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Why Do You Stay?
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Steelrails



Joined: 12 Mar 2009
Location: Earth, Solar System

PostPosted: Sat Apr 12, 2014 10:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

byrddogs wrote:
Steelrails wrote:
I had fallen into the waygook rut...A change of locales and schools was needed.


Can you expound on this sentiment?


Sorry, don't want to derail the thread... Wink

Anyways, the first couple of years teaching elementary kids I knew that that was what I was supposed to be doing at that point in my life. However after year 3, it was just marking time and enjoying a comfortable paycheck. Booze, dating for the sake of dating, watching the streams of people come in and out and the sinking feeling of not wanting to teach kids "Where is York Street" for the next 20 years of ones life.
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Unposter



Joined: 04 Jun 2006

PostPosted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 4:08 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Alcoholic, womanizing, losers?

You say that like it is a bad thing...
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yodanole



Joined: 02 Mar 2003
Location: La Florida

PostPosted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 10:39 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Some people like it in Korea...alcohol & women are not necessarily bad things...in and of themselves.
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happiness



Joined: 04 Sep 2010

PostPosted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 5:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I dont care about the boozing, not a drinker, but if a guy/girl is single, why the hell not? Some people are fun to be with. The paycheck thing, hey its just a salary, if you like the job, what does it matter?

Nowadays, I dont think the lifestlye here is that different from back home, the people are different, the food, but the things we do here and there, not that odd. Koreas a much different place (but back in the old days was good too).

If it works, and you like it, thats all you need.
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cj1976



Joined: 26 Oct 2005

PostPosted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 10:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The UK is even shittier. That's all.
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World Traveler



Joined: 29 May 2009

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 12:07 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Really? Many Americans dream of living in London (at least temporarily to see what it is like). London is super fun I heard, but it is also expensive. I guess London + money = a good time, while London without much money could be a not so good time. (Maybe it all comes down to a person's skill set/their earnings potential. Not sure.)
Quote:
London attracts over 14 million international visitors per year, making it Europe's most visited city.

Quote:
London is by far the most popular city in Europe, benefiting from a wide mix of entertainment options, including historical sites, art galleries and restaurants, which make it highly appealing for all kind of visitors.
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wooden nickels



Joined: 23 May 2010

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 12:14 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I stay because of _

wife, in-laws, friends, job, retirement around the corner, and I'm content living here.
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edwardcatflap



Joined: 22 Mar 2009

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 12:43 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Really? Many Americans dream of living in London (at least temporarily to see what it is like). London is super fun I heard, but it is also expensive. I guess London + money = a good time, while London without much money could be a not so good time. (Maybe it all comes down to a person's skill set/their earnings potential. Not sure.)
Quote:
London attracts over 14 million international visitors per year, making it Europe's most visited city.

Quote:
London is by far the most popular city in Europe, benefiting from a wide mix of entertainment options, including historical sites, art galleries and restaurants, which make it highly appealing for all kind of visitors.


I assume he means 'shittier' in terms of conditions for EFL teachers. Nobody would seriously compare living in London and living in Seoul on the same relative salary.
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SeoulNate



Joined: 04 Jun 2010
Location: Hyehwa

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 2:04 am    Post subject: Re: Why Do You Stay? Reply with quote

ghostrider wrote:
Why do you stay in Korea despite the widespread perception that English teachers here are alcoholic womanizing losers who are unemployable at home?.


Because anywhere else I would be an unemployed womanizing, drunk loser.

At least here I have a job

Rolling Eyes Rolling Eyes
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duhweecher



Joined: 06 Nov 2013

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 12:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I used to ask myself this question often. After many years though, I've realized the question you're asking is silly.

It equates to why do you live rather than why do you stay.

For many, (even those who don't realize it) they're not staying here. Korea isn't some hotel, dormitory, or short-term love motel. Nearly every person on this board is living in Korea and if you're asking why do people "stay" here then you're likely just as jaded as those who actually think they can supply you with an intelligent answer.

A better question may be why did people decide to live here longer than they originally planned? In that case, you avoid both belittling people's lives and life decisions while also opening the floor for true/ meaningful (perhaps) dialogue.

Wink

I live here because I find South Korea more educational and interested. I learn something everyday here (and actually notice it). I may be learning just as much in my home country, but to be honest, I take it for granted or simply don't notice back at home.

BTW: every occupation (around the world) has both positive and negative connotations associated with it. A better question for you may be why do you care about this perception. To be honest you sound rather childish (nope, super immature) to say the least. Have you not learned by now that people often think negatively of any and every thing that other people do? It feeds our less desired "humanity" to a certain extent. Rolling Eyes

Who knows maybe you're one of those self-proclaimed painters, illusioned Kollywood stars, or simply a confused literary drunk working on your next "book?" In that case, I can understand your gripe with those pesty English teachers.
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cj1976



Joined: 26 Oct 2005

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 2:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

edwardcatflap wrote:
Quote:
Really? Many Americans dream of living in London (at least temporarily to see what it is like). London is super fun I heard, but it is also expensive. I guess London + money = a good time, while London without much money could be a not so good time. (Maybe it all comes down to a person's skill set/their earnings potential. Not sure.)
Quote:
London attracts over 14 million international visitors per year, making it Europe's most visited city.

