|
Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
gmlkoreanna
Joined: 23 Oct 2006
|
 Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2014 4:01 pm Post subject: |
 |
|
At Yaya. I concur! But you know, moving back home is not that bad, once you get used to the thought that all beer is at the LCBO LOL! The cost of living in Korea, for sure is on the rise and will continue to do so. Also, the medical insurance is going up and well, the "Korean rumor mill" says that it's going to get some readjustments here and there. Thank the USA for that one.
Pretty much everything in Korea is temporary. Their cars, fashion, fusion foods, taste in music and the list goes on.. When we came back, I was like damn, was that a 1977 Monte Carlo that just passed by LOL! Korea, likes new, new, new and newer. Even parts of cities and villages are demolished to bring in the new. Nothing wrong with new, but geezus I was just getting used to the view.
The good old days, IMO: Back in the early 90's working at a Univ. got you, 1.8 million per month, you got your housing, had plenty of time for privates, thanks to your more than gracious schedule. When you were out, I think back in those days, there was KFC, Hardees and some times a Macdonalds. People would come up to you and ask if you could tutor, they would pass your name along. You'd get so many calls, you had to turn down half of them. AND the mothers didn't complain much, if at all. The people were alot nicer (the ajumas now, those demanding mothers you have to deal with, were the ones we be teaching back in the day! Now they're all grown up and know how they want to direct their childs lessons. LOL)
I think the hub of Asia is Hong Kong, not Korea. Hong Kong has a much more stronger financial market amongst other things.
You hit the nail on the head, when you stated to do something, before something happens to you!
We still have a place in Korea. But my thinking is: you still have to have money to pay the taxes, the monthly home owners dues, "kwanri bi", internet, cable, mobile, food, gas, car insurance, leisure things, clothing, kids, and the list goes on.
I decided to move back after thinking when you get to an age that you no longer are "accepted" to work in Korea, then what? sure you could live off your savings and investments for a while maybe cash in on the small pension from that school you stuck with for 3 years.
Personally, for myself and my family that is not the route I wanted to take. Nor did it sound sane LOL! And then you don't want to find yourself in a situation where you are too "old" to come back home, brush up on your skills and get back into the market again. I believe North America, does hold age discrimination as well, not to the extent that the Koreans do, but in some places it is very alive and well here.
It hasn't been a farewell Korea, I'm glad I left. I lived in Korea for many years and it's a second home. It's just too bad that there is not much one can do "long term" with benefits, retirement, and all the other bells and whistles. However, for anyone thinking or debating on returning to your home, where ever it may be.. Good news, it's not too late! Just brush up on your skills, and get yourself back into the market. It's the same when you first arrived in Korea, you had to learn to like it and live it. You will have to re-learn some things at home again, too. As long as you stay optimistic and open to re-adjusting yourself and perhaps other things in your life. I think you will be just fine. Sunday, afternoon while washing the car outside, I heard a flock of seagulls heading back over to Lake Ontario. Hopefully, we get a nice spring! Cheers to all! |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
No_hite_pls
Joined: 05 Mar 2007
Location: Don't hate me because I'm right
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2014 4:11 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| nate1983 wrote: |
| Metsuna wrote: |
I feel like I should do something on the side this year in addition to teaching to increase my chances of being hired back in Canada. Maybe start learning programming or something else related to IT.
|
That could certainly be a very wise investment. Coding and general web design skills are in huge demand. Maybe you can create your own profitable online business...that's something I'm trying on the side while I have a demanding job now, and wish I had been so inspired back in Korea. |
Really? I have heard that those jobs are routinely outsourced to India.
