Korean Job Discussion Forums

tomato · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 2:37 am Post subject: I'm now a professional writer!

This article got published in the English newspaper at Chungbuk University, where I had my last job. I got paid for it, too!

I got fired from the job soon after that, but I was proud anyway.

mindmetoo · Joined: 02 Feb 2004

Good stuff. Being paid to write is like being paid to breathe. It's something hard not to do. And getting paid for it makes it even more sweet.

canuckistan · Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 4:52 am Post subject:

It was a dark and stormy night.... Wink

Congrats

Yu_Bum_suk · Joined: 25 Dec 2004

Ryst Helmut · Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 5:09 pm Post subject:

R. S. Refugee · Joined: 29 Sep 2004 Location: Shangra La, ROK

mishlert · Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Location: On the 3rd rock from the sun

tomato · Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 9:00 pm Post subject:

Hello, RS Refugee!

I was fired because I couldn't teach university conversation classes.
We were given a textbook filled with inane questions like "Do you like hot dogs?" "Are you married?" and "How many brothers and sisters do you have?"

I couldn't stand that vapid chitter-chatter for longer than fifteen minutes, so I brought in other activities. If I brought in musical activities, I was told no, this wasn't a music class. If I brought in reading material, I was told no, this wasn't a literature class. If I brought in grammar, I was told no, this wasn't a grammar class.

I don't see how anyone can even tolerate an hour of small talk every day, much less pay money for it.

Oh, by the way--how far advanced are you in playing the violin?
I have composed some easy violin solos.

Mashimaro · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Location: location, location

Sadly I was not that surprised that you were fired...let me explain that. Your article clearly showed too much logic and common sense for korean 'educators' to understand. It also reinforces every koreans deepest darkest fear that they actually have to speak the target language in order to learn it.
Great article, well done!

R. S. Refugee · Joined: 29 Sep 2004 Location: Shangra La, ROK

dzeisons · Joined: 14 Oct 2004

good on ya tomato for sticking to your principles (especially because you are so right). cheers

Len8 · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Location: Kyungju

Tomato why don't you keep writing. Submit something to the Korean Herald maybe.

Your music is good too. I tried it with some of my part time students, and they realy got into it.

matthewwoodford · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Location: Location, location, location.

Tomato: Have you managed to find a job you're happy with since? Are other universities still willing to take you on and if so do they take a more broad-minded attitude?