Korean Job Discussion Forums

[rapier]

The newby teachers arriving at my school are like innocent lambs to the slaughter: bright eyed and bushy tailed, they walk in the gates full of politeness, pleasantries and laid back approach. Some of them have a good attitude to work, some don't...
As a vet here (2 years), they look to me to protect them and stand up for them against the bewildering and opportunistic slave -driving of the Korean management.
But having already had my run-ins with the boss and supervisor, and arrived at a sort of equilibrium/ stand-off where they know not to abuse me, I'm loathe to join some "foreigner solidarity trade union effort" to protect them.
Why? because
a) nobody ever took me under their wing and looked after me when I arrived. I had months of hell before I figured out the way to handle Koreans.
b) I'm not about to jeopardise my position, the respect I have with the boss, and the improving relations I've worked hard for, for the sake of brand new teachers who get paid the same as me, yet have less experience or qualifications.
c) I fight my own battles..I don't expect someone to help me just because they happen to be white and speak the same language.
d)Any extra work thrust upon them means less work pointed in my direction...

Sound selfish? maybe. But what would you do?

[TheUrbanMyth]

You are exactly right. Let people stand or fall on their own. The ones who stand are likely those who would do it anyway. Ditto for the ones that fall.

[rapier]

One of them said to me (in effect, but not these exact words)-"we all have to stand together against the management..if you don't help present a united front, you're the weak link that will sink us".
Sorry, but my concept of racial unity among whites in a foreign land died a long time ago...I just look after number 1 now...

[schwa]

Thats a tough one. Just because no one helped you learn the ropes doesnt mean you wouldnt have deeply appreciated it at the time. I assume youre kind & helpful about stuff outside the realm of office politics. But I'm also thinking theres a way to share some insights about how the boss operates without compromising your hard-won status quo. Maybe generalized pointers about business & cultural differences, then let the noobs figure it out for themselves from there?

I've helped my share of newcomers settle in. Theres a fine balance between assisting them to become happy & effective coworkers & not giving up your own personal trade secrets. As the established teacher you have a certain mystique to them. Dole out your wisdom selectively & you can still win their trust & gratitude.

[btw youve altered your charming avatar & I'd been trying to decipher the original logo on her shirt -- how did it read?]

[schwa]

You posted again just before I submitted & wow thats really tough if youre being ostracized by a gang of newbies as some kind of lackey or whatever. Be strong, silent, independent? Sounds like theyre gonna stir up sh!t you want no part of. Best luck.

[rapier]

Schwa: thanks- yep- "strong silent and independent" pretty much sums me up as regards office politics.
I do give them some advice and general info and observations on korean culture as you say...but of course I'm not about to put my own neck on the line to help out some newbies who are having trouble adapting to a new culture.
I've negociated a better position for myself than them because i know (to some extent) what makes Koreans tick...They see me as a wise guy who should be helping them out purely because we happen to be of the same race, basically..

[Corky]

Do unto others ... or something like that. Be patient with them, but firm, like with a new puppy. Maybe tell them that it's very "bad" to yell while talking to the boss. You don't need to explain or justify yourself to anyone. Wait until they start clueing into the finer things in life, like "ethnocentricism". Then it'll be good times.

[Juggertha]

yeah, i'd give advice but stand up for yourself.. and yourself only. The whole "unity" thing is bull. If they have a opint, back htme up.. if not, let em hang.

[Mr. Pink]

[prairieboy]

Been there, done that. When I first arrived I didn't have much help other than my room mate always wanting to go out for beer, so I learned quickly how to order a drink in a bar and some snacks. He showed me which bus would get me into Seoul. That's it.

I've tried helping Newbies adjust, giving advice and stepping in to help them out when they were in over their heads. Mostly the advice went in one ear and out the other the two times I tried. Both of those teachers were fired because they did not listen to my advice, so I give up.

I'll tell them where they can go for food or drinks, help them out with that but otherwise, they are on their own. I will only step in now when it's something I know I can win with them. But I look out for myself first. If it's not in my best interest then I'm not sticking out my neck.

Cheers