Last edited by No_hite_pls on Mon Mar 10, 2014 4:26 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
No_hite_pls
Joined: 05 Mar 2007
Location: Don't hate me because I'm right
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2014 4:19 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| gmlkoreanna wrote: |
| Our insurance through RBC, only requested to see that our drivers license never expired from original date of issue. But that's a good point, couldn't hurt to make sure you get yourself on a family members active policy. Insurance companies in Ontario, only recognize auto insurance from anywhere in Canada or the USA. My 15 years of auto insurance from Korea, did not count. However, if you are from B.C. they will take your insurance history from Korea. Cheers! |
Thanks, good advice.... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
nate1983
Joined: 30 Mar 2008
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2014 5:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| No_hite_pls wrote: |
| nate1983 wrote: |
| Metsuna wrote: |
I feel like I should do something on the side this year in addition to teaching to increase my chances of being hired back in Canada. Maybe start learning programming or something else related to IT.
|
That could certainly be a very wise investment. Coding and general web design skills are in huge demand. Maybe you can create your own profitable online business...that's something I'm trying on the side while I have a demanding job now, and wish I had been so inspired back in Korea. |
Really? I have heard that those jobs are routinely outsourced to India. |
I live in the Bay Area, and if you are a half-decent programmer you shouldn't have any trouble finding a well-paying job.
I outsource data entry to India since it's so much cheaper, but for premium skills there is a huge demand. Tons of freelance app developers/programmers/web designers in their 20s and 30s here who charge $100 or more per hour and they keep very busy. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Weigookin74
Joined: 26 Oct 2009
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2014 8:24 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| gmlkoreanna wrote: |
Yes, I would say that the first year is outrageously expensive for car insurance. keep in mind, Ontario's insurance is privatized, like the 407 LOL! So there are lot's of brokers here. Try to avoid them at all costs! I've banked with RBC for years too, so it may get you a better deal on a packaged insurance. Keep in mind if you get your property insurance, car insurance, and life insurance to include your banking, all "packaged" you are looking at better rates all the way around. Also, beware that if you live in areas such as Brampton, Scarborough and some parts of Mississauga, the rates are ridiculously high, due to insurance fraud. The rent is not that much cheaper in those areas once you add on your insurance and property insurance costs. I have a clean driving record here in Canada and as well in Korea, over 20 years driving experience and I was quoted some astronomical fees, because while living in Korea, the car insurance I had there, did count here (the insurance company will only look at your last 5 years. So as another posted suggested: It may be a good idea to have your name stay on a family members policy. I then I was able to get a better rate once I provided my driving abstract and proof that my license had never went expired. Still yet, some places were giving me prices that were well above 3,000 per year. So shop around.
If I may give some tips, on my experience and journey back.. Here they are.. If you have your heart set on a "brand new" car, there are many places you can get a used "2013" or "2014" with low Km and in mint condition. I suggest this route, because when the insurance companies ask you, did you buy it new or used, and when you tell them it's a brand new car, you will take a higher hit in regards to your insurance rates, and they do ask for the VIN number for verification. Plus as you all know, when buying a brand new car, it depreciates big time, once you drive it off the lot. If you consider buying a used/newer car, someone else has already paid that depreciation. Therefore, I was happy to get a a rate of 140.00 per month through RBC.
If you can come back with a job offer, that is a big plus as a lot of these apartment properties and or condo's townhouses are going to ask for a letter or employment. If you are returning without having a job lined up yet, and are not keen on staying with family or friends, I would suggest (this is for single and married persons) if possible: coming alone, renting a room or a bachelors something that is not going to eat up a lot of your money, because you still have to pay out living costs such as eating, laundry, transportation and any other expenses. So if your spouse can come later once you get set up, it may be better financially. Even better if your spouse is still working while waiting to get over here. At least, you can get some stress off your shoulders knowing that there is one pay check coming in.
It's also a huge plus to know what field you want to go back to once you get here, so you can stay focused on that and tailor your cv for that specific field. It's competitive and the employers are really "finicky" in regards to the "right cv".
***This is very important for those who are bringing a spouse who is not from Canada*** If your spouse is foreign and new to Canada, I would suggest checking out some of the local colleges like Humber, George Brown, Seneca. Many of these colleges, offer a 2nd career program to foreign landed immigrants. Remember to have his or her transcripts assessed before leaving Korea, otherwise Ontario is going to charge you 240.00 CAD to do so.
