Korean Job Discussion Forums

todes_8ngel · Joined: 06 Jun 2010

I've been in Korea for over 3 years now and a first time poster. I have six months left on my current contract and is thinking about my next move. I've never had any problems in Korea and has had a great time so far.

However, I no longer find my job challenging. I work out in the boonies where the English ability of the students is very little to nonexistance. I have no co-teacher, just their homeroom teachers and they show no signs of interest at all in helping their students learn.

So, I'm getting to that point there I think it's time for me to head home. I pretty much drag going to work every morning and the only thing I look forward to on Monday morning is Friday 5pm. I no longer interact with students outside of class hours and I avoid any dinners with Korean teachers. My attitude has changed drastically from the first 3 years.

is it time to go home to a crappy economy? Do I just need a change of scenery (same school all this time)? Take a 3 month break or so and come back?

Anyone else have this feeling?

Louis VI · Joined: 05 Jul 2010 Location: In my Kingdom

air76 · Joined: 13 Nov 2007

Personally I believe that 3 years is the most that any sane individual can take in Korea without starting to lose their sanity bit by bit.

If you don't mind teaching why don't you go to Vietnam or China for a year?

eIn07912 · Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Location: seoul

Unless you have some great skill that's in demand back home (sadly, teaching ain't one of 'em) I'd suggest look anywhere but there. The jobless situation in the states is terrible and appears it may be getting slightly worse soon before it gets better.

Bad thing is, that's kind of the story everywhere (except for Canada oddly enough, who's economy is roaring right now.) I understand what you mean about not being "in" your job anymore. That's my feeling everyday. But I have kind of convinced myself that no place is worth it right now, so I might as well stay here where at least the money is.

I have some friends that are now teaching in Vietnam. They said it's pretty cool. They have a really nice house they rent and foreign money goes a long ways there. You have to sacrifice the standard of living though. As well as common things you get used to here. Like modern hospitals, English friendly environment. New roads and shopping centers and such.

Best of luck.

Louis VI · Joined: 05 Jul 2010 Location: In my Kingdom

Died By Bear · Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2010 5:11 pm Post subject:

The job market is bad. Real bad. I have been looking for almost four months. Almost there, but it's been a real hard time.

Rothbard · Joined: 23 Aug 2010

Move to a bigger city. I'm coming up on the end of my third year at my first school, and am heading in that direction. I've been in Changwon for two and a half years. I'm feeling like it has done all it can for me, and me for it.

Maybe Seoul or Busan in 2011.

todes_8ngel · Joined: 06 Jun 2010

eIn07912 · Joined: 06 Dec 2008 Location: seoul

jvalmer · Joined: 06 Jun 2003

Vagabundo · Joined: 26 Aug 2010

Juregen · Joined: 30 May 2006

Nester Noodlemon · Joined: 16 Jan 2009

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

OP> I think you should be congratulated. Three years in one PS. That's awesome! I change my job every year. It costs me a lot of money (reoccuring application costs, downtime not paid, stuck on entry level wages etc), but leaving Korea and having a holiday (before returning to a new school) is what has kept me teaching in Korea.

You sound burnt out - and bored. I know the feeling. Six months into my new school and I already know that I'm finished with Korea (at contract end) and probably finished with TEFL.

Why not stick it out a bit longer, bank some more cash, and then give yourself a really long (and deserved) stint on a Thailand beach. I guarantee that will recharge your batteries, and then you'll be ready for anything that life has in store for you.

Good luck.

oldfatfarang · Joined: 19 May 2005 Location: On the road to somewhere.

OP> I think you should be congratulated. Three years in one PS. That's awesome! I change my job every year. It costs me a lot of money (reoccuring application costs, downtime not paid, stuck on entry level wages etc), but leaving Korea and having a really long holiday (before returning to a new school) is what has kept me teaching in Korea.

You sound burnt out - and bored. I know the feeling. Six months into my new school and I already know that I'm finished with Korea (at contract end) and probably finished with TEFL.

Why not stick it out a bit longer, bank some more cash, and then give yourself a really long (and deserved) stint on a Thailand beach. I guarantee that will recharge your batteries, and then you'll be ready for anything that life has in store for you.

Good luck.