Korean Job Discussion Forums

Threequalseven · Joined: 08 May 2012

When does a person decide to give up on what they studied in college and resign themselves to a life of ESL or a lowly job in retail, sales, or food service back home?

I went to university for urban planning. I wouldn't say it's one of those "throwaway" degrees like women's studies or philosophy, as there was much involvement in statistical research, economics, graphic design, and so on. Yet, planning jobs almost always seem to require a master's degree nowadays (i.e. another $30,000+ in debt) and are becoming more and more scarce as state and local governments in the U.S. are basically broke. Likewise, jobs in similar fields, like non-profits, are amazingly overcrowded with job seekers from all different backgrounds. They say graduates in my field start out making nearly $40,000 a year, but that seems to only reflect people who found jobs while the gettin' was good (particularly before the recession). This definitely doesn't seem to be the reality for recent grads.

So, when do you remain patient and stick to the plan, as bleak as it looks, and when do you resign yourself to a life as a car salesman or ESL teacher? (Of course, this isn't directed toward people who actually went to school for ESL, education, etc.)

Underwaterbob · Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Location: In Cognito

At precisely 32.67 years of age.

augustine · Joined: 08 Sep 2012 Location: México

Are you from Detroit or a crappy place? I'm sure there are markets where you could find a job related to that field. Don't think things are that bad in the US. I would not give up and rely on this little thing we're doing here, that probably won't end well. Go for an MA in something you like. And ditch the bleak sounding attitude, that can't help. Good luck.

IPayInCash · Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 9:56 pm Post subject:

edwardcatflap · Joined: 22 Mar 2009

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”

augustine · Joined: 08 Sep 2012 Location: México

IPayInCash · Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 10:09 pm Post subject:

augustine · Joined: 08 Sep 2012 Location: México

actionjackson · Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Location: Any place I'm at

IPayInCash · Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 10:51 pm Post subject:

augustine · Joined: 08 Sep 2012 Location: México

What a phoney troll liar. Again... put up or shut up, you don't know my situation and until you put up, as I told you before, this "job" you have is complete fiction and you remain a troll. And, if you're going to troll, troll away, but troll someone else.

No_hite_pls · Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 11:26 pm Post subject:

I remember when I was 26, I woke up from a horrible dream and realized that wasn't going to be pitching for the Boston Red Sox any time soon. It was really hard day.

IPayInCash · Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 11:35 pm Post subject:

augustine · Joined: 08 Sep 2012 Location: México

From broke goshiwon bum to.... Well, no one can know... But I'd end that sentence with confirmed liar and internet troll.

IPayInCash · Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 12:19 am Post subject:

As for the OP, its important to note that there IS opportunity for a good career in ESL if youre willing to work hard and work your way up. I can say I did exactly that. If youre going to come to Korea its important to continue to upgrade your skills so you can tap into that high earning potential, and not be one of those bitter expats thats been here years still working for peanuts and resorting to breaking the law for extra cash.