Korean Job Discussion Forums

[optik404]

[PRagic]

Well, I've been here over 20 years, and at the risk of being pummeled for bringing it up again, we've had a good run of success across a couple of different career lines.

Some problems with the OP's take on things:

1. The comment came from a taxi driver. Any inclination to post based on said comment should have been nipped in the bud after considering the source.

2. In general, I've found that there is an inverse relationships between the deployment of the 'polished sophisticated' look and the actual amount of success a person has achieved (and the coin that goes with it). If you have money, you tend to worry about this stuff less and less.

3. The advice given by the OP seems to be distinctly metrosexual. It is 'metro', right? If I took pains to address everything on that checklist, my wife of 17 years wouldn't be happy about it, and certainly would not proud of the fact her man was wrapped up in all that stuff.

Having said all this, the thrust of the arguement is that, yes, in MOST situations here, a clean cut appearance will rule the day. But it defininitely depends on several factors, and taxi drivers definitely aren't the source to consider.

SO let's get to some real manly advice, taken from my dad and based on his generation's perceptions, they still ring true in my book. He always said a guy didn't need to do much to be presentable:

1. Shoes match belt
2. Socks same or darker color than pants
3. Cut your nails and have clean hands
4. Carry a hanky. If wearing a suit, it gets tucked in the pocket. They come in handy and a lady might need one.
5. A decent pair of shoes is important, not only because they're comfortable, but because a lot of idiots are shallow and think that if the shoes are expensive, so is everything else. Get them on sale. Always.
6. Don't go nuts on the aftershave or cologne. Tacky.

We were also taught how to tie three different tie knots, how to tell whether or not a sport coat is a good fit, where a pant cuff should break, how to make a haircut last (you can trim up your own neck with a razor), and how to iron a dress shirt. All this was simply considered knowledge passed from father to son.

[PRagic]

Oh, and a man should know his drink. No fumbling for request at the bar. A man has a go-to signature cocktail. I always liked that pearl of wisdom.

[Cave Dweller]

Gin and Tonic over here. Or a Caesar.

Any beer except Korean beer.

[Died By Bear]

[Squire]

I sometimes wonder if I'm guilty of splashing on too much aftershave. A splash for one side of my face and neck, a splash for the other, and then the same for my wrists.

Anyway, there was a thread a few months ago about ESL teachers who overdress for work but I have to say I'm with the OP on this one. Dress how you want to dress, but I reckon there are a lot of people who will look at the unshaven guy with jeans and assume they're lazier and less competent than a sharper dresser. I'm not saying there's necessarily any proof in that but it's difficult to prove otherwise to co-workers, parents etc. who never see you teaching or at your desk preparing classes.

[Cave Dweller]

A lot of you hate him and dont want to agree with him as he has little to no social skills but KN is spot on with some of his observations. His delivery needs work however.

It is prudent to dress well to fit into this culture of all flash and no substance.

[aq8knyus]

[Stain]

[The Cosmic Hum]

[Smithington]

Ninja boy hasn't posted in ten days. Anybody have any theories?

[Cave Dweller]

He's hamming it up with Warren Buffet and drinking his $80 glasses of champagne and enjoying the retired life. Leave the poor guy alone.

[Smithington]

[augustine]

Masterful troll by Steelrails, though he steelrailed it up eventually, of course.

[Steelrails]