Korean Job Discussion Forums

inkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2003

I have been teaching in Korea for 3 1/2 years. I am getting tired. I need to keep going for at least 1 1/2 years more, what do I do?

Bleeeeaaaahhhh! Mad

ghostshadow · Joined: 27 Apr 2004 Location: Seoul

Keep your cool, you've been doing this for a while now. Take it a day at a time and don't think about how long you have to stay. Keep your eyes focused on the task at hand and when you're done for the day the rest of the time is yours, enjoy it.

Eazy_E · Joined: 30 Oct 2003 Location: British Columbia, Canada

Don't start counting down the days. Find something you like to do outside of work. Getting a gym membership has helped me big-time. Make the most of your spare time, then you won't end up staring at the walls and thinking about how much time you have left to go.

Confused Canadian · Joined: 21 Jan 2003

Take time off. I'd been teaching here for about 5-6 years, with a couple weeks vacation here, a couple weeks vacation there. I wasn't 'burning out', I was already there....burnt to a crisp. I quit my job and planned to take some time off. Well, due to circumstances beyond my control, I ended up taking 6 months off (much more than I'd originally planned). I stayed in Korea, and didn't do much of anything, except learn to play the guitar (something I'd always wanted to do). It was only towards the end that I started to get a bit bored, but not having the stress of work looming over my head did wonders for my stress level. After 6 months, I went back to work, I was fully charged and ready to go. I now know why teachers at regular schools get so much vacation time. You do burn out, and if you don't take time off, it will catch up with you.

Perhaps you don't need 6 months off, but a month or 2 of time to yourself may just be the ticket.

Confused Canadian

Paji eh Wong · Joined: 03 Jun 2003

I've been here less time than you have, but..

- Have things to look forward to. I go on vacation in July. Oh yes.
- Do some professional development. Pick up some books, go to KOTESOL meetings, talk to professionals.
- Do different stuff. Go hiking, read books, avoid the local Honky Tonk.

Good luck

ps. Why do you need to spend another 1.5 years here? Statute of limitations? Can we speculate wildly?

Kwangjuchicken · Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 10:41 pm Post subject:

What level do you teach? Do you have kid's classes, and if so, little ones?

Let's say, for example, that your school has classes for real little kids, and you are not teaching those. Ask to.

My 5 years in Korea I have taught classes for pre-school thru post doctoral students. Little kid classes are one thing that really makes things better. Last semester I had Let's Go Book 3 class. That was so much fun.

For break program I have Book 1. I am in heaven. Just love it. They are so cute and sweet and kind. Little angels. And learn so fast. And class is so much fun. I especially like working with crayons.

I am also doing a storybook class for kids. A lot of fun. So far, we have spent 1/3 of class me reading, 1/3 them reading, 1/3 writing and illustrating (with crayons of course) our own story books.

So, what keeps me going is the little kids. I look forward to those classses and am sad when they are over. Thers is a lot of love in those classes.

Hope this helps.

.

sadsac · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Gwangwang

Take some time out. It's important to get away from here every so often. Go to Japan, do a 3 day Singapore trip. Find something for you, that is completely away from teaching. We have been here 4 years and it get to you. Get away when you can. Smile

margaret · Joined: 14 Oct 2003

Focus on your goal. You say you need to be in Korea a year and a half more. Why? I read something recently about some POWs who survived by imagining what their lives would be like when they got out. Somehow, it helped these guys survive when a bunch of others died. On the opposite end, as others have advised, concentrate on the things you can enjoy during your stay there. Hopefully these two things can help take your focus off the unpleasant stuff.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Margaret

marista99 · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Location: Incheon

Why do you HAVE to stay for another 1.5 years? Is your contract for that long?

paperbag princess · Joined: 07 Mar 2004 Location: veggie hell

take time off!

doing yoga really helps as well. take time and go to the bath house, unless you are lucky enough to have your own bath, then go get a bath bomb from lush and enjoy lush bath!!

inkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2003

Thank you for your replies. I will try some of the things that you have suggested. I teach at a language center(hakwon) at a university.

I've taught at a couple of hakwons, than at an Elementary school, not epic, but at a grammar school. Finally, I am teaching at a lec at a university.

The reason I am still teaching here in Korea is because my wife is still studying her PHd. I am supporting us while she studies full time and works only part time. That explaines why I am still going to have to work here for another 1 1/2 years in Korea. Only then, I can pursue higher studies.

Once again, thanks and cheers.

In Korea
Smile