Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ronald]

Actually, I'm coming back to Korea. I'm here on vacation and to get a new visa. Yeah, the economy is sh*t, but the weather is nice and warm in the south. The skies have been crystal clear and the air is so fresh that I'll never take it for granted again. Nice to watch live football games too. It was also nice to be back for the election to see Obama win and listen to his speech live. Sad to see so many people overweight though. I really felt embarrassed when I saw motorized carts hauling people from gate to gate at Houston airport. However, I haven't seen anyone passed out on the street since I been home or any vomit. Not too many people stare at me these days unless they're rendering a friendly wave. My dating isn't as active here either, but a few girls I have spoken to seemed to understand everything I was talking about. Other than that, I feel a bit out of place. Nobody really asks me an questions about my life in Korea, but I don't have a life here anymore either. Everything is so slow and quiet. At least I'm sleeping really good. Gas is down to $1.95! It's wasn't that low when I was in college! Of course, I wouldn't want to be in the job market here. I'm in McCain country and people are certainly worried about the economy and what's going to happen next year. I can't say I haven't thought about just staying here anyways. It's an interesting time to be at home. Happy Thanksgiving!!!

[mindmetoo]

[ReeseDog]

[Bibbitybop]

[Unposter]

I have found in general my friends are either just not that interested in Korea and my life here or they just don't relate. Yes, I get some people who say things like they are jealous I get to travel and see so many interesting places but after they say that the conversation usually ends.

We are a unique and special bunch.

[Ronald]

[davai!]

high 80s in Southern California right now.

[blaseblasphemener]

Interesting post OP. I wish more people would write about their experiences back home, either vacationing or living. I never get tired of hearing about life for ex-pats or ex-ex-pats.

Weird about the fat people. Damn though, was at E-mart this weekend, and saw two very obese boys, not even teens yet, within 2 minutes of each other. Korea is going to have a big problem on it's hands, very soon.

[fortysixyou]

OP: I myself just got back to the USA after a year in Korea and 6 weeks in sunny Thailand.

Everything you wrote is everything I've been thinking since I got back yesterday.

I'm in Texas, too! Where are you?

[Bibbitybop]

Miami is 69 F at the moment.

[ReeseDog]

[planthopps]

I taught in Korea a year and got back to Washington state a month ago. I am glad to be back home. I had a great time in Korea, traveled to many other countries and met a lot of cool people. But I made the decision that I would not go back to a dead end job with a currency crisis.

It is so easy to start to think that after college all you can do is teach in Korea. I would rather start my career here in America than go back to Korea. My father said it best, "Why, would you go back to Korea to do the English teaching thing when you just got done doing it for a year?" It is sort of you did it once, it is over now move on to the next big thing.

My friends don't care about my Korea experience. I learned to not talk about it unless I was asked a specific question which after I answered it I would change the subject. From my experience I have found that if something doesn't benefit them directly they are not interested in it. Nobody cares about your experiences in Korea. People are too wrapped up in their own life. I am not concerned with what others did either for a year in another country either.

There is a life after Korea. If you stay over there too long you will become trapped there. You know what they say, "if you don't use your degree within two years it is almost worthless." In my case I have a Biology degree and a Biotech degree so my future is much bigger than living in a broom closet with 10 vacation days a year and being ostracized from society.

[fruitcake]

[MrRogers]

Planthopps wrote:

[Scotticus]