Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Viaje]

I would have worded this question differently if there was more space in the subject line.

Is living long-term in Asia sort of a rejection of your native country, if its simply a preference is that not some sort of rejection and how does one "define" that preference? Part of this question is how it affects one's "status" in the native country, how do family and old friends feel about your preferring to live in Asia? Isn't it necessary to give up a lot of what one had or could have in the native country? Like the saying, "Something's lost and something's gained?"

What is it like to live in Asia for more than five years and then return to the native country? I think the question is a little more significant the longer one has lived in the foreign land, and also the older one is. In other words to do it for five years right out of college, at the age of early twenties, would seem different than say staying ten years or doing it at an older age.

Also, when does one reach the point of no return? It seems a strong lifestyle or life choice to live abroad for ten years or so. How do you go back to the native land? What is it like when you do?

I could go on and on with these questions, as I've only scratched the surface of what I am curious about. For example I think the answers would be different from those who have married spouses from the foreign countries, and therefore remained in the spouse's country; and even those for those who return home with the spouse. I'm more asking about the basic reasons for preferring Asia to the US or Canada, etc. , separate from practical reasons of having married someone there--but of course the perspectives of those who have married there are just as valuable.

Sorry for any crazy-making curiousity, here, but any comments welcome

[michaelambling]

Of course it is. Likewise, moving to any foreign country permanently is a rejection of the homeland.

This seems pretty obvious to me. Like getting steak at a restaurant is a rejection of the chicken dishes...

[Jane]

Perhaps your asking what are the motives for leaving one's country to reside long-term in an Asia one.

I don't think it is automatically a rejection of something when preference is involved. It is a preference --meaning the most suitable or appealing--not a zero-sum thing. The other options are less suitable then, not UNsuitable.

Therefore, I prefer to live in Asia for the timebeing, but am still very fond of my home country. Once the Won appreciates a bit, I'm outta here!

But everyone is different. We are lucky to have the freedom to choose where we can live in the world, as most people don't.

[ChinaBoy]

OFF TOPIC FORUM

[creeper1]

People are just people. Backpackers come here initially to taste the the difference of a different culture and for the adventure. However that same backpacker may go back home and find that the only job they could get was at McDonalds.

Now I may love my home country. I may love my family. Now I may like the food, sport and fresh air but if I'm saying "Do you want fries with that?" every day I'm likely to be unhappy.

So myself and other backpackers are going to miss being in a responsible and privileged position. Teaching kids is a much better and fulfilling job than the service industry.

[crusher_of_heads]

You won't be making any money doing privates.

Privates are illegal.

You are welcome.

[Tjames426]

Perhaps your asking what are the motives for leaving one's country to reside long-term in an Asia one.

***

s a US Citizen...

If the US Government would not steal 50% of my gross pay, I might return back home. Why live back home when I can save more than 1/2 my gross salary here for long term savings, investment, and retirement.

It is not rocket science.

[Zulethe]

I'm never going back to live in my "home country." I can't stand to look at fat ugly women in power, at the mall, in your way, and in the farm. I'll stay anywhere but home. Can't say I won't visit from time to time, family and all.

It's not a rejection, it just a preference.

[jkelly80]

[McSensei]

I flip-flop back and forth from missing fresh air and open space to being grateful that I can go clubbing til the wee hours of the morning and get home without worrying about a DWI, and then there is the financial aspect of course, living cheap and saving lots all while being able to enjoy life too.
But I have met so many guys who get stuck here or in Japan and they always tell me about their plans about moving back to the states or Canada with their families but it is going to be so expensive buying 4 plane tix instead of two and looking for work once back in NA, so I reckon I'm not doin the permanent resident thing. It's just too hard to make the transition back. I'd rather go back and suffer through whatever shitty job for a year or two until I figure something long-term out and then enjoy my backyard + dog + trips to the river or lake

[Are they the lemmings]

Damn right it's a rejection: My motherland is one big dump.

On an unrelated matter, I would gladly pay $20 to see a show by a band called

[bobbybigfoot]

Not necessarily. You can still have great fondness for your country and be away for many years, even decades.

* Falling in love could keep you here
* Better job prospects
* Difficult family life back home
* A preference for Asia but still a love for USA, Canada, UK etc...

Far too simplistic a view to make black and white statements like, "All expats who have been away 1500 days have officially rejected their country."

[michaelambling]

[SHANE02]

For me it's a rejection of the pathetic teaching salaries in NZ.

[michaelambling]