Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Alum]

[quote="v88"]I've had a great time here in Korea but now it's time to think about moving on. The problem is I'm finding it tough to leave. Given the low tax rate here, my relatively good pay, short work hours which allow me to pursue other things and long holidays I'm a little worried about making the switch.

It's worth it if it's what you want� If you want a change, do it! Korea will still be there. I worked in Korea one year at a time, left did other things and returned. I just followed my desires�other places drew me, too, and there I went.
Working in Korea and other overseas locations, I saved at least 50% of my salary every year, always had plenty of cash to do whatever i wanted. That was never true in the US. I knew I could be making a lot more in the US, but was it worth it cash-wise? I determined that I'd have to be making at least twice my Korean salary to equal my Korean lifestyle. I valued very highly doing something different and being in places that were interesting to me. I loved living in new cultures! I also valued my free time, and I had a lot of that.
I never had difficulty in finding a job that I wanted and so was able to live in different countries. I actually went back to Korea three more times just because I missed the place and had many great experiences. Teaching strictly ESL wasn't my desire, so that's not what I taught except for my first year in Korea. An added note�without my masters in education degree, I would not have been able to have the opportunities for experiences that I've had. Best of fortune in your decision!

[Konglishman]

3=7,

It is never too late to go back to school and change your career track. In fact, I know someone who went back to school in his mid 30's to do a bachelor's degree in mathematics. Now, in his early 40's, he has a PhD in mathematics and is working overseas as a professor.

Also, as an aside, trigonometry is high school level knowledge although you are right that you need to be able to use it in technical fields. So, this is not a course you need to take. You can study that on your own. And maybe, have someone tutor you. Further, I would argue that you also learn calculus on your own. If I were still in Korea, I could tutor you or anyone else in calculus.

[PREEST]

I majored in Japanese and linguistics and spent many years in Japan. However after living in Korea for a few years, I too have found it hard to leave. For me, money it not really the issue. I am slowly but surely paying off my student loan, I have a wonderful girlfriend and group of mates, and am becoming relatively proficient in Korean (Knowing Japanese makes it sooo much easier). I guess it depends what your motivations are. I don't plan to go home for an indefinite period of time because I am happy in Korea. Perhaps that will change when I wish to start a family, but for now, Korea is helping me sit pretty~~

[I'm With You]