Korean Job Discussion Forums

Big Guy · Joined: 15 Jun 2004

Firstly I should just say right off that I respect other cultures and I understand they don't show the same tolerance for physical abnormalities that my culture does.

But before I fly down there I wanted to know if I stand any chance of getting a job at all. I am 6'4 and 330 pounds. I am a very physically active guy, I do alot of wrestling and rugby, but there is no doubt that I am very fat. University took its toll and I balooned in weight, and while I am working really hard to get back into something resembling a decent shape, I figured why not explore a part of the world I haven't had a chance to see yet?

I'm not going for the money (I have about 7k saved up right now), or the job experience (I am an engineer), but instead for the life experience. I don't mind people being openly prejudiced about my weight, but if I don't stand any chance of landing a teaching position I might as well save myself the airfaire.

Should I save myself the hassle, or will I still be able to land a job? Here is a picture of me taken last week:

VanIslander · Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 9:02 am Post subject:

I know two guys in your weight class teaching English hereabouts. I think the demand is too high for you not to get an offer. But, you probably should send an accurate picture beforehand, to ensure you get an institute that doesn't care so much.

Good luck whatever.

BTW, you do wrestling and rugby? Why not sumo!

Big Guy · Joined: 15 Jun 2004

I am very interested in Sumo wrestling, but I spent some time in Japan when I was younger so I really wanted to experience Korea. I understand Korea has a wrestling style similar to Sumo so I will definitely try it out when I get there.

I drank too much beer and ate too much pizza in University. I know that if I get a job in Korea I will probably lose weight at an astonishing rate, their food seems pretty healty and if I stay away from the red meats I should be fine.

The accurate picture is a good idea, I will take a full body one so they know exactly what they are getting.

panthermodern · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Location: Taxronto

Korea needs more fat people.

However, it will be rough.

The largest pants, for example that are normally avalible are 38".

Bigger forget it.

And, get used to the term "bigsizuuuuhhh" ...

Honestly man, I would love to see more people fatter then me ...

However .. I do belive that many K-females are "chubby chasers" ...

Sucker · Joined: 11 Feb 2003

There is beer and pizza here too (hope you like corn though).

My college has one rather large guy teaching English.

chinook · Joined: 17 Mar 2004 Location: canada

they put corn on the pizza? like canned corn?

Please let it be true! I loved eating pineapple and corn pizzas in scotland and i so miss it here in canada.

own_king · Joined: 17 Apr 2004 Location: here

Big Guy - I know a couple people teaching here that are your size. Having said that, there is a lot of weight prejudice in Korea in general. And Korean venders think the words "larjee sizuuuh" is a good sales pitch. As a result you really need to have a thick skin. I have been called fat by students and other Korean poeple before and I am only about 190 lbs.

As for getting a job - don't worry about the weight thing. Like Van Isle said you are in high demand as a native speaker. But save yourself the airfare. Most schools will pay your airfare over themsleves, and they're not likely to do that unless they have the intention of keeping you on. Sending a recent and accurate picture like the one you posted on Dave's is a good idea though. Good luck dude.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

dont worry about it

I have had no problem finding jobs
350 lb and 6 ft

although you do get to enjoy having your young students come up feel your belly and ask if you are pregnant Laughing

If you have a sense of humor you should be fine.

Big Guy · Joined: 15 Jun 2004

Thanks for the support guys.

I have a great sense of humour and don't mind people joking around about my weight at all (thus the mockier "Big Guy" its what everyone on the rugby team calls me). I was just concerned about getting the job, I know I will do great once I get it. Maybe I can even rub my tumy like the philsbery dough boy.

lush72 · Joined: 18 Aug 2003 Location: I am Penalty Kick!

Dont worry about finding a job- you meet the major requirement, you are white and a native speaker. Also, if you have the right mindset it wont be a problem- especially if you thick skinned.

Be warned though- there was a guy about the same weight as you working here. We (because we were both from the States) casually knew each other. Anyway he became severely depressed at how he was treated here- and how he perceived the constant (and I mean it- it will not stop till you leave Korea) staring and pointing by the locals. He always wanted to order in lunch and eat in my office, which I didn't like. Finally I asked him why do you always want to do this (eat lunch in my office) and he almost broke down- he said he cant stand to eat in public with all the koreans glaring at him.

As for clothes, this guy had no real trouble finding work clothes (custom made suits and ties daily) but casual clothes were a nightmare he told me.

Additionally – I honestly don't know if this is true or not- I wasn't there- he was denied memberships at several gyms. When he asked why they told him that when people see him they would think that the gym was no good.

Arrgh��

marista99 · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Location: Incheon

How is it for girls?

I am over 200 lbs and while people tell me I don't look it, I do wear plus size clothes most of the time. Will this be a problem? I know I won't be able to buy clothes there...but what about just day to day life?

hellofaniceguy · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!

Fear not, I'm bigger than you and landing a university gig was no problem.
Clothes? Bring some and bring a few smaller sizes to have for when you drop a few pounds. But, plenty of tailors around to make you clothes!

ThePoet · Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 4:47 pm Post subject:

At 6'3" and 290 lbs, nobody could accuse me of being skinny. And no, I haven't lost weight since I've come here. I've had a few of my level one class joke about me being pregnant for a couple days, and the first time my students met me about 8 months ago there was some "OHHH"s but other than that, I've never been stared at or made fun of.

As for clothes, I get them sent to me from home, its easy and I get exactly what I want. I also brought 3 suitcases packed with them when I came here. I have a huge wardrobe -- the ironic thing about it is, most of the shirts I brought over from Canada have little labels in them saying "Made in Korea", and since I am living in Daegu - The Textile Capital of Korea, I'm willing to bet they were made not more than a mile from here.

Finally, in regards to a portion of a post by Panthermodern:

hellofaniceguy · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Location: On your computer screen!

Quote:
However .. I do belive that many K-females are "chubby chasers ...

Tell me where these women are please. "

It does not matter what size one is. It's all about personality. You have it or you don't. If you're out going, extrovert, etc. I think both men and women like that.

crazylemongirl · Joined: 23 Mar 2003 Location: almost there...

I have seen some big ole' boys and girls teaching. To be honest anyone not of a stick build is giong to get problems here but they get amplified as they get towards the extremes.