Korean Job Discussion Forums

[chaz47]

I've been back from holiday for about two months now and already little things are getting to me.

For example stuff like this from my (adult) students:
"Teacher, your life is so luxurious because you can make your own coffee at home. I can only have coffee stick at my work." As if that extra 200 to 300 won is going to break the bank for this guy.

Also, those that have to spend their entire (all too often single-day) weekends placating their 'seniors' on mandatory company happy fun time events.

Not too mention, all the stories I hear about parents telling their daughters and sons they are ugly, fat and need plastic surgery.

I've been here awhile and I genuinely like my students, school and coworkers but this whole "work harder and faster until you die, shut up and take it you drone" idea of life. Along with the escapism of cheap alcohol, tobacco and the general lack of decent etiquette this breeds is just getting to me.

Any constructive advice on escaping the vicarious stress and avoiding the passive-aggressive behavior of students and teachers (foreign and domestic)?

[IPayInCash]

Damn from your registration date it seems youve been here years. That long and if Im still as sensitive as the NOOBS I would have left years ago. How long have you been here?

[Squire]

The best way to relax is to sit back with with a book and a refreshing glass of 똥술, traditional Korean wine

Actually I don't know what it is, but the day I get back to Korea from a holiday I'm always in a foul mood when I step off the plane at Incheon- usually right up until I make it onto the bus to come back down here. It's strange because I always look forward to getting back. Maybe it's just the stress of traveling. I'm always in a great mood when I get back into the house and start unpacking

[chaz47]

I have been here fairly consistently since 2005. This year though (just started a new contract), I am making an effort to avoid alcohol and negativity in general. Usually a few tall beers a day after work puts me at ease but I think it might not be healthy in the long run so... yeah.

[le-paul]

If you were living at home, there would be things that grate on you from time to time (people having no imagination so watching tv as a hobby, gorging themselves until they are obese or whatever). You would probably remove yourself from that and put your time and energies into things that make you grow and develop as a human (its a personal thing - whatever floats your boat).

My advice is, do that here. Its no different.

[IPayInCash]

Assuming you're not married you're not considering trying a new country?

I've always told myself I'd leave if I got tired of this place. It's no paradise but where I'm from (the States) isn't much better. I have a great job here and I enjoy living in Seoul so the positive outweigh the things about Korea that piss me off. At the end of the day everywhere has its pros and cons.

[Rutherford]

Find a hobby and meet people through it. You'll find them more interesting than your average student or office-mate.

[elavndrc]

[andrewchon]

Sounds like you're in a big city like Seoul. Try working in a rural location, e.g. Wonju. Their concerns are probably just as mundane but at least different.

Note: I do not live in Wonju.

[wishfullthinkng]

[cabeza]

[Underwaterbob]

Get out of the cities. A day in Seoul makes me feel filthy outside and inside. Life in the boonies is much more laid back, though not without some of the crap you mention.

[Waygeek]

[I'm With You]

Home, I found, isn't any better. In fact, I think it's now worse for me. I couldn't wait to get the hell out and back to Asia again.

[Weigookin74]