Quote:
London is by far the most popular city in Europe, benefiting from a wide mix of entertainment options, including historical sites, art galleries and restaurants, which make it highly appealing for all kind of visitors.


I assume he means 'shittier' in terms of conditions for EFL teachers. Nobody would seriously compare living in London and living in Seoul on the same relative salary.


No, I meant life in general. I could go on all day about why I am glad I left the UK and being an EFL teacher there wouldn't even get a mention.
The ridiculous cost of living, shit weather, terrible food culture, obnoxious drinking culture, the violence, the absurd class prejudice, the Tories in power, food banks, the sarcastic 'humour', insular outlook, and many many more reasons I have never once been homesick in over 8 years.
If you are one of the small percentage who can afford to live comfortably, then the UK can be appealing. Unfortunately, for most people upward social mobility is fairly unlikely.
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tob55



Joined: 29 Apr 2007

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 3:07 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

As a South Korean/USA dual citizen I stay because it suits me. Are things perfect here? No, but they sure as hell are not perfect anywhere in the world. The perception of foreigners being alcoholic, druggies, womanizers, thugs, etc. has all been played out in the media for the benefit of nationalistic, "pure blood" loving megalomaniacs [look it up] who believe for a variety of delusional reasons that South Koreans are a superior race of people. Nothing is farther from the truth. I actually have great feelings of pride and affection for this country, because I took the time to understand the country, the people, the culture, the customs and habits, and guess what. They were the same things I found that I like about being a citizen of the United States.

Now, others on this forum are going to be critical of my comments perhaps, but they are critical of everyone's comments anyway. There is no magical reason why people stay or go. Some people like it because it suits them and their lifestyle, and others detest it because it doesn't suit them or their lifestyle. Simplistic answer? Yes, but it need go no farther than that. Cool
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Lucas



Joined: 11 Sep 2012

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 3:14 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
The UK is even shittier. That's all.


Not if you have money, but it's hard to save in the UK when you're being charged 500 + pounds per month (close to 1 million won) for rent, or you have to house share and still pay far too much.

All the grads who come here, get their 2 millon + per month and spend spend spend are fools. When they get home, realise they got close to 0 savings, need 1 grand for this, 3 grand for that, 500 for the other, what do they do?

Korea can be a means to an end, or it can be longer term. I for one would not want to settle here forever and have an exit strategy. I do feel sorry for the people who don't.
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edwardcatflap



Joined: 22 Mar 2009

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 3:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Quote:
Not if you have money, but it's hard to save in the UK when you're being charged 500 + pounds per month (close to 1 million won) for rent


Nearly everyone I know in Seoul is paying about that much (apart from the ones sharing) plus 15 million key money down.

Quote:
If you are one of the small percentage who can afford to live comfortably, then the UK can be appealing.


That was kind of my point. Who would choose to live in Seoul over London if you had the same standard of living? I certainly wouldn't.

Quote:
The ridiculous cost of living, shit weather, terrible food culture, obnoxious drinking culture, the violence, the absurd class prejudice, the Tories in power, food banks, the sarcastic 'humour', insular outlook, and many many more reasons I have never once been homesick in over 8 years.


Not going to argue with the rest of it. There have been whole threads devoted to what's wrong with Korea on here running to several pages. Your whinging looks pretty mild compared to it.
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cj1976



Joined: 26 Oct 2005

PostPosted: Mon Apr 14, 2014 3:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

edwardcatflap wrote:
Quote:
Not if you have money, but it's hard to save in the UK when you're being charged 500 + pounds per month (close to 1 million won) for rent


Nearly everyone I know in Seoul is paying about that much (apart from the ones sharing) plus 15 million key money down.

Quote:
If you are one of the small percentage who can afford to live comfortably, then the UK can be appealing.


That was kind of my point. Who would choose to live in Seoul over London if you had the same standard of living? I certainly wouldn't.

Quote:
The ridiculous cost of living, shit weather, terrible food culture, obnoxious drinking culture, the violence, the absurd class prejudice, the Tories in power, food banks, the sarcastic 'humour', insular outlook, and many many more reasons I have never once been homesick in over 8 years.


Not going to argue with the rest of it. There have been whole threads devoted to what's wrong with Korea on here running to several pages. Your whinging looks pretty mild compared to it.


I wasn't 'whinging'. Merely explaining my previous post. The need for a lot of British people to condescend to others is also a cultural trait I certainly do not miss.
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