Korean Job Discussion Forums

goyovista · Joined: 29 May 2006 Location: Masan

I've only been here a week (Masan) and no matter how exciting the situation of being a teacher here seems, I frequently have to fight off second guessing my choice, even though I can't imagine living in the USA anymore. I'm sure this type of gripe is quite common to the forums on Dave's, but I'm just curious as to what others have done to keep themselves occupied/sane while spending their time here. Don't get me wrong, I write music on the laptop, brought painting supplies to crank out a few pieces, am reading Don Quixote, watching Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert on a regular basis thanks to viideoo.com, and listening to new music (new Sparklehorse at the moment, pretty good so far), I'm having trouble shaking that sinking feeling unless I drink myself stupid on terrible Korean beer and suprisingly good soju (no headaches yet!). I've met many other expats, but it just doesn't seem to cut it. I'm incredibly self reliant, but at this moment am embarassingly looking for advice. Anyone?

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Good question. I've been here for years and still struggle to cope with it sometimes.

Friends help a lot.

Reading is good. Some other hobbies help.

Surprisingly good soju? Oh dear, that doesn't sound right. Korean beer aint great but soju is just nasty. I'd recommend wine as a good alternative, at least sometimes.

If you like your job you are already doing well. It's the time outside work that needs to be filled as well as you can.

I don't really have any advice. Maybe some other wise people will help.

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

goyovista · Joined: 29 May 2006 Location: Masan

I didn't mean that I disliked Korea at all. I actually really appreciate the culture here. There are moments when I've thought, "Wow, I'm living the life I've always wanted" and that keeps me up for a while. I came from Texas, Houston (El Paso then Austin for 8 years, Houston for three) to be exact, so there's obviously no point in going back there. I spent a lovely 5 weeks in Portland, Oregon before I came to Korea. I would return there in a heartbeat if it wasn't for the low wages and lack of real jobs. The funny thing is, I wouldn't trade my position for anything. I've often fantasized about living in this part of the world, but it's quite a different story (mentally) once you're here. I'm sure I will emerge as a different person in two months, more optimistic about what this decision will lead to (job in Japan, China, and eventually a South American university, Chile or Brazil perhaps), but for now my dilemma is a concern. How can I be homesick for a country that I have no real yearning to return back to (save the Northwest)? I have found that I have a taste for soju, even the cheap stuff. Strange, maybe. I sincerely appreciate your advice/comments though. Thank you.

Satori · Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Location: Above it all

A week? You don't even know what it is yet. Damn. Just take some time to let it all sink in. Korea is complex, bizarre, and utterly unique as an experience for a westerner. If you stay at least a year, then good or bad, it will leave an indelible impression on you. Whatever it will be for you, it will be intense. Korea is not always all easy going gravy type stuff, but I describe it a gritty, vivid, and full of flavour. It gets in your bones after a while...

VanIslander · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 1:04 pm Post subject:

I can't relate to that feeling after a week!

Cohiba · Joined: 01 Feb 2005

Masan! Hahahahahaha, another one who didn't learn.

JongnoGuru · Joined: 25 May 2004 Location: peeing on your doorstep

http://wikitravel.org/en/Masan

The Chewbacca Defense · Joined: 29 May 2004 Location: The ROK and a hard place

I drink and study....usually at the same time.

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

Also, www.tour2korea.net has information about all the provinces. Click on "siteseeing" then "destinations by region" to browse each province and each province's county. Maybe try getting out one weekend to see what's around you.

I wasn't necessarily a cheerful person during my first week. I was living in a love motel, teaching classes on my first full day in the country, and already experiencing hagwon bull for the first time. But I had reasons for coming here, so I was able to enjoy my experience.

Why did you come to Korea? It's good to remember your priorities. THere will be lots of ups and downs. But, for example, if you came here to learn the language, the distract yourself by learning the language. If you wanted to "experience a new culture," then spend your time people-watching or travelling around the country. If you can't answer that question, maybe spend some time thinking about it. You've got 51 weeks left, and it'd be a shame to waste all that time.

flotsam · Joined: 28 Mar 2006

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

JongnoGuru · Joined: 25 May 2004 Location: peeing on your doorstep

cubanlord · Joined: 08 Jul 2005 Location: In Japan!

I can definitely empathize. There are times when I think to myself, "man....why am I here.....". But then, I turn away from the PC and glance at my wife and realize, "THAT'S why I am here". I then go back to my happy self at the thought that she's having the time of her life; content to know that we are building our future together.

Also, continuing on with your education may help. My wife and I are both studying. It is a constructive way to pass your time. I can't tell you the amount of times I have seen threads on this board, posts on other sites, or been part of conversations that focus on the "what are you doing here/are you wasting your time here" topic.

Make the most of it. Find something you enjoy and go for it. Smile

manlyboy · Posted: Wed Sep 27, 2006 5:38 pm Post subject:

I cope with it by not thinking of it as something that needs to be coped with.

Serious answer.