Korean Job Discussion Forums

[alljokingaside]

So instead of another 1.5 weeks to settle this question, the timeframe originally given, I've been asked to tell my coteachers whether or not I'll stay on for another year by tomorrow. By Friday it is! So, instead of pondering and deliberating, I've put it up to a vote. Yes.

So y'all don't know me and, understandably, you're probably asking yourself-
"Hey! How can I saddle this, lending words and opinions that may or may not impact the next year of a stranger's life, with little to no personal knowledge of that person, what makes him tick, what his reason for being and being here is, the supplying the hows without the whys, how the hell do you expect me to respond? DO NOT PUT THIS ON ME!!!"

Or maybe more reasonably and probable, "Why the hell should I care?" Or better, "Umm...yeah....right." "Why the hell do I care?"

You probably don't. But since you've already clicked on the link, went down this far, why the hell not? You may come to this same question, or probably have and will, and this may help to resolve your own thoughts and feelings on this twisted, fun ride we call the ROK.

A little about me- public tech high school worker in Busan. Low, low level English. Kids are unruly, but I can handle them, generally speaking. I've been of some help this year, uncovering the lack of grammatical awareness, etc. in their own language and have felt that my time here wasn't completely wasted. Which is a good thing. I'm from the States where the job market for pretty much any sector isn't guaranteed. I''ll have roughly a month's worth of cash to last me, should I decide to head back. The industry to which I'll return is a mystery. Not that I've no options, but that the options I've built back for me at home is either in serious reconsideration future-wise (and includes grueling hours) OR is food service. I dig many things about this place, except the mass urbanization, concrete, booze culture (and lack of other similar, illicit cultures. [plead the fifth.]), etc. And even as a gyopo, I'm eh about the whole cultural aspect.

So yes, should I stay? and, in approximately 25-50 words, why?

thanks a bunch.

[cragesmure]

Because a month's worth of cash isn't that much. Also because you seem like someone with a good attitude and a personality. People like that are good to have around.

[superNET]

PLEASE, please, PUT the HYPHEN (-) in the word re-sign if you mean that you will sign up again. This word 'resign' does NOT mean the same as this one 're-sign'

[alljokingaside]

yeah- i saw that a little after I posted, but the forum won't let me change it. boop.

sorry that my typo offended your delicate, gramattical organs.

and thanks, cragesmure!

[Summer Wine]

If you have no major problems with the job or another place that you would rather be than I say why not stay.

It can be better the second year as they know you now or it could be worse as they take you for granted. Its hard to say, but if you dont have anywhere else better to be than sticking around for another year will help keep you paid.

[TheUrbanMyth]

I would say if you are seriously conflicted about re-signing it is probably a good idea not to.

[redaxe]

[WadRUG'naDoo]

I know someone (no, not me because I've never been a public school teacher in Korea), that was asked if he wanted to renew. He said he did and they came back to him later telling him that they didn't want to renew him. So why would they ask?

[superNET]

If you have to put it to a vote and let strangers decide for you , then please do not re-sign and leave the profession.

[young_clinton]

Flat out renew unless you have a public position elsewhere. Where else are you going to get a job with free housing and all the other things? I didn't renew my position and it was one of the worst mistakes i ever made.

[Sector7G]

Before I began reading your post I assumed the choices would be between re-signing with your present school, or signing on with another- the old "do I choose the devil I know or the devil I don't know" decision.

But since the other choice is going back home and the picture you paint of that looks pretty bleak, I would stay at least one more year and try to save more than one month of cash reserve.

Anyway, it's Friday evening now- which one did you choose?

[murmanjake]

you should resign

[Louis VI]

yes resign, don't re-sign

[Draz]

I can't even decide what I should do next year, how can I decide for a complete stranger?

I suspect another year might make you go crazy, like it did for me. But not having any money is hard too. I don't know. I'm at the point where working in food service looks like an attractive option compared to another year trapped in this regrettable culture but it doesn't sound like you're there yet.

[ReeseDog]