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justin moffatt
Joined: 29 Aug 2006
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 3:53 am Post subject: When is it time to leave Korea? |
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I am approaching my one year mark of residing in Korea. It has been all but dull. My hope was to experience a new culture, gain some international university experience, travel around Asia and make some money. I have accomplished most, however, due to a combination of the instability of job security here and my spending habits, my savings are few.
I have been fortunate in obtaining what appears to be some of the best available positions in Korea (University jobs, and corporate jobs). However, I have not been satisified with some aspects of the working conditions and virtually little fulfillment in the actual work. Furthermore, I spend the majority of time, trying to avoid the politics and ensuring ways that I will be paid for work ensued.
Regardless of the negative experiences such as being jumped and stabbed by a group of Korean males, the complicated and unsatisfying dating scene, the constant struggle to be paid for work, the continued job searching, the racist comments and stares, the competitiveness among foreigners, crazy ex-girlfriends, etc. etc., I try to focus on the positive. Every day has been an adventure of sorts, I've partied and met some attractive women (some not so attractive), had some good relationships, travelled to many countries, and met some interesting people.
However, I wonder if I could survive another 6 months to a year, and even if I would want to. It seems that many longer term foreigners here are either survivors themselves, or have no options back home (or are running from something), or are married to a Korean, or are conformists that will do whatever it takes to appease their Korean masters (a little harsh but it sure seems that way sometimes). Any thoughts?
Last edited by justin moffatt on Tue Oct 31, 2006 4:21 am; edited 1 time in total |
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europe2seoul
Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Location: Seoul, Korea
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 4:04 am Post subject: Re: When is it time to leave Korea? |
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After reading your post in which you kind of nicely analyzed and summarized your stay in Korea for the past 1 year I would suggest you put it to an end and seek other opportunities.
Later down the road it is going to be a nice memory and you could always draw something from living in Korea for a year.
But judging from your post, I see no reason to stay here further. Going back home and starting a new chapter or somewhere else would be a viable option for me in your shoes. |
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Mashimaro

Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Location: location, location
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 4:06 am Post subject: |
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If you are struggling to find reasons to stay, it's probably a good sign that you would be better off somewhere else.
I find myself assessing my own situation a lot lately and there are still enough good reasons for me to want to be here, but the day there isn't I'll be gone. |
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europe2seoul
Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Location: Seoul, Korea
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 4:16 am Post subject: |
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Mashimaro wrote: |
If you are struggling to find reasons to stay, it's probably a good sign that you would be better off somewhere else.
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Nice summary.
For me personally, there is not a single reason why stay here any longer. Debts paid off, no emotional attachment, money in the bank. I work non-ESL so resume in my field is built up to more.
The one and only reason I am staying in Korea is to get my housing deposit back. |
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justin moffatt
Joined: 29 Aug 2006
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 4:24 am Post subject: |
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I'm also attempting to get money owed to me as well, however, I don't anticipate that I will retrieve all. |
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europe2seoul
Joined: 12 Sep 2005 Location: Seoul, Korea
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 4:26 am Post subject: |
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justin moffatt wrote: |
I'm also attempting to get money owed to me as well, however, I don't anticipate that I will retrieve all. |
Well, mine expires May 2007, so I have to wait and hope for the best
Good luck to you though. |
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bobbyhanlon
Joined: 09 Nov 2003 Location: 서울
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 4:59 am Post subject: |
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as someone who only intended to stay for one year, the time to leave korea is almost always 'next year'. however this time i really mean it, i swear! |
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Ya-ta Boy
Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 5:09 am Post subject: |
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When it is no longer fun, then it is time to move on. |
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laogaiguk

Joined: 06 Dec 2005 Location: somewhere in Korea
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 5:10 am Post subject: |
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When the 8-ball tells me to. |
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aldershot

Joined: 17 Jul 2006
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 6:31 am Post subject: |
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when you actually begin to enjoy the place... when the nuances that were korean fail to be nuances at all |
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jojonii
Joined: 13 Jul 2004
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 7:16 am Post subject: |
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I went home and got a full-time job. |
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ajuma

Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 7:52 am Post subject: |
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Ya-ta Boy wrote: |
When it is no longer fun, then it is time to move on. |
I second that! Even my "hell days" (6 hours of uni freshmen!! )have enough fun moments to keep me coming back for more.
My "moment of truth" came during my 4th year in Korea. I knew that I had to decide "make a comittment to Korea or move on". I left for 6 months, then KNEW that Korea was the place for me. Been here ever since and have no plans to move on! |
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mithridates

Joined: 03 Mar 2003 Location: President's office, Korean Space Agency
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candide
Joined: 03 Oct 2006
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 8:07 am Post subject: |
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Leave Korea? Never! Why would I want to leave a country that has 8000 won bottles of Aussie wine at E-Mart? I'm here for life, sweetcheeks! |
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ajuma

Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!
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Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 8:48 am Post subject: |
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Yeah, but the OP said: However, I wonder if I could survive another 6 months to a year, and even if I would want to. It seems that many longer term foreigners here are either survivors themselves, or have no options back home (or are running from something), or are married to a Korean, or are conformists that will do whatever it takes to appease their Korean masters (a little harsh but it sure seems that way sometimes). Any thoughts?[/b]
These things make me think that the OP might be better off going. You've got to love it here if you want to stay, and it sounds like the OP DOESN'T!
Last edited by ajuma on Tue Oct 31, 2006 8:50 am; edited 1 time in total |
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