You may or may not remember that Canada is BIG on "Canadian experience", (you can google Canadian experience if you are not familiar with this ever so demanding ridiculous requirement). This may be a good way to help your spouse transition into the Canada's society. It will save you and your spouse lot's of frustration, plus help your spouse to feel more positive with the whole transition.
Most companies here, want to see a red seal! Doesn't matter if you have a PHD somewhere else! They don't quite care how much experience you have working for so and so in whatever country! They want to see a red seal! Otherwise, alot of places are going to suggest volunteer work to get that Canadian Experience. I don't mind the idea of volunteering for a few hours a week, but when they are asking you to go out and volunteer, they mean so like for 6-9 months, full 6-8 hour days, working for free! And it's not like when you volunteer in Korea. At least, in Korea, they are kind enough to give you lunch and some light snacks along with subway fare. Here, volunteering means working for free full 6-8 hour days under supervision you must pay for or bring your own lunch, pay for parking and or pay to use the go train or the bus.
You will find that the 2nd career programs offered, do offer financial assistance. Plus, it can help your spouse from feeling helpless and help with culture shock and missing home. It's already going to be a big shock being in this "wide open space" and if you are out at the job all day, and your spouse doesn't feel she has anything to do or there is nothing for him or her here, it could be stressful, for the both of you! In a positive light, it will be a good way for your spouse to learn new things and become independent and learning to manage things while you can't be there due to your own work schedule. It would be nice if people "wouldn't mind sharing" their thoughts or experiences on transitioning back it could help others and their families to have a smooth and happy transition back home.
Korea, was a great experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. But the gravy train is almost dried up there. Anything outside of teaching English is "next to impossible it seemed". It's almost like you've got to make your quick buck, then kiss it goodbye LOL. Yes, open a coffee shop, or another business, sooner rather than later, another bloke will open one up 3 meters away from yours. Then another and another until they start dying off one by one. You lose your investment. Interior costs selling equipment off under value and whatever else. Seen it happen alot. Plus things like retirement, your 401K, medical.. It all becomes a factor as you start thinking about your golden years. It's unavoidable. But if Korea, works for you, and you are destined to be there. Then more power to you and all the best! Cheers to all! Would like to hear some more suggestions/experiences on a positive transition  |
Good insight. This old maritime boy would have to move to a big Canadian city where the jobs are and that have a low unemployment rate. Prob be out west somewhere if I ever do. Apartments will only rent with proof of employment? Do they do credit checks now too? I know they were doing them in the States. Just wondering if that idea came to Canada. Also, if you pay some months rent up front without a job, I wonder if they would rent to you. (IE. Having cash saved up from Korea as a cushion.) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Mr. Pink
Joined: 21 Oct 2003
Location: China
|
| Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2014 10:19 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Weigookin74 wrote: |
| gmlkoreanna wrote: |
Yes, I would say that the first year is outrageously expensive for car insurance. keep in mind, Ontario's insurance is privatized, like the 407 LOL! So there are lot's of brokers here. Try to avoid them at all costs! I've banked with RBC for years too, so it may get you a better deal on a packaged insurance. Keep in mind if you get your property insurance, car insurance, and life insurance to include your banking, all "packaged" you are looking at better rates all the way around. Also, beware that if you live in areas such as Brampton, Scarborough and some parts of Mississauga, the rates are ridiculously high, due to insurance fraud. The rent is not that much cheaper in those areas once you add on your insurance and property insurance costs. I have a clean driving record here in Canada and as well in Korea, over 20 years driving experience and I was quoted some astronomical fees, because while living in Korea, the car insurance I had there, did count here (the insurance company will only look at your last 5 years. So as another posted suggested: It may be a good idea to have your name stay on a family members policy. I then I was able to get a better rate once I provided my driving abstract and proof that my license had never went expired. Still yet, some places were giving me prices that were well above 3,000 per year. So shop around.
