Korean Job Discussion Forums

rsmm0224 · Joined: 06 Feb 2008 Location: Changwon

I have seen a lot of people on here that either have been here for quite a few years (5-10 or more) or say they definitely plan to be. I came with plans of 3-5 but after only 8 months have curtailed that plan down to two. Just long enough to finish the MBA course I started.

For those who have been here and have no immediate plans of returning, what holds you here? What am I missing about the place? Is it Korea or is life back home really so miserable? (I swear to GOD I am not being sarcastic, I really want to know.)

Does your level of introversion/extroversion have anything to do with it? I am rather introverted and simply can't stand being the spectacle when I walk down the street. (granted my size doesn't help that but nobody points/pats/or makes rude comments back in America)

polonius · Joined: 05 Jun 2004

I think in the grand scheme of things, considering that there are 17,000 (legal) ESL teachers in Korea, the percentage of those that stay long, oh perhaps 5+ years, isn't that high. Those that do, are often the ones that have settled down with a Korean spouse.

I really can't speak for others, but in my 6+ years, I have stayed because I love my job, and I like the people I work with. I am married, but to a Canadian, and we have a newborn son. Part of our perks is that my wife can work part-time from home doing curriculum development or editing. So, we are able to generate more income.

I make a very decent salary, have few expenses, a beautiful apartment. I really like my neighborhood. I like vacations, but am more the type that finds myself bored after an extended vacation, so that isn't a big deal for me. My position though, allows me to take time off when I need to. Granted, I don't abuse it, and that is why I am allowed to.

I am by no means an old timer, compared to others that I have seen here, and I do have an exit plan set up for next year. I love my life here, but I also loved my life back in Canada. I just can't see myself putting my son through international schools, and really, if I kept him away from his grandmother much longer, she would disown me.

That's me. I am sure others have different perspectives.

PRagic · Joined: 24 Feb 2006

Why does anyone stay anywhere? Loved ones, good friends, safety, secure employment...

And throw into the pot that some people like the challenge of living in a foreign country. Personally, I like learning something new every day (no joke) even though I've been here 15 years. I like trying to adjust my perceptions to those of the host culture.

I'd be doing the exact same job if I were back in the States for pretty much the same money.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Unposter · Joined: 04 Jun 2006

I think Yata is on to something there.

If you would have told me at 8 months, I would be here 10 years, I would have laughed!

Life happens. Go ahead and make plans; hard to argue that planning isn't good but life goes on whether you follow your plans and reach your goals or not.

Most likely you find yourself doing the things you like not the things you think you would like when you were younger.

Welcome to the adventure!

rusty1983 · Joined: 30 Jan 2007

You have to take the comments etc. with a large pinch of salt. People who look different do get commented on everywhere. Learn to laugh, and respond to them with cheeky comments, make fun of them back. Its funny, by the end of my stay I was flippin em off slyly and all sorts.

oskinny1 · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Location: Right behind you!

Css · Joined: 27 Sep 2004 Location: South of the river

Fatties have it hard here...well, i say hard but its really just honesty..
Personally i prefer the raw honesty to the 'fat is beautiful' mentality back home Surprised

Maybe if being a point of attention is a problem for you, Korea is a very bad choice..especially with the korean fondness for staring.

I stay here because I find the lifestyle more appealing..I earned a lot more money back home, lived in a nicer house, had more sex Sad

..but i prefer my way of life here. I dunno whether thats because of korea specifically or simply because im in a foreign country. I sometimes wonder if i would feel the same in Brazil or Japan or wherever.

KumaraKitty · Joined: 09 Jan 2006 Location: Bucheon

I was so ready to leave at 6 months. I had contacted my recruiter and told her to get things sorted out so I could leave ASAP.(I had a good friendship with her even to this day). She was upset but understanding and encouraged me to tough it out 6 more months, because I'd be missing out on a lot of money. I was here for the money so I stayed. I started spending time with a Korean teacher friend. I went to church. I took day trips around Korea. I tried the food. And at the 1 year mark my recruiter got me an awesome job! I worked at the next place for 3 years. I travelled through Asia for cheap thanks to the tons of vacation time at the new job. I met my husband there. So now I've been here 5 years. I'm married to a Korean American, we have a baby on the way(could be any day now!), we make good money, have a good lifestyle, and I am happy.
Yes I do miss my family at times, but I enjoy life and my family here(hubby's Korean relatives). I like the food, I like our apartment, and we have a lot of great friends!
But like a previous poster mentioned, Culture Shock almost caused me to throw it all away.
That being said, Korea is not for everyone, but if you stick to it, a change of job or location can open up more of Korea to you and make the time pass faster than you realize! Cheers!