Korean Job Discussion Forums

[yomuthabyotch]

So here's my spiel: I'm 25, and I've been outta college for almost two years now, working some $10/hr, BS job (but aren't they all? BS, that is, just with different pay). I wouldn't call myself a loser, as some here may label me outta sheer spite, but I found myself going nowhere. From reading these posts, many of you turned to overseas teaching to fill a similar void as mine, but I actually want to do this in order to find some direction in life, and not just as a temporary adventure. How many of you find teaching English in Korea as your calling in life? Do you feel fulfilled?

I apologize if some other naive newbie has already posted something like this.

[eamo]

You have two choices as I would see it.

Come for one or two years now. Take a crappy hagwon job that gives you enough money to have fun and save some lolly.

Or,

Stay at home for another year or two and come here with an MA in TESL. Then you can get a Uni job and really enjoy your Korean experience.

[Rather_Dashing]

Welcome to the forums!

People come to Korea for all sorts of reasons. However, you shouldn't go blindly; I suggest you read every single stickied thread on the FAQ board and visit a few blog sites to get an idea what it would be like. You have to want to go to Korea for the right reasons: not just for the money, but for the experience. If you indeed have that positive attitude I don't see why you wouldn't enjoy your time there.

Yes, you will make more money in Korea if you're only finding $10/hour jobs. But there is probably a hell of a lot more B.S. to put up with in Korea, given the different culture and the language barrier.

But remember that once you leave Korea, you will be back exactly where you started. However, foreign ESL experience looks great on a resume or college application. You may discover a passion for teaching. Since you have a bachelor's degree, you are not that far off from being able to teach in most places. There is a severe teacher shortage in both the USA and Canada and salaries, benefits and working conditions in that condition (K-12 education) are quite decent.

You've done the right thing in taking the first step posting here. I myself have done about 30+ hours of research on Korea (reading blogs, message boards, etc.) and have yet to take the plunge but I feel I am ready to go soon. Once again, my advice is to do as much research as possible and to think about your future.

Good luck!

[Sage Monkey]

[Rather_Dashing]

I guess I should add, you may have trouble FINDING a job in Korea. I read in another thread that you are of Korean descent - most Hagwons want a white person to be able to show their clientele. Good luck with your job search if you indeed decide to take the plunge!

[Sage Monkey]

[yomuthabyotch]

RD,
Yeah, that seems to be one of the debated issues here at this forum. I'm hearing two sides of the story on that one, and I guess I won't know for sure until I set foot in Korea. I'm sure some hagwons are sketchy rat b----rds and some are decent and legit.

My family in Gangnam knows of a hagwon director personally, and they're trying to help me get hired, so as I've commented in one of my posts (I've lost track), a little nepotism couldn't hurt.

Thanks for the comments so far though, everyone!