Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hockeyguy109]

Hey,
I've been here in Korea for a week now. I only smoke before work, at lunch time, and after work. Smoking seems to be really frowned down upon. I would have thought the opposite. Out of curiosity, those who smoke and work at public schools: Do you go out for a smoke on your 10-minute breaks between classes? How often do you smoke? I'm trying to quit anyway, but I perform better if I can smoke, so what do you do?

[Rusty Shackleford]

I will guarantee the male teachers have a smoking den hidden away somewhere. I work at two schools. At the first, the male teachers smoke in full view of the students most lunch times and after school. Usually in the carpark. At the other most of the male teachers don't smoke but the VP and the groundskeeper guys can be seen between classes sneaking a smoke in the yard.

Just keep your eyes peeled. If there are more than a few men at your school, it's likely some smoke. They will probably be stoked to share a dart with you.

[hockeyguy109]

Thanks for the reply, Rusty. I will have to find out about it.

It'd probably be better if I didn't. haha. Quitting smoking is such a pain.

[valkerie]

Agree with Rusty. At my (rural) school they seem to be strict about it being out of sight of the kids. Hilarious to see the TEACHERS behind the bike sheds copping a smoke!!

If you watch the guys you will notice they sneal off somewhere. If u r a guy then yes, it is easier to ask them directly where they go.

[Straphanger]

The kids can smell it. I smoke and I work at a Hakwon. After I take a shower in the morning, there are no cigarettes until I get home at night.

[Beeyee]

[Xuanzang]

[Otherside]

OP, I'm a smoker and in a PS too. I go to the roof to smoke.

Just a comment though. It's pretty poor form to smoke in that 10minute break between classes. It's one thing to smoke at school and another to reek of smoke while teaching a class. Stick to smoking before and after school and during your lunch break.

When I have a free period, i'll smoke then...but finishing a class, rushing out, having a fag and rushing back in isn't ideal

Ironically enough...I am the ONLY teacher at my school who smokes. The admin guy at my school used to smoke too...but he left mid way through last year leaving just me.

[John_ESL_White]

every break, puffing away in an alley with a local tomcat.

then, I rush to the bathroom and brush my teeth, wash my hands and jump into class.

If anyone smells it, I ignore it and explain it away as the old guy at the busstop blowing smoke on me...blah blah blah..

[harlowethrombey]

[JJJ]

Pretty good chance the caretaker smokes, so go where he goes. Yes, they tried to implement a no-smoking policy on school property a few years ago. Hasn't worked at any of the schools I've worked at. About 5 of us smoke out back behind the shack. Students don't see us generally, unless they are playing tag or something at lunch and run all over the place. They all know we smoke. Never a problem if you not the only one. No worries.

[jvalmer]

Unless you're in a really small school, the majority of the males will smoke. It's all about age, so the younger ones will tend not to smoke in front of elders and usually will keep their public smoking limited to school dinners. But, I'm sure you can easily find a smoking buddy. Some schools aren't strict and the guys will just smoke in the coffee room. Other schools are strict, so the teachers will have some place where they gather and puff away.

If you're a young lady, best to keep your smoking at home. I've seen some older female teachers smoke, not on school grounds, but at dinners. But these ladies were old, like in their 50's.

As for smelling like smoke. I wouldn't worry too much about that. As long as you don't smell like alcohol. Although, that alcohol rule goes out the window for special events, like sports day or school festivals.

[AussieGav]

I'm in a middle school. Most of the males smoke and we have a small male teachers lounge (the female teachers also have one but dont smoke in it) where most male teachers can be found during breaks. It's probaly not the most responsible thing, but everyone brushes their teeth or uses gum etc. Ask you co-teacher, I'm sure they will set you straight.

[dean_burrito]

At my school they smoke in the janitors closet.

[English Matt]

At my school there is a space between two of the school buildings that forms a sort of courtyard, and that is the 'smoking area'. I had no problems smoking there, and most of the smokers would be out there during every break, puffing away (incidentally they are all men over the age of 40). I certainly had no comments from the students about smelling of smoke....and they are not shy about pointing out things like that (for instance if they think I've put on a bit of weight then they are very open about telling me).

I've stopped smoking now, and do think that it is bad form to smell of smoke around kids for health reasons...given recent stories about third hand smoke in the news.