Korean Job Discussion Forums

ThisCharmingMan · Joined: 11 Jan 2004

Considering the prevalence of ageism in Korea, have you or would you ever lie about your age to gain some sort of avantage?

Morally, how would you justify your answer?

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

No, because the only sphere where it really matters, the job market, it's impossible to get away with because they see your passport.

However, a lot of the time I really don't want to tell people how old I am because I don't really feel like being judged and/or categorized according to my age. I don't lie, but I do sometimes refuse to say.

Randall Flagg · Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2004 7:59 am Post subject:

I lie about my age all the time. I am young and don't like to be judged or put into a certain class just because I am __ years old. There is nothing worse than being turned down by a girl who seems interested in you because she finds out you are younger than her. This is not to say that I would enter into a serious relationship with a lie. Most people don't even believe me when I tell them my real age anyway.

cheem · Joined: 18 Apr 2003

No, in terms of employment for reasons already stated, and no again in terms of female interaction. I don't feel like arguing this point so I'll say that in my personal opinion, lying to gain an advantage with a woman smacks of exploitation, and is simply kind of lame. Ageism in the work place is wrong I agree, but I think a woman has a right to decide if she want to pursue a relationship with a man based on his age.

The worst I've done is tell a girl my "American" age. Twisted Evil

itaewonguy · Joined: 25 Mar 2003

to pick up woman.. guys do it all the time here im sure.. as do woman!

sadsac · Joined: 22 Dec 2003 Location: Gwangwang

No, why bother. Smile

peemil · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Location: Koowoompa

Everyone thinks I'm thirty or so.

I'm only 26.

Even my girlfriend thought so when she first met me...

"You just look older and wiser than everyone else honey..."

LOL

PEIGUY · Joined: 28 Mar 2004 Location: Omokgyo

[quote="Randall Flagg"]years old. There is nothing worse than being turned down by a girl who seems interested in you because she finds out you are younger than her. quote]

i've had this problem twice now.. i'm 22 and seem to meet women who are 26-27 Korean age and when they find out my age oh you are too young! does it matter? i'm not looking to get you in the sack or anything i'm jus out to have a good time but of course that logic wouldn't dawn on Koreans.. i am thinkin of starting to use another age i do look older

tommynomad · Joined: 24 Jul 2004 Location: on the move

I just don't lie.

But....as a result of getting sick and tired of being judged on the basis of age (why are so many people so hung up on it?), I changed my answer. We all know about Korean age and western age....well, I use Native North American age with those age-obsessed people.

Ageist: How old are you?
tn: Summer.

Keeps 'em off-balance.

Randall Flagg · Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 5:43 am Post subject:

capa21 · Joined: 03 Nov 2003

I'm 22 years old. I've had to lie about my age a few times since I've arrived here. I don't like doing it, however, sometimes it's necessary.

cheem · Joined: 18 Apr 2003

keithinkorea · Joined: 17 Mar 2004

Well I tell white lies about my age occasionally! I'm an old bugger at 31 normal age or a whopping great 32 in Korean age. I tell people I'm younger or make a game of it. Everyone seems to think that I'm in my early to mid twenties anyway and I have much younger friends who look older than me.

Some how or other I've managed to fool a lot of people into assuming I'm much younger than I am but at the same time getting some of the respect that is given to older people here. Very Happy

Not complaining.

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

i'm 27 but i look younger, so i like to see how young i can pass for sometimes. a couple months ago i told someone i was 19 and they didn't even blink... it's a fun game. besides, wrinkles are gonna catch up with me soon and then i'll really have to start lying about my age!!!

Kwangjuchicken · Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2004 11:42 pm Post subject:

When I have a new class, I always spend the first day with student/course/teacher introductions. It really helps set the stage for the rest of the semester.

We all get to know each other, and it "plants the seed" for fostering a sence of community. Well, before I start quoting too much from "My Philosophy of Teaching" Rolling Eyes

, this is what I always do concerning my age.

I have the students try and quess. Before I say anything, I ask for a few opinions. This semester the range was from 32-60 Shocked

. Well, whatever the highest guess was, then I say higher. Once they get to 100, they give up. Then I write my age on the board. 1004. Then then someone yells out "Angel" and they all start laughing.

What was the question again? Wink

.