If I may give some tips, on my experience and journey back.. Here they are.. If you have your heart set on a "brand new" car, there are many places you can get a used "2013" or "2014" with low Km and in mint condition. I suggest this route, because when the insurance companies ask you, did you buy it new or used, and when you tell them it's a brand new car, you will take a higher hit in regards to your insurance rates, and they do ask for the VIN number for verification. Plus as you all know, when buying a brand new car, it depreciates big time, once you drive it off the lot. If you consider buying a used/newer car, someone else has already paid that depreciation. Therefore, I was happy to get a a rate of 140.00 per month through RBC.
If you can come back with a job offer, that is a big plus as a lot of these apartment properties and or condo's townhouses are going to ask for a letter or employment. If you are returning without having a job lined up yet, and are not keen on staying with family or friends, I would suggest (this is for single and married persons) if possible: coming alone, renting a room or a bachelors something that is not going to eat up a lot of your money, because you still have to pay out living costs such as eating, laundry, transportation and any other expenses. So if your spouse can come later once you get set up, it may be better financially. Even better if your spouse is still working while waiting to get over here. At least, you can get some stress off your shoulders knowing that there is one pay check coming in.
It's also a huge plus to know what field you want to go back to once you get here, so you can stay focused on that and tailor your cv for that specific field. It's competitive and the employers are really "finicky" in regards to the "right cv".
***This is very important for those who are bringing a spouse who is not from Canada*** If your spouse is foreign and new to Canada, I would suggest checking out some of the local colleges like Humber, George Brown, Seneca. Many of these colleges, offer a 2nd career program to foreign landed immigrants. Remember to have his or her transcripts assessed before leaving Korea, otherwise Ontario is going to charge you 240.00 CAD to do so.
You may or may not remember that Canada is BIG on "Canadian experience", (you can google Canadian experience if you are not familiar with this ever so demanding ridiculous requirement). This may be a good way to help your spouse transition into the Canada's society. It will save you and your spouse lot's of frustration, plus help your spouse to feel more positive with the whole transition.
Most companies here, want to see a red seal! Doesn't matter if you have a PHD somewhere else! They don't quite care how much experience you have working for so and so in whatever country! They want to see a red seal! Otherwise, alot of places are going to suggest volunteer work to get that Canadian Experience. I don't mind the idea of volunteering for a few hours a week, but when they are asking you to go out and volunteer, they mean so like for 6-9 months, full 6-8 hour days, working for free! And it's not like when you volunteer in Korea. At least, in Korea, they are kind enough to give you lunch and some light snacks along with subway fare. Here, volunteering means working for free full 6-8 hour days under supervision you must pay for or bring your own lunch, pay for parking and or pay to use the go train or the bus.
You will find that the 2nd career programs offered, do offer financial assistance. Plus, it can help your spouse from feeling helpless and help with culture shock and missing home. It's already going to be a big shock being in this "wide open space" and if you are out at the job all day, and your spouse doesn't feel she has anything to do or there is nothing for him or her here, it could be stressful, for the both of you! In a positive light, it will be a good way for your spouse to learn new things and become independent and learning to manage things while you can't be there due to your own work schedule. It would be nice if people "wouldn't mind sharing" their thoughts or experiences on transitioning back it could help others and their families to have a smooth and happy transition back home.
