Korean Job Discussion Forums

[lastat06513]

I know that Korea is mostly a short-term experience.
But what about those of us who have been here for 5> years. What motivates you to stay?
I know the most likely answer would be "My family", but there has to be more than just that to make you want to stay here.

So what makes Korea your home?

[Daechidong Waygookin]

[the_beaver]

Well, the option is going back home and Canada sucks ass.

Actually, it's because I have a comfortable life here that I don't think I could duplicate it back home.

[mj roach]

I don't think of myself as a lifer, nor do I consider Korea home.

I left after the first 3 hassle filled years and while away for a year, found that I had not risen to the challenges offered here daily.

Some difficult situations and places bring out the best or the worst in people; those first years brought out the worst in me.

After a stress free year elsewhere in Asia, I decided to return. It may sound strange, but it's like being in a giant rock polisher; every day working on another facet...smoothing out the rough edges. I hope I've become more tolerant and less judgemental.

Anyway, it's been another 5 years now, and sooner or later, it's off to other experiences.

[Zark]

Other than those with families - I find it surprising that so many teachers here don't think about their options in other countries. I know the net savings possible here - is quite motivating, but there are other countries where you can save money (with comparable qualification requirements) and other countries with much higher quality of life. And how about just seeing if you can be as successful in one more country?

I'm about to hit a total of five years here (2.5 in 92-95, and 2003 to now), but also expect that I will be gone next year - back to Thailand.

I gots me wandering shoes on . . .

[tomato]

If you're autistic like I am, it doesn't matter whether you're in a foreign culture which you can't fit into or whether you're in your native culture which you can't fit into.

Someone on Mith's Place asked a similar question, and this is what I wrote:

�� not having to worry about income tax
�� letting someone else worry about apartment-hunting
�� the absence of sexual abuse hysteria
�� not having to live under George W. Bush
�� the multiplicity of small businesses
�� the challenge of learning a foreign language
�� the enjoyment of learning to play Korean folk instruments
�� the enjoyment of learning Korean sign language
�� the simple fact that I can't get a job in my own country

[masuro]

There are material reasons why I stay here (easy to find a job and save money) but I also feel comfortable here. Korean friends tell me I'm "like a Korean" and "Perhaps you were an Asian in a former life." Possibly I lived in Asia in a former life but I think I have an 'Oriental' personality and that's why I feel comfortable. Oddly, my Korean wife has a Western personality. Maybe that's why we have a good marriage; we meet in the middle somewhere.

I've been here ten years. Can anyone beat my record?

[wild sphere]

[Poker-Guy]

I work ten hours a week; I have 4 1/2 months paid vacation; I get paid a lot. It's a simple life choice.

[wild sphere]

[Poker-Guy]

All woman's Uni. You figure it out.

[wild sphere]

are they hiring?

[Toby]

Korea isn't full of English people.

That's my reason to stay.

[Toby]

Plus of course, in no particular order:

1) Cheap cost of travel - taxis, buses, subways and air.
2) My wife.
3) My dog.
4) My job.
5) My main salary.
6) My other salary.
7) My other salary.
8 ) My other salary.
9) My other salary.
10) My cheap, but in the most prestigious area, house.
11) Cheap beer.
12) My students.
13) No Tony Blair.
14) No, or very little, crime.
15) Food.
16) Cheap bills.
17) Ability to save 66% or so of my salary and still have a great lifestyle.
18 ) No tax.
19) No pension.
20) Private healthcare.
21) The area in which I live.
22) The hours which I choose to do.
23) The knowledge I will be able to go home one day with a fat lump of money.


........I could go on.

[Daechidong Waygookin]