Korean Job Discussion Forums

[JamesFord]

Has Korea made you more irresponsible?


I think I am, and I don't know how to change back!

[as-ian]

If S.Korea is turning you into a slacker, i would look more at yourself then the country. I have only heard of the opposite happening. Just my opinion though. ^^

[IncognitoHFX]

Considering we can't take sick days and work 5 days a week, which at most hagwons means between 40-50 hours of work (some between 50-60), its hard to be a slacker. Especially if you've just finished university.

I'm lucky I worked so many jobs before this or else I'd find it difficult.

[oldfatfarang]

K has definetely reduced my work ethic. There's very little insentive to excel here - it's all about face. Look tidy, go through the motions - attend way too many hours doing sweet B all - smile a lot - and - you're a teacher.

I'm lucky this is my last stint working - or I'd be in trouble when I re-entered the Western workforce.

[JamesFord]

That's right fatfarang.

But away from all of that I just mean there's less responsibility here. I don't own a car, just jump on a bus or subway that comes every two minutes. No insurance to worry about or oil changes, or all the other crap that comes with owning a car. Same goes for housing. Back home I'd own a house and have to maintain it, cut the grass, shovel the driveway, etc.
Because of the language barrier, the gf takes care of most things (at the bank, paying bills, ordering pizza, whatever). You walk down the street and everyone leaves you alone because of the communication thing.
You can get away with so much that you couldn't back home. This results in a lack of responsibility. Do something wrong, no problem... I'm just a stupid waegookin.
Also, being so far from your family lessens some responsibility towards them, because what can you do from here?


These are just a few of the many examples that I feel give us a lot less responsibility here.

And just a note: for those of you that are working 50 hours a week with no sick days, you just have the wrong job. And in those 50 hours, in how many of them do you actually have to produce? My guess is 0. 99% of teaching here is showing up.

[CeleryMan]

Confucias says "delegate downwards!"

[Bibbitybop]

I slack on my politeness with regards to physical space. Bumping into people and cutting people off in traffic is the only way to travel around Seoul.

[soju pizza]

In coming to Korea, I was cured of my pot addiction and turned into an insomniac alcoholic.

[PeterDragon]