Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Rock]

The hardest is to live both lifestyles, to come to work day after day wearing a smile and saying a warm Hello and facing the meanness of kids head-on without losing it. Then there's the aloneness of going home, carrying the weight of the day like a sack of rocks and unloading it into a cave-like hovel of an apartment where the walls seem to echo ghostly.

Most days I muster the strength to awake from it all, to shake off the slumber of morning with sanity, that life is meaningful. But unlike back home, the hole of existence I feel here gets deeper and deeper.

Not that I'm lacking in self-identity. I just wonder if you feel as if there's a psychological factor that's lacking on the part of Asians making you feel alienated and basically, a non-entity.

[Ya-ta Boy]

[Rock]

Good for you then. But basically what I'm trying to say is that a psychological factor exists when it comes to living here that a posh job doesn't compensate for. In some respects, I feel as if this is all the Koreans feel is necessary to make you feel at home here, sticking you in a shoe-box apartment and thinking you're happy.

[Ya-ta Boy]

But I don't feel like a nonentity here. Nor do I feel Koreans are responsible for making me happy. That's my job.

Somehow I think I'm missing your point.

[mindmetoo]

Korea is a place where loners can thrive.

[Omkara]

It's natural to have those feelings. Just witness them, watch how your mind and emotions change over time, and learn this part of your psychology. There is no doubt your feelings will change.

One thing you should not do is dwell on the negative. This is easy to say, hard to do. The trick is, don't repress the negative thoughts. Just note silently that you are having them. Say to yourself three times, "Negative mind." Then, just let them go. It's a practice. Keep with it.

It's okay that your mind has gone negative. Try to find the things you like and gently guide your mind into those experiences: notice the exact texture of the foods; notice that one kid really trying to understand what you are saying.

Get yourself out of your mind. Don't think, "I. . . . me. . . etc." Only experience: The crisp pop of kim chi, its tanginess. Don't impose your past or future. See, taste, touch, smell and hear. If you can find this space and quiet your mind, you'll have learned much.

[Unposter]

Everybody has good days and bad days in Korea. Heck, people have bad weeks and months too.

And, some people just have sucky situations. If you don't like where your living, move. I know easier said than done. The main idea is that if your situation sucks, first chance you get, change it. In the meantime, find ways to treat yourself and be happy again.

Very few Koreans understand what we go through. But, the reverse is the same. Very few of us understand what Koreans are going through. It is the real hard part about cultural understanding. If you have never walked in a man's shoes...

But, I still believe there are few small things Koreans could do that would break the barriers between us.

In the end, don't sweat the small stuff. And, find ways to enjoy (again much easier said than done but still you have to make it your mission!!!)

[skconqueror]

[hugekebab]

[hugekebab]

[Burns]

Mate, you really need to get out of the house more. I wonder if you felt the same way back home? Get a hobby, do some sport. It will make you feel so much better.

I suggest you think of happy times. What were you doing? Where were you? Who were you with? Try to plan how to bring those elements back into you life. Do you hate your job? If so why are you doing it? I say this because I work with kids and really love them. I have worked with little thugs in Manchester, nut job teenagers, street kids and the over privileged. Although it can be stressful, I�ve always found it rewarding. Are you in the right job?

Give yourself a deadline and stick to it.

If X doesn't happen by 30th Sept 2008, I will do Y.

Make a plan (maybe an escape plan) I�ve heard lots of weird stories about hogwons knicking your passport, etc. Forget about it. If anything odd happens, stay cool, nod and smile, agree, check into a hotel and tell your embassy. Never, ever, ever lose your cool with your boss. Boss will win.

You are not a prisoner in your shite flat. If you are living in the darkness, with bugs, then you have reason to be miserable. Enough reason to leave! I�ve taught EFL all over the world and never lived in a shit pit. Look for another job.

Good Luck!

[moosehead]

[blaseblasphemener]

Ya-ta boy's motto:

"99% of the time, it's you, not them."

true dat. it's you.

oh, I'm sorry. Were you born into poverty? Are you missing your legs? Are you mentally retarded? Are you mute? Are you terminally ill?

No?

Then get your head out of your a$$, go for a walk or take the subway, and live a little.

jesus h christ, you really do have it rough.

[Omkara]

It's blaseblasphemener, not you.

[Thedudeabides]