Korean Job Discussion Forums

K-in-C · Joined: 27 Mar 2003 Location: Heading somewhere

Hi all,

I have made four trips to Korea to teach and for one reason or another I never made it to the golden end of the contract with the severance and return airfare. I have had my passport held hostage, been manipulated to work hours that were not specified in my contract and dealt with some of the other negative situations ex-pats have had to deal with over in Korea. And... call me crazy if you like but I am considering returning again. Rolling Eyes

The reason being the ALMIGHTY DOLLAR/WON.

I make ten plus Canadian an hour. I work 46 hours a week, but it is just not enough if I am going to get my debt paid off before I die, either from exhaustion or old age. I receive no benefits. I have looked for something better but to no avail.

What I really want to do is work/serve the Lord in Central America, even if it is for a pittance, but my two grown children tell me I need to save an egg nest and that going to CA to work would be irresponsible.

I have been contemplating this situation for the past six months. For those of you who pray please ask God to make it clear to me where he wants me to be. For those of you who don't pray, but have returned to Korea, albiet leary, please share your return experience.

Thanks so very much,

K-in-C

semphoon · Joined: 18 Nov 2005 Location: Where Nowon is

You have the experience. Why did you leave? Was it the Korean culture or the jobs that caused you to leave?

If it was the jobs, you could find a more suitable position. If it was the Korean culture...then that's a bigger problem.

jmbran11 · Joined: 19 Jan 2006 Location: U.S.

If you've attempted four times and not finished the contract, I'd figure out why before you make it a fifth. Returning without finishing can be quite expensive, as I learned five years ago.

On a brighter note, I have returned five years later and (at the 6 month point) am planning on staying another year or two. I knew what to look for this time in accepting a job.

If you really can't make ends meet in Canada, it's a good option. When you get here just remember the reasons you came, and that you are fortunate to have a viable alternative to poverty. That keeps me seeing the bright side of the good ol' ROK.

kangnam mafioso · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Location: Teheranno

i would say if you've tried 4 times and it hasn't worked out for you in korea, maybe it's not meant to be. try something else.

rothkowitz · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

Or somewhere else.

Smee · Joined: 24 Dec 2004 Location: Jeollanam-do

Canadians---a real gullible bunch!

djsmnc · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Location: Dave's ESL Cafe

I bet there's another pair of freshly polished hagwon owner's shoes waiting to walk ALL over you...

numazawa · Joined: 20 Mar 2005 Location: The Concrete Barnyard

VanIslander

Homer · Guest

SPINOZA · Joined: 10 Jun 2005 Location: $eoul

Four times? BLOODY HELL! You must've been very unlucky with your jobs or there's a personal issue there. It's a disastrous record I'm afraid. And if I may ask, why are you only on 10 Canadian bucks an hour? Surely with a degree you can find better.