Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Rockhard]

Well, it's that time of year again. The beginning of a new school year. And with that we see many people leave and many new people arrive. This is for all those fresh faces who are coming to Korea for the first time. Perhaps, a few words of advice may assist you.

First, don't allow yourself to be swept up in a fairy tale of self-importance. You were flown over here, given an apartment, shown a desk, and are called "teacher". You've probably never been treated with so much respect in your life. You may even get the false impression that you are important. Much like Hansel and Gretel being fed goodies by the forest witch, you too should be weary of the kindness of strangers.

Second, don't try to live up to the impossible expectations of your new employer. You're not a teacher. Your employer is not really an expert in education. You are the blind leading the blind. So when your employer expects impossible things of you, remember that he or she really doesn't know what she's doing either. It's not your fault you aren't good at teaching. It's not your fault the business isn't recruiting students. It's not your fault their curriculum stinks. It's not your fault you don't know Korean law. You are just one piece, a pawn, in a game being played by businesses, schools, officials, politicians, and the public. The failure of Korea's education system is not your problem. If you fail, you aren't the first. So just relax.

Third, expect that you will be ripped-off at some point. It doesn't matter how nice your employer is. If there is an opening for them to deny you cash and leave you helpless, they will take it. If you make yourself a punching bag, you will get hammered. For the love of god don't send every penny you earn home. Your bank account is your security. The more cash you got in there the safer will be when the inevitable comes. You are risky your life if you don't have enough for a plane ticket.

Fourth, do not expect the government to help you. If your only plan is "the government will help me", you need a new plan.

Finally, dispel any notion of meritocratic thinking. You will not be promoted for working hard or doing a good job. You are hired for your looks, and fired for your personality. Intelligence and ability are just ignored or unrecognized.

Keep your guard up. Don't trust anyone. Don't get emotionally attached. Expect to get screwed. Expect discrimination. And you might just make it the whole year.

Your pal,
An old vet.

[I'm With You]

That was great!

I agree with everything you wrote. Well put.

[Savant]

[Stan Rogers]

[BackRow]

Lastly, don't stay too long unless you want to turn out as old and bitter as the op

[young_clinton]

[Threequalseven]

This would've been nice to read when I started! Back then, everyone on here was all like "your job sucks, it's your fault," "your anxious hagwon students won't finish their homework, you're a bad teacher," and "you should just go back and flip burgers." So if this is support, take it! One more thing I'd add for the newbies: Don't ask for any online advice, any directions, or any meaningful reflection about living in Korea unless you want to be the prime target of flame city.

[Rockhard]

[Steelrails]

Believe it or not, I sorta agree with the OP in the sense that what he says is at least possible. You should come here prepared for the worst and not have rudiculous expectations.

At the same time you can't externalize all blame. Sometimes its not your fault, but it can be. Your biss may be an idiot and wrong, but its his money. Say your piece and watch his ship sink.

You also CAN rise. Not all orgs. are the same. Network. This isnt a law firm so dont expect to make partner. But if you believe you dont make mistakes and your problems are because of everyone else around you, you will have problrms.

[Stan Rogers]

The timing of such a rant has me thinking the OP went into work and didn't get the classes and or the schedule he believed he was entitled to. He complained to his boss to no avail. So he then decided to get on the internet and blame every Korean in the country for his unhappiness.

[Smithington]

[rainman3277]

[Rockhard]

[Zyzyfer]

[dairyairy]

Many newbies won't listen to advice. They think they know it all because they saw the Simon and Martina video about the dog cafe. Go ahead and ignore all of the good advice. You do so at your own peril in Korea.