Korean Job Discussion Forums

[K-in-C]

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. 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]

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]

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]

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]

Or somewhere else.

[Smee]

Canadians---a real gullible bunch!

[djsmnc]

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

[numazawa]

[VanIslander]

[Homer]

[SPINOZA]

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.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[K-in-C]

TheUrbanMyth replied:

[[/quote]

Just a few questions. They held your passport? Are you not aware that's illegal? One call to the embassy and they WILL go ape-s*** on your director. The Canadian government takes such things VERY seriously. I did not know it was illegal at the time.


The director said she needed it for immigration.

If those hours were not in your contract politely but firmly refuse.[/quote]

I did.

One time I did have a fair boss but his enrollment was down and he could not afford to provide me with a place anymore. He felt bad. He never once blamed me for the low enrollment though like many directors do.

I don't mind being in a rural community so I will check out the recruiter service you mentioned. Thanks!

[mount real]

I'm just wondering why you want to go to Central America and preach.....is it cause you want to visit there? Otherwise, there are tons of people I'm sure you can help right in your community (and probably end up making more than 10$ an hour.....I'm in Montreal and it's easy to find a job for at least double that).....

People in Central America have already heard about Jesus. He's quite big, you know.

[K-in-C]