Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DorkothyParker]

So far, they tell me I will get my severance pay bonus and flight, so that's not an issue. Though, I will know more after the holiday.

It's only a couple months earlier than I planned to return home, but I realized I don't know what I want to be now that I am a grown-up. I thought I wanted to teach pre-school/Montessori, but the pay is basically min wage or $8/hour on the high end (according to CL posts in my hometown). This is not a living wage! Also, while I do find the work rewarding, I don't know if it's worth the emotional and physical drainage.

What do I want to do with my life? What are things I should consider? Before coming, I was a bank teller and I made $14/hour ($10.10 starting, but I moved up). I figure the pay for that will have gone down as well, but it's something I could return to for a short while. But I want to find my dream, my passion, my calling.
How? How do I figure out what to do with my life?

Practical, spiritual, philosophical, satirical, etc advice all welcome. ^^

[Fox]

When Nan Bo Zi Qi was traveling in the hills of Shang, he saw a large and unusual tree. A group of a thousand chariots could be hidden under the cover of its shade.

Zi Qi said:
"What kind of tree is this? It must be very strange timber!"
He turned his face up and looked at its thin branches which were so bent and twisted that they couldn't be used as rafters and beams. He bent down and looked at the tree's roots which were so gnarled and knotty that they couldn't be used to make coffins. He touched one of the leaves to his tongue, and it stung his mouth and left a sore. He smelled it then became like a mad man and had a hangover for more than three days.

Zi Qi said:
"This tree really is incapable of providing anything useful. That's how it's been able to grow so large. Aha! A holy person would be just as incapable!"

[Xylox]

1. Think about what you enjoy doing
2. Find job that is as close as possible to that thing
3. ???
4. Profit.

[DorkothyParker]

You think restaurants will pay me to eat their food and give suggestions for improvements? haha ^^

[Draz]

I know exactly what you're going to do!

Another job and another year in Korea. Probably more.

[DorkothyParker]

I would, but it's time my husband is able to start his schooling and also he needs to work. So, best we get back to America.
Also, I am lonely and I never connected with other neurotic people to have as friends in Korea.

[DorkothyParker]

Hey
My job situation is changing. You can read details here.
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=207086

I would appreciate if anyone else could offer guidance or advice. I think the key question is: "Does the change of company ownership alter my contract?" and also "Is there anything I can do or say to convince the school to just let me go and pay me fully?"

I can stay if I have to, but it's not the best thing, I feel.

EDIT: This post is still intended for hypothetical life advice.

[southernman]

I would immigrate to a country that values it's citizens and pays a decemt minimal wage. $8 an hour, you cant be serious...

Both Australia and NZ pay 40-50% better than that and that for a 17 yera old hight school dropout.

So my advice, if you're young enough, get your husband enrolled as an International student in one of those countries, you teach at Montesorri for a decent amount, save your dosh and contimue on with the next stage of your life.

Plus your husband could legally work part time and also help out with the savings

[rchristo10]

Because you said that you're married and your husband is starting school, I think working as a paralegal would be a good fit for you. You've got the language skills and seem to be a go-getter with communication abilities (posting on Dave's for advice and having worked as a teller). You can do some menial secretarial work for a lawyer while you study to be a paralegal, which shouldn't take you so much time. (By the way, both positions really do rely on how well you can network over lunches and occasional dinners, aside from the research and grudge work--I suggest keeping this little perk from the hubby though; you can occasionally invite him if it helps your career ).

By the way, in most messed up economies, the great thing you can rely on is a rise in crime. So the job options for this occupation shouldn't be too bad.

Good luck.

[ajuma]

Ok, this may sound really crazy but whatever is supposed to happen next in your life IS going to happen. Maybe you'll go back to the States and your "dream job" will appear. Or maybe a job you HATE will appear and that will motivate you to take steps to find the path to the job/life that you'll love!

When I look back on my life...the good, the bad and the ugly...every single thing that has happened to me has happened for a reason. Sometimes the reason isn't clear for 5 or 10 years...but there IS a reason!

You're going back with no plan? GOOD!! You're options are open. Take the path that seems like the right one. And if it's not, learn from it and find a new path!

I wish you well!

[DorkothyParker]

rchristo10: That is very interesting. For a long time in University, I wanted to work for a non-profit. Perhaps this is something that could lead me in that direction. Although, I'm not thrilled by the prospect of more school. Also, my degree is in Communications so I don't know much about the world of business and networking. We mostly just watched anime and talked about Karl Marx in my classes. ^^

Ajuma: I hope you're right! I always feel like life is something in front of me, like I'm waiting for it to start. I just want to be in a place where I am financially secure and I can enjoy life day to day without thinking about/worrying over what is next to come.

My husband is going for his Associates in Culinary Arts. He has considered getting his Bachelors in Food Science, but that would require living far from home again. The main reason we want to return home is so we can be amongst friends and family again.
I guess now I just need to get this primary situation straightened out and worry about a job after I get back. Yikes!

[skinhead]

You seem to be at the Crossroads, DP
There may be someone who can help you decide which way to go...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXuAQi4ekfs&feature=player_embedded

Trust in Him, and you will find your way.