Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Kiddirts]

Okay, I know this gonna sound really bad, but how do you get out of hanging out with the Korean people you teach during the day, when they want to do things on the weekend? I work from 8am until 10pm 5 days a week and then do a couple of privates on Saturday. I completely value what little free time I have and just want to spend it with either my girlfrend (Korean) or some Canadian friends I have. Even when I'm playing basketball or going out to dinner, I sometimes feel it's a work environment and I'd even rather relax locked in my room by myself watching a rental video than to be out with students from the company sometimes. I know this sounds bad, but I have very little time to relax during the week because of my intensive schedule...what can I say to them and not come off like a shmuck?

[hellofaniceguy]

What is wrong with telling them the truth????
I don't get it. Maybe it's just me.
But I tell the students that "hey, come the weekend, I want to do something different and need my space and free time." "I have other things to do but during the week, we can get together whenever." or "I appreciate the offer(s) of hanging out but not on the weekends."

[VanIslander]

Yes, you can be a hell of a nice guy and still set your own limits.

I let it be known that I am entirely and happily available to go out anytime on little or no notice during the week after work.

But, I like to plan my Saturdays, so let's discuss that beforehand, because I always make plans for Saturday.

Sundays are mine. I come from a society built on the Judeo-Christian tradition of a Sabbath, of a weekly day of rest. I need my time away from my regular routine. If someone wants to travel (which I really like to do) then sometimes I might go, but not often.

You would have no problems if, from the start, you express your basic needs and stick to it. Just ensure that they understand that it's about you and not them, then there's no hard feelings.

And do it with a smile.

[lush72]

[Newfoundlander]

I generally made it a rule only to hang out with co-workers on a blue blue moon. Nothing wrong with any of them at all... but, if you work at a bad school, then the talk always surrounds the school for a portion of the time... bitterness catches like a wildfire in these situations...

At the same time, there are days when i crave at least some sort of social interaction... in which case i play arm chair revolutionary on this board... spouting on and on about the revolution of Newfoundland... don't laugh.... it will happen. We're coming. One by one... boat by boat.... we have the biggest navy fleet in canada.

But don't cut these people short either. These people you work with are a union of sorts... you all have to stick together in many ways... don't ditch them, it could prove very lonely.

[rapier]

The problem is that Koreans always do things socially the same way: In a big group, where everything anyone says is scrutinised by everyone else. Not my idea of fun. Some co-workers i like to socialise with, but on their own. This can cause problems for them because they are so afraid what other people think, being seen out alone with a foreign guy.
Its far better often to just say "I'm busy" and find your friends elsewhere.

[Homer]

Right on the money VanIslander.

Well put man.