Korea, was a great experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. But the gravy train is almost dried up there. Anything outside of teaching English is "next to impossible it seemed". It's almost like you've got to make your quick buck, then kiss it goodbye LOL. Yes, open a coffee shop, or another business, sooner rather than later, another bloke will open one up 3 meters away from yours. Then another and another until they start dying off one by one. You lose your investment. Interior costs selling equipment off under value and whatever else. Seen it happen alot. Plus things like retirement, your 401K, medical.. It all becomes a factor as you start thinking about your golden years. It's unavoidable. But if Korea, works for you, and you are destined to be there. Then more power to you and all the best! Cheers to all! Would like to hear some more suggestions/experiences on a positive transition |
Good insight. This old maritime boy would have to move to a big Canadian city where the jobs are and that have a low unemployment rate. Prob be out west somewhere if I ever do. Apartments will only rent with proof of employment? Do they do credit checks now too? I know they were doing them in the States. Just wondering if that idea came to Canada. Also, if you pay some months rent up front without a job, I wonder if they would rent to you. (IE. Having cash saved up from Korea as a cushion.) |
When I went back it was to study. I showed them proof I was a student and a letter from my bank with my balance on it. That was good enough for them to rent to me. I think I had 40-50k in the bank at that time. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
gmlkoreanna
Joined: 23 Oct 2006
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2014 7:57 am Post subject: |
|
|
At Weigookin74, You know, it really depends on the rental company. In my experience, I dealt with Morgaurd, Carpeit and I wanna say Homestead? They all asked for a letter or employment, credit check, and 2 references. Carpeit, those silly donkeys. Actually, told me, that they wanted a letter to see if I passed my probation period. I was like WTF? I told the rental company, I have more than enough in a nice dinosaurs egg in savings and a property in Korea. And this twit, said, no, we need to see that you have actually passed your probation period. I said to her, why should it matter, if I pass the probation period, you will allow me to live here, but then if I get the sac and have no money in my savings to pay the rent, then what? VS. I have a letter of my employment, still going through the 3 month probation, but I can provide you with documents that I have more than enough in my savings . All this lady could tell me, it was Carpeits policy. And let's face it, I've learned or re-learned in my short time back, some times, canucks can't or choose not to think outside of the box! It may have been the building that I was looking at was in a high demand busy area? Don't know.
I also was told by a realtor, that Canada and the USA have started sharing information, like credit scores and bankruptcy, financial history types of things. Don't know to what extent, but that is what the realtor mentioned.
I would also "suggest" not buying right away when coming back. The prices are waaaaaaaay inflated right now. Not only the condo's but semi's singles, detached just all of them! When you are used to owning your own place, and you relocate with a "Korean frame of mind and
powers like a spouse behind you, you may automatically think, you have to hurry and buy something"! I highly recommend going to you tube and watching a clip called: the condo game. That clip is a very good reference, to what is going on. Look for the clip by a Charles Hanes. This is just for Ontario, I don't know about other provinces. We all know that B.C. has always been up there. Also, if you want to experience the "owning a new condo" I got a realtor, at no cost to me, if you are working with a realtor that is trying to find a tenant for the condo owner. We rented a brand new, never lived in condo/townhome. Who ever built these condos really did a crappy job! There are nail heads popping out from behind the drywall, carpets are pulling out from under the base boards, all the caulking in the washrooms are coming undone. Loose railing on the staircase, the window sills are not flush with the walls, which lets in a cold draft brrrrrr. It's a shame that the owner paid over 550K for this place and the workmanship and craft man ship that went into their investment is terrible at best! IT's really gonna be a horrific problem after 3 years. (it's gonna really look rundown) So IMO, i think if you are looking into buying a "NEW" place, rent one first. Yes, it will suck to have your payments not go towards your mortgage, but it will suck even more if you end up buying such an over priced piece of property and later find out the work is less than shoddy! Don't forget to factor in the costs of property taxes as well. Everyone's journey is going to be different, I'm just sharing some of our experiences, so hopefully, your experience back, will be a good one. Cheers! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
misher
Joined: 14 Oct 2008
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2014 12:58 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Yeah, condo prices in Canada are approaching levels of ridiculousness. A good Chonsae system is needed I say. The Koreans got it right on this one. No you're not building any equity but you would have at least a monthly cashflow (that isn't gobbled up by mortgage payments +interest/taxes/fees) that could be invested. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Weigookin74
Joined: 26 Oct 2009
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2014 3:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| gmlkoreanna wrote: |
At Weigookin74, You know, it really depends on the rental company. In my experience, I dealt with Morgaurd, Carpeit and I wanna say Homestead? They all asked for a letter or employment, credit check, and 2 references. Carpeit, those silly donkeys. Actually, told me, that they wanted a letter to see if I passed my probation period. I was like WTF? I told the rental company, I have more than enough in a nice dinosaurs egg in savings and a property in Korea. And this twit, said, no, we need to see that you have actually passed your probation period. I said to her, why should it matter, if I pass the probation period, you will allow me to live here, but then if I get the sac and have no money in my savings to pay the rent, then what? VS. I have a letter of my employment, still going through the 3 month probation, but I can provide you with documents that I have more than enough in my savings . All this lady could tell me, it was Carpeits policy. And let's face it, I've learned or re-learned in my short time back, some times, canucks can't or choose not to think outside of the box! It may have been the building that I was looking at was in a high demand busy area? Don't know.
