association
Do you smoke or drink regularly? Do you exercise? |
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