Korean Job Discussion Forums

[mushroomyakuza]

Hi guys

I find myself in a position where I've been offered a job with perhaps THE dream company in the EFL industry - at least, IMO. The problem is, it's in Seoul. Seoul may be a great place, but really isn't where I want to be. The job would be for a two year contract, which is a long time to commit to a place I'm not chomping at the bit for.

I've applied for a position through EPIK too, requesting Busan as my first location choice. The problem is I haven't had my interview for EPIK yet, and while I'm fairly confident I would get a job, there is no guarantee it would be in Busan. However, I've been told by my recruiter that I have good odds and that I'm "ahead of the pack".

So the choice boils down to a firm offer with an excellent company doing a tough but well-regarded job, or holding on for a job that may or may not be in my ideal location that while well-respected, doesn't carry the same weight as the one I have been offered.

I have to let the employer know if I accept or not very soon. Here's my question: would you go with your heart, or your head? Do you take career progression in a place you may like but isn't really where you want to be, or do you roll the hard six, pass up this opportunity and hope that you get what you want down the line? This is my predicament.

I'm just looking to hear what you would do.

Thanks.

[tardisrider]

My instinct says take the job in Seoul, but that might depend on your reasons for wanting to be a different location.

[mushroomyakuza]

My research and what people I know who have been to Busan tells me that I would enjoy being there a lot more and that it would suit me better.

[Otherside]

Do a search on this board regarding public school complaints. That could very well be you. Some public schools are great, others are terrible, and most are in the middle. Which school you get is a total crap shoot. A bad public school can be soul destroying, so is working in Busan worth that much to you?

Only you can really answer that.

[edwardcatflap]

It's a no brainer. Take the better job. IMHO your work place is the most important factor for having a reasonable time here. There's not a lot of difference between Seoul and Busan anyway except the jam packed beaches you can sit on, if you can find a space, during the summer months. Assuming your new dream job will have lots of holidays, you'll want to be in Seoul to get more convenient flights out to nicer places.

[Zyzyfer]

Pretty much agree with edwardcatflap. Yeah the city of Busan has a bit of a different cultural vibe than Seoul, and although I haven't spent a considerable amount of time there, I'd imagine things are more laid back. But it's still Korea at the end of the day.

If you must do Busan for whatever reason then do that. But if it's just a case of hearing Seoul sucks and Busan rocks, I would recommend the Seoul job.

[Who's Your Daddy?]

Go with the job. Not all of Busan is nice, and not all of Seoul is bad. Mom-Fri you probably won't do much that would matter the location.

[Dodge7]

What is this "dream job" you speak of? Is it a hagwon? lol

[Keeper]

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

[transmogrifier]

Take the job. No question.

[mushroomyakuza]

Appreciate the advice, all. It was a tough call, but I decided to take the job. The "dream job"is not a hagwon, no. But I'd rather not say who it is with. Let's just say you've heard of them.

[NYC_Gal 2.0]

After this job, you'll have your pick of jobs in Busan. Congratulations on the job at Samsung.

[Slaps]

Sounds like the British Council...

[Moondoggy]

[s.tickbeat]

It's a two or three-hour train ride of difference. Go for the good job in Seoul.