I also was told by a realtor, that Canada and the USA have started sharing information, like credit scores and bankruptcy, financial history types of things. Don't know to what extent, but that is what the realtor mentioned.
I would also "suggest" not buying right away when coming back. The prices are waaaaaaaay inflated right now. Not only the condo's but semi's singles, detached just all of them! When you are used to owning your own place, and you relocate with a "Korean frame of mind and
powers like a spouse behind you, you may automatically think, you have to hurry and buy something"! I highly recommend going to you tube and watching a clip called: the condo game. That clip is a very good reference, to what is going on. Look for the clip by a Charles Hanes. This is just for Ontario, I don't know about other provinces. We all know that B.C. has always been up there. Also, if you want to experience the "owning a new condo" I got a realtor, at no cost to me, if you are working with a realtor that is trying to find a tenant for the condo owner. We rented a brand new, never lived in condo/townhome. Who ever built these condos really did a crappy job! There are nail heads popping out from behind the drywall, carpets are pulling out from under the base boards, all the caulking in the washrooms are coming undone. Loose railing on the staircase, the window sills are not flush with the walls, which lets in a cold draft brrrrrr. It's a shame that the owner paid over 550K for this place and the workmanship and craft man ship that went into their investment is terrible at best! IT's really gonna be a horrific problem after 3 years. (it's gonna really look rundown) So IMO, i think if you are looking into buying a "NEW" place, rent one first. Yes, it will suck to have your payments not go towards your mortgage, but it will suck even more if you end up buying such an over priced piece of property and later find out the work is less than shoddy! Don't forget to factor in the costs of property taxes as well. Everyone's journey is going to be different, I'm just sharing some of our experiences, so hopefully, your experience back, will be a good one. Cheers! |
Good info. I rented in the maritimes a decade ago and of course needed none of those at the time. Didn't have to prove employment anyways. But, I know times are a changin'. Were you able to find a place to rent? I would assume that I'd also have no job, but would have a hefty bank account and a good credit rating. So, with that, I hope I'd be able to find a place to rent. Though what you tell me sounds discouraging. Lol. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
gmlkoreanna
Joined: 23 Oct 2006
|
| Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2014 4:38 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| At Weigookin74:What I ended up doing is going on kijiji toronto, and going to the rental properties, I got a realtor there who was working for the folks who were renting out this condo townhouse, there in abundance here, so no worries. I showed them my bank statements and they too, agreed, better to rent to someone who has the funds then rent to someone who could be employed, have very little in savings. It's against the law in Ontario to pay a few months up front. So they just did status quo, first and last months rent, rent due on the 5th each month. You call hydro and enbridge, get the account in your name. Allow them to do monthly withdraws from your account, otherwise, they are going to ask you to throw down 1250.00 security deposit, because some nice people that came to canada, left without paying their hydro and gas. So as long as they have your account info, guess they can get it out of there? Anyways, if you give them the go ahead to withdraw monthly, you don't have to put down that 1250.00. Same goes for bell. Which reminds me, do bring your mobile and your spouses, make sure they are unlocked. Reason: If you sign on with bell or rogers and get their free phone, they won't give you any deals, period! We brought our phones and got unlimited calling and texting within Canada and couple GB data download for like 86.00 CAD for two phones lines per month. Not bad considering these donkeys, are charging people that get the free phones through them, meaning rogers or bell, air time when incoming calls are taken. so if you bring your own mobile in, you are your own master. If your family members need to call Korea, we have had great connection with skype. Video chats make us feel like we aren't really all that far, if that makes sense? If you are a from Ontario, you will get your health card