Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tanklor1]

I'm having a minor crisis between enjoyment versus responsibility. I've been paying off my debts back in the home country and I have about two more years at my current salary to completely wipe-out my debt. The thing is I'm at that point of the year where I have to decided on whether or not to stay at my current school or seek another. For the sake of the steady paycheck and the overall goal of paying off my debt it makes financial sense to stay where I am: my school isn't absolutely fantastic but I've seem to have earn my stripes there when it comes to teaching and the Korean staff pretty much leaves me alone. (Which in my opinion is about as good as it is going to get) But on the flip side of the coin the atmosphere is so damn monotonous that some days I really question why I'm here. The same office, the same streets, the same 10 minute walk to work everyday coupled with the fact that there are only about five types of buildings in Korea (Kimbop restaurant, PC bang, Sauna, bar, apartment building) makes me wish for a different country.
To the long timers how do you deal with the monotonous tone of Korea?

[Chet Wautlands]

I once complained to my mom about how I didn't know if I wanted to be a teacher and that I was worried my life might pass me by without ever feeling fulfilled. Her response was that 90% of people don't like their jobs. Very few people get real satisfaction from what they do 9-5. But, there's always the rest of your life... the hours from 5pm-9am.

If you're feeling bored, but ultimately it's not so bad, just make a point of doing incredible things in your "free" time. Maybe make new friends. Take a class. Do something you don't normally do. Eat something you've never eaten.

I'd say stick with it. If, after four years at your current job, your biggest complaint is monotony, then you're ahead of the game.

[cruisemonkey]

I go to my 'happy place' and think about: Bali, British Columbia, Alaska, Rome, Mongolia, Laos... you get the picture.

[Cerulean]

I hit the same feeling every 2 years here. I've always changed schools at the 2 year mark and I've realized that it's this job. Changing jobs might give you a new spring in your step to keep you going for the next 2 years but why bother if you're not staying here or in this job forever.

I agree, try and do other things with your free time.

[cruisemonkey]

One must be able to convince one's self boredom is good; and it is... because nobody's shooting at you.

[lifeinkorea]

[cruisemonkey]

[lifeinkorea]

Change of scenery http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWwycMIw29E

[The Goalie]

Andre Agassi has a new book out and I saw him talking about it on David Letterman. He always hated tennis. He only played because his dad made him. At one point he was so depressed - a job he didn't want, a marriage he didn't want - he started taking crystal meth. This came to a head and his career was spiraling out of control but one day he was in Stuttgart (I think) in the evening and he was looking out at all the cars, with all the people going home after a day of work and he asked himself if it were likely that they were all living their dreams, loving what they do. No, probably not... and I can't really remember what he said next but the fact is he refocussed on his tennis, committed himself, found a way to love it, and went on to the most successful phase of his career. The tennis didn't change, his job didn't change, he just changed his attitude and it made all the difference.

If we can find meaning in what we do (and why shouldn't we, we're teachers?) and decide to make a difference within the parameters that we are given, I think we should all be able to find some satisfaction in our jobs.

I also recommend (if you haven't already) that you visit www.ted.com (TED Talks). There are loads of lectures there by all the most brilliant and inspiring people on the planet. If you can't find the reason there well then... I don't know.

Oh, and, yeah, I have felt what it is I think you're feeling...

[cruisemonkey]

"I wanna believe that none of this true..."

In K-land, the truth is often stranger than fiction.

[Thiuda]

[cruisemonkey]

[schwa]

One of the joys of teaching is that it never need be monotonous. Every student every class every year is a new puzzle to figure out.
Sameness of streets, shops, etc, well that would be an issue wherever you've sunk roots. Up to you whether familiarity is a blessing or a curse.
Personally, I enjoy observing & being part of subtle gradual change in a relatively fixed situation.

Life is never static. I suggest you savor the nuances.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

If you think your options are limited then that's all you'll see.

If being at the school was merely a habit....break that habit somehow. If you don't want to have to go through the hassle of changing you need to sit down with the school and hammer something out in terms of your function and the school's expectations and how they'll offer support.

Good luck!

[hockeyguy109]

Start up smoking. It will get rid of your boredom. "Hmmm, what now? Cigarette is brilliant!"

If you DO smoke, try quitting. You will never be bored. There is a new twitch and muscle spasm behind every corner. Take my word for it, it's actually quite exciting!