Korean Job Discussion Forums

murphy · Joined: 19 Jan 2005 Location: Korea

Uh, this probably sounds kind of funny, but I mean it in deadly earnest: I'm newly arrived to Korea and teaching in a Hagwon. While I can see how some people can get into this kind of thing, or at least ride it out for a while, I'm really finding it all a bit much, and at times I feel like I'd sooner work down a mine-shaft than teach kids. I've got a nice boss and co-workers, but I'm just struggling to imagine doing this for more than another month or so. I could try adults, but I dont know if that would help much.

I think Korea is a pretty fun place in all and I'd like to give it more of a chance, but perhaps not as an English teacher. If any of you Korea veterans out there happen to have any good advice I'd be deeply indebted to you. I'm even happy to swallow a little condescention if its coated with good information.

I've got a bachelor's in English and a little part-time teaching experience at an overseas university, if that helps any.

Much appreciated,

-M.

BigBlackEquus · Posted: Mon Sep 19, 2005 4:24 pm Post subject:

Some people spend years teaching here and cannot break out into the non-teaching field.

Korea will not allow you to work here unless it is in a job that a Korean cannot be found to do, or something like that.

Maybe you just need to try teaching an older age group. Life can differ so much between some schools and also between different ages.

If you hate teaching, then you may as well leave this place. Just an opinion. Do you speak Russian and look pretty? You could work as a male Russian prostitute.

jlb · Joined: 18 Sep 2003

I didn't meet too many people that weren't teachers of some sort...good luck finding something.

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

I second the advice above to try teaching different age groups.

I don't know how these options sound to you, but the only people I've known who have broken out of teaching have worked as either bartenders at expat bars or copy editors for English newspapers. The people I knew at these jobs all did them as part-time work, and all of them ended up teaching privates to supplement their income.

Having said that, this meant that they made better money for less work than most legal full-time teachers do.

I realize that the answers you're getting are not the answers you hoped for, but honestly, with little to no knowledge of Korean (I assume) and no special skills (that you mention), what kind of work were you expecting to be able to get here?

The lack of opportunities here outside of ESL is one more reason why most expats here do not stay here forever.

teachingld2004 · Joined: 29 Mar 2004

You just got here. Lots of people have doubts of many kinds. Give yourself time. You can not change jobs now. Perhaps you can get a release letter and get another job, but what if u dont like teaching adults either? You will do fine.

Have you met people to "hang out with". There are so many things to do here. You need to get out and see things. if you have, get out some more. If you haven't, then start.

We are here to help you with almost anything. Just ask.

Dan The Chainsawman · Joined: 05 May 2005

I first came to Korea seeing my job as the one thing that defined me. Now I see my job as the one thing that pays for the stuff I like to do that defines who I am.

The job is an ends to the means my friend! Milk that sucka for all its work, and learn to enjoy the freetime you have.

Still a question for all of you long timers does anyone know where I can find a fish gear shop?

another word of advice to the OP. Teaching kids is not a hard job. We make it hard with our expectations. Remember your in a hogwan that is a for profit enterprise. The kids will soak up more english through the personal interactions with you as a person than the speakee repeatee englishee lessons. Nothing like holding a kid upside down by his ankles till he says, "Teacher is good teacher, I buy good teacher Ice Cream."

Funny never seen a drop of that ice cream yet.

murphy · Joined: 19 Jan 2005 Location: Korea

OK, thanks for the advice all.

I guess I was expecting there to be a fair number of non-teaching jobs around, doing things like editing, overseas communications and correspondence and the like, both in the media and the business world. Guess not though.

I don't hate teaching per se, just landed in a bit of a muddled situation here. I'm not sure I'm able to make the mental leap of viewing something I do for 40 hours a week as a means to an end, but its good advice I guess. Anyhow I'm sure it'll get easier.

If any of you do happen to hear of something good do drop me a line though.

Else take care

-M