pronto, family members, if they are newly landed, 90 day waiting period. For this gap, it's cheaper to get travellers health insurance. Hope this info is helpful? If you have any other questions, feel free to ask or send a pm. Things have changed, that's for sure, but once you allow yourself to get settled and get out of the "Korean state of mind" it's really not that bad. They have plenty of trails to go on walks, on the weekends, you can have your coffee or breakfast out on your balcony and read the paper, neighbors stop by and say hello. They have some really good deals you can find on kijiji if you are looking for a small boat to go out on the lake. If you want to get away and go to a bed and breakfast cottage with the family, there are tons. You can bike ride without feeling like someone is gonna run you over or give you a honk. The only thing that kind of annoyed me so far is LCBO LOL. It's not like going to homeplus, where you can get all your groceries and the weekend cass all in one place. I will say, the LCBO and Beer store do have some good selections from beers all around Europe. So it's not a bad tradeoff. and there seems to be an LCBO located around every grocery store. Speaking of which.... Mangos here 0.99 for one, melons from brazil, kiwi, canteloup, cherries, grapes, all here and stocked through the winter. It's not Korea, but they do have some good trade offs! oh and if you have kids, you may be pleased to see that there are lot's of little math and science academies for weekend and after school studies. Not that bad in terms of pricing. Cheers!! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
English Matt
Joined: 12 Oct 2008
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2014 1:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| krnpowr wrote: |
| Threequalseven wrote: |
| There seems to be a disproportionate number of engineers and finance guys on here. I met a lot of people teaching ESL in Korea, and very few had backgrounds in engineering or business. I'd be interested to see if there are any success stories outside these fields... like a history major who leaves Korea after two years to work as an editor for a major newspaper, or something like that. Or are big banks and big oil companies the only way to secure a "life after Korea"? |
The engineers and financiers are the ones who not only had practical degrees, but they had the tangible skills in the first place to be able to avoid falling into that lifer ESL mode. Actually, most of these "analytical" ESL teachers in Korea are/were just there for a stopover or are merely taking a hiatus from the "real world" in the first place.
I worked in IT and the finance/investment fields and after leaving Korea in 2011 after being there a couple years, I was able to leverage my knowledge and skills in IT and finance, along with my MBA, to where I am now on pace to make over 6 digits this year.
What leverage would a young person with a history or sociology degree and experience teaching ESL have once leaving Korea? In a lot of cases, nothing. Maybe their calling is to teach ESL. Otherwise they might be doing nothing back home, but living with mom all depressed. |
Pretty derogatory about people with degrees in the humanities aren't we? I make around the same as you mate in Berlin. My degree is in Archaeology....my job isn't. I have done so many different jobs in my life in so many different countries and this is my selling point: I can show a potential employer that I am adaptable, resourceful and can turn my hand to a lot of different things and do them well. It's a pretty rewarding feeling to beat hundreds of other applicants, who all did the 'right thing' (i.e. study business, get their MBA, do their internships), by living my life the way I wanted to....study what I really wanted to study at Uni, travel the world, live in other countries, do jobs that meant something to me, and instead of moving back home after Korea I moved to Germany.
Teaching English in Korea and a degree in the humanities are not, on their own, going to give you much leverage....but the world is a big place and this is just the start of the journey. What I find surprising is that so many people come to Korea and only plan on going back home afterwards, as if they are soldiers in a war. If you had the guts to travel to the other side of the world to somewhere you've never been before, to work for people you've never even spoken to and do a job that you've never done before, then bet on your own resourcefulness and live your life - the world is a big place which consists of more than just Korea and home.
