Korean Job Discussion Forums

Feloria · Joined: 02 Sep 2006

That was the most recent response I received from a friend of mine when I informed her that I was going to be moving to South Korea for a year to teach English as a foreign language. It's weird; the varying reactions I've received from different folks.
My mom and sister tried to talk me out of it, other people would say "but didn't you just get your Masters in...". Only a couple of friends have been supportive and cool about it-"Good for you", That is really great"!
I think the thing that bugs me the most is the way so many people-at least in the Northeast U.S.- seem to think that if a person gets a degree in something, they are to devote their entire lives - mind, body & soul to the that degree. FOREVER!! They must ALWAYS find work in that field, and have the same kind of job for the rest of their lives. That is fine for some people, but if I choose to do something different for awhile; does that somehow make me irresponsible? I'm paying my bills, and I can definitely use this experience to enhance my resume for future work. Life is too short to not take chances and try new things, and my degree is always going to be there. I guess I just needed to vent!!

Boodleheimer · Posted: Fri Sep 08, 2006 9:13 pm Post subject:

i got an email from my aunt: "wouldn't it be easier for you just to stay in america?"

Julius · Joined: 27 Jul 2006

[quote="Feloria"]

happeningthang · Joined: 26 Apr 2003

[quote="Julius"]

Feloria · Joined: 02 Sep 2006

My point is- I have my entire life to use my MS (It is in Crisis Intervention/management).
I've been working in the field for a few years already, so I have plenty of experience. I was thinking of maybe going into school crisis counseling when and if I return to it, so this experience could be relevant.
I hear what you're saying though.
I guess I just get irked because my decision to do this had nothing to do with my Masters, and some people just can't understand me wanting to have a life 'outside' my degree.

gang ah jee · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: city of paper

Julius · Joined: 27 Jul 2006

EFLtrainer · Joined: 04 May 2005

Hollywoodaction · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

I wouldn't worry too much. My cousin (upper-management at a large corporation) sums it up best: "Good for you. I wish I could have done the same thing, but I had kids when I was still in school. Just don't sell yourself short when you go job hunting once you move back home. Living abroad is a worthy experience".

indytrucks · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Location: The Shelf

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

ed · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

In my case, I visited my mother and told her I would be going to South Korea for a year to teach English and her exact words were "NO! YOU CAN'T GO!"

I said " just so you know, I'm telling you, not asking you. byeee"

but now she has come around and at the time the rest of my family and friends were supportive.

bombenhagen · Joined: 21 Jun 2006 Location: NL

gang ah jee · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: city of paper

bobbyhanlon · Joined: 09 Nov 2003 Location: 서울

OP, i know how you feel. and when you get here, you'll hear it even more from korean people. nobody seems to understand that it might be fun to come out here for a year or two, teach english, and experience something really different. that was my motivation for coming here at first, and i don't regret it at all.
it probably won't make you rich, and let's be honest- it won't really look good on your resume- but it might be a really good experience that changes your life.