Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Miss L]

Hi, I have been in Korea for only 1 month now. To my suprise I have been and am especailly homesick right now. I have never moved to be on my own before and certaintly not abroad. Back home I have a great family, friends, and my boyfriend of 7 years which I left behind but we're still stronger than ever. It has been difficult for me on a daily basis. When I'm out partying and drinking I don't think about it so much but when I'm alone I think about it the whole time. I get depressed and tend to cry alot. I don't think this is normal to be feeling homesickness and culture shock so soon. I even had the thought of leaving Korea at the latest half way through my contract., maybe even as soon as two months. I'm really confused and could use some light on the subject. I am desperate for some insight-- puh-leeze!

[mog]

Get a hobby.

You say you are at ease when you are out partying. A similar thing will happen if you get a hobby.

[Bunnymonster]

To be honest being homesick is most likely shortly after the move. Living away from home especially abroad is a big step and it takes time to adjust. To be honest from what you say I'd be more worried if you weren't homesick given what sounds like a pretty good set-up you had back home. Keep your chin up and remeber all the reasons why you came to Korea, take time for yourself and to echo the previous poster a hobby wouldn't go amiss...
Good luck to you
Hugs
P

[skinhead]

Hey, you and I signed up on the same day.

Read your sig line. Take it as a new adventure, a learning experience. Why did you come to Korea? It seems your back home life was pretty damn good. If you're thinking about going home so soon, it could be a bad sign. Or it could be that this is your first time out of your closet (no offense) and the outside world is a bit of a shock. If you're thinking to quit at six months, I'd say you probably won't. Most people who find that Korea is definitely not their thing don't stick it out for longer than three. If you still feel like shit then, do a runner. Three months is a good time to know for sure, and it won't kill you.

That said, give it time. There's a lot of good advice for newbies on this forum about adjusting to life in Korea. Scroll through the threads. There's really a lot to like about Korea if you make the effort to learn. Stay positive and give it a go, but don't stay longer than 3 if you hate it. A year will be a living hell if you can't find any joy after three months. Good luck. Keep us updated on this thread.

[peppermint]

Actually it's pretty normal. Find things to keep you occupied, get involved in something that will let you meet people too.

[Miss L]

I like Korea alot. As a matter of fact I think this all would be much easier to deal with if I were single. I did have it good at home, actually great. But I wanted to come here to experience the culture, to become a better person emotionally, mentally, and physically, and to make some money. I just graduated as a teacher and there are no jobs in my city and I did not want to settle for supply. So I thought if I were going to make a move for a job, why not here? I have a friend who has taught here for three years and it sounded pretty well. I am enjoying myself here but there are those times when I get sad and everything goes downhill. I thought I would be much stronger than I have been. That is why I am confused about what I am feeling and how much of it is normal. Maybe you're right, maybe I won't make it to six months, who knows. But I am willing to try three months. Does that make me a bad or weak person for not being able to stay here for the year? Am I weak link? I love my job, I work Sats (which sux) but other then that it's great. I dunno...still confused. But thanks for your advice, it's encouraging.

[skinhead]

[marista99]

So, you never lived away from home before, even to go to college/university? That would be really hard. When I went away to college I spent at least a month being ridiculously homesick, and I was less than 100 miles from home. I think if you're really attached to your family the first time away from them can be really, really hard. We got here around the same time, I think, and I'm feeling the homesickness too--not as much as you, but then I've been away from home off and on for five years now.

In short, it will get better, and you'll just upset yourself more by worrying about it. Keep yourself busy, read funny things (davebarry.com is great! ), put up pictures that make you feel like you're home. Call home every so often, and try to remember why you're here. Trust me, if I can move halfway around the world and survive and even enjoy it, so can you.

PM me if you want to talk--really, I have been there.

[peppermint]

Where does this idea that not liking Korea, or not wanting to stay means that you're weak come from? I've heard a similar thing from friends too, and I think it's bull.

It takes lots of courage to leave everything and try something new, but if it's not working out and you stay, then that's not a sign of strength, just stubbornness. Tell yourself you'll give it a fair break, and set a time frame. Until that time frame is up, focus on making the best of the situation. If you're still miserable when that date is up, then I think the smart move would be to cut your losses.

I think there'll be a ladies lunch soon. Come to that, hang out with the board girls and we'll help distract you from your homesickness.

[VanIslander]