Sure some people might be "just fit for ESL" but don't beat people down....what a lot of people working in Korea and worried about their future post-Korea need is encouragement to believe in themselves, not someone telling them that they'd only be doing nothing back home. If I'd listened to people saying things like that back in 2010, when I was preparing to leave Korea, I wouldn't have the wonderful life I have now.
So my message to people out there: learn what you want to learn, study the languages you are interested in, do the sorts of jobs you want to do, move to the countries or cities you want to live in. If you don't want to get stuck in TEFL then get a job doing something else. If you want to leave Korea this year or next then do and go somewhere you want to go, doesn't have to be back home. Whilst you are in Korea, save some money, work on some ideas for what you will do after, and use your time to study whatever it is you want to. I could have spent my spare time in Korea learning Korean (I still find it an interesting language) but I wanted to learn German more..so I did, regardless of what pressure other people put on me. In the end that turned out to be the right move....because it was right for me. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
son of coco
Joined: 14 Mar 2008
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2014 1:48 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Metsuna wrote: |
| Yaya wrote: |
| Metsuna wrote: |
Hello all,
I've recently arrived in Korea for my first hagwon job and it's generally been a positive time and I enjoy the experience here so far. However, I know this won't be a permanent thing I want to be doing.
I feel like I should do something on the side this year in addition to teaching to increase my chances of being hired back in Canada. Maybe start learning programming or something else related to IT.
It does seem that Korea is very saturated with english teachers right now (even I feel like I'm lucky to even land a job right now after a month of applying) and I feel like even if I get an additional masters, working towards a university gig might be very difficult. Just wondering what other people will recommend or may be doing.
On an additional note, I am 23 but am not caucasian. |
Don't waste yourself in Korea. It's fun if you're young and stuff, but dude, get a master's and move on. The glory days of ESL in Korea have been over for a while. |
Thank you Nate and Yaya for the response. I am wondering though, do you think I should go for the Masters in Tesol or just learn programming and IT skills? Since I am not too keen on going back to school after this year, I really want to do something WHILE I'm here so I can make the transition easier. |
In my opinion the Masters of TESOL is waste of time and money, but I guess it depends on what you want to do when you're finished in Korea. If you want an illustrious career in TESOL at home where, if it's like it is in Australia, you can enjoy life in a largely unregulated industry with a very low wages ceiling (Level 12 teachers in Oz get about $55000 a year max), little chance of full-time employment (most are casual) and the chance to sit and wonder how the whole thing sustains itself...then go for it!
If I were you though, I would focus on getting into something that offers you more security and a higher wage. It depends on whether teaching is your passion though (and thus something you're willing to do for little remuneraiton), or whether you view your time in Korea as a chance to get into something a little more sustainable over time.
Most TESOL teacher I know are studying to be something else, so that should be a fair indication of which direction to take. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
No_hite_pls
Joined: 05 Mar 2007
Location: Don't hate me because I'm right
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2014 8:26 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| krnpowr wrote: |
| What leverage would a young person with a history or sociology degree and experience teaching ESL have once leaving Korea? In a lot of cases, nothing. Maybe their calling is to teach ESL. Otherwise they might be doing nothing back home, but living with mom all depressed. |
My father's degree was in sociology and worked at Sears in his younger years. He retired as a vice President of Citibank. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
edwardcatflap
Joined: 22 Mar 2009
|
| Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2014 8:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| Quote: |
| My father's degree was in sociology and worked at Sears in his younger years. He retired as a vice President of Citibank. |
Times have changed. My uncle studied classics and went into computers, My brother studied philosophy and went into insurance. However that was at a time when people thought learning for learning's sake was still a good thing to do. Back then the role of universities was not just to train people to do jobs. Companies were quite happy to do that and pay graduates well while they were learning. Nowadays you suffer three or four years of boredom studying business management and then have to work without pay for 6 months on the off chance of being offered a job. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
