Korean Job Discussion Forums

[oldenew]

Hi all,

I am looking for a new adventure in life and I am wondering about Korea as a means of fullfilment. I'm 50 years old and just retired from the military after 30 years. Therefore, money is not the tipping point.

Any suggestions about where is a great place. Korea? Japan? SE Asia? I'm young at heart and despite the trials and tribulations of life I still maintain a positive attitude about pretty much everything.

[typo]

Honestly, if money isn't an issue I probably wouldn't go to korea. Go to Thailand or Nepal or somewhere neat. Korea isn't neat. Even Japan, perhaps.

Just my two cents. I'm getting out after a year next month--I think one year is more than enough. Not that I didn't have a good time, but I just can't see myself getting much more out of Korea than I have this year. This could be because I met some cool Korean friends my first couple weeks here and picked up a lot of Korean culture more quickly than other foreigners.

There's also some societal...quirks...that really rub me the wrong way.

If I were you, I'd hti up Thailand. You could get a laid back job teaching (not making any money more than covering your expenses, but in your situation you don't need to worry about that.)

In any case, welcome and good luck in whichever endeavor you pursue.

[warren pease]

Korea's a cool place to live. In my opinion, the people who complain about Korea are the same people who complain about their home towns and who complain about their cars and who complain about the weather and who....

It's not Utopia but the vast majority of the Koreans I've met have been genuinely nice and infinitely more patient of us foreigners than we are of them back home.

Perhaps with your military experience the idea of moving to a foreign country isn't that overwhelming, but if you are at all nervous about setting up shop overseas Korea(ns) make(s) it very easy. It is completely normal for your school to set you up with an apartment, a bank account, basic furniture, and physically walk you down to the subway and show you how it works. On top of that, there is probably going to be someone at your school to answer all your daily questions and help you with day to day problems. If you work in a large school there may be a person whose sole job it is to do just that.

Outside of Seoul (I'm not really a city boy) Korea is a beautiful country. Beautiful beaches and some great mountains for hiking can be less than a mile apart and a short walk from subway and bus stops.

Good luck

[D.D.]

Stay way from Korea unless you need the cash. I would teach in China for a few years at the university level because the workload is so easy. Thailand is fun and Vietnam can be interesting.

[Moldy Rutabaga]

50 is not so old compared to some of us codgers on this forum. But you might give us more information -- are you looking for a second career, or a way to have an adventure for a year or so?

If you are looking to get settled, Korea is not a bad place to live for a few years. I honestly think that Koreans treat older foreigners better. It is a good launching point for vacations all over SE Asia.

If you are looking for something lighter in commitment, as the other posters are saying, you might try Thailand or even Vietnam. I taught ESL in Mexico for a year and had a blast, and there is a large ESL industry most people do not seem to know about in Central and South America. If you are financially settled you could also think about volunteer work, which could take you almost anywhere you like.

Ken:>

[PRagic]

Seoul, Pyeongtaek or Oijeongbu would be great for you because you'd have base access (PX and class six would be clutch) and medical/dental. If you're married, that would be good for your family. Single? Still something to consider.

A university job would allow you to travel a couple of months a year at least, and the smaller universities in smaller urban and rural areas near some bases hire people with just a BA/BS. If you have your MA, that would help, but you never know.

Personally, while Thailand is a great place to vacation, there's no way I'd work there; too hot and humid.

Good luck on your search. Korea would work well for someone in your situation and positive outlook, especially if money weren't a major issue.

[eamo]

[oldenew]

[Moldy Rutabaga]

[beercanman]

[xingyiman]

If you can find a school that likes you you'll be ok or at least unitl your health issues begin to negate your worth if that indeed never happens. But your best chances are in the private sector. In my experience public schools like the youngins.

[asams]

Have you looked into teaching on the military bases in these countries? I know you just got out of the Army, but this is offered to civilians and seems like you would have quite a bit of time to travel and such. Plus, that way you would be guaranteed a spot near Uijeongbu (kinda crappy city), in Seoul, Pyeongtaek or Osan, as far as Korean is concerned

[Zulethe]

Here's from someone who has been on both sides of the coin. I first came to Korea fresh out of college back in 1993.

Fast forward 15 years later I'm back and my experience this time is infintely better now. I think the best time to come to Korea is when you're in your 40s and 50s.

There are many reasons for this and the respect for age is a huge one. When I was younger, I was seen as a threat to a lot of the younger male Koreans. Now that I'm older, I am not perceived as a threat and I'm treated much better and I get away with a lot more.

At my school, I come and go as I please, teach whatever I want and I'm not bothered at all by my co-teachers, principle etc...

I think it's awesome you're considering teaching. I teach elementary school kids and I love it. My largest class has only fifteen students so I'm really making a lot of progress. Stay far away from middle school and I personally wouldn't do high school either but that's a preference you'll have to make on your own.


I would definitely choose Korea or Japan over southeast asia just because I hate the feel of being in a poor country sourrounded by poverty and squalor.

[typo]

oldnewguy: you sound like a cool cat. I stand by the idea that you probably should look elsewhere, but I'm mid 20's and broke, so our situations are a bit different.

For your sanity, if you do move here, stay off dave's. it's a black hole.

[oldenew]