Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SonomaJoe]

I have what is known as a ptosis. It is a slightly droopy eyelid. Whereas I am not vain about my appearance, I am not naive, either. It has cost me opportunities throughout my life. No one wants to hire that guy with the weird eye or go out with him.

I have wanted to save up for the surgery all my life but it is several thousand dollars and I have spent twelve years working at or near minimum wage. I am hoping that now that I have all of my qualifications, I can get a job teaching in Korea. The thing that I am having most difficulty with is my photos. I am not trying to hide the fact that I have an eye deformity. Unless I send out only pictures where my eyes are entirely closed, that is impossible.

I am asking for honest answers. Will anyone hire someone with a deformity? The more I read about how picky they are in Korea over appearance, the more nervous and self conscious I am becoming. It's incredibly nerve wracking. I know they want someone young and good looking, but at 33, I am neither of those things.

Also, is surgery cheaper over there? Here it is an average of $2500 to $5000 depending on who you go to. I am hoping eye surgery in Korea is cheaper but either way I will get the surgery if I can complete a year contract.

[tfunk]

If you're 33 then you have a reduced chance of getting a job where physical appearance is important. If you have a slight eye deformity then this also works against you.

There may be jobs where experience and qualifications are important but there aren't as many of them so it's competitive.

What do you have to offer a potential employer?

[bekinseki]

Korea is the land of plastic surgery. Also, there's a lot of botched plastic surgery. I've worked with people in the past who had one eye bigger than the other. My guess is you'd probably be okay.

[SonomaJoe]

tfunk - I only became aware of this recently. And it terrifies me.

bekinseki - I hope I can secure employment still.

I am aware of the risks of botched surgery but it is one of the most common ones. I just never had the money.

I'm also slightly terrified because I had no idea that age mattered before coming to this board. I wish I'd been able to first go over in my twenties but just getting money for food was difficult in my twenties.

I suppose I can offer an employer nothing but doing my best, to answer your question. I have no experience and I am desperate to get my foot in the door.

[Zyzyfer]

If you look fine otherwise I don't think the eye thing would be a complete dealbreaker. Also, I'm going to venture a guess that the surgery to fix it would be cheaper than the US price. Depending on how much time off would be required, you could possibly get it done after just a few months of work if you have no debts back home.

I think your age would be a bigger factor, but just apply and see what happens, and secure the documents ASAP. It's worth a shot.

[fermentation]

Looks are extremely important in Korea. Looking old or not "foreign" enough may sometimes be reason to not hire you. Also, the handicapped and foreigners get stared at all the time here. I wonder how they'll react to a foreigner with a deformity.

My guess is that plastic surgery is much cheaper here than in the States. People get botched surgery here because Koreans can be really stupid when it comes to medical stuff. Every other day there's a news segment about how some people got screwed over by a "doctor" who promised to cure cancer or something with his special tools in his apartment. Make sure its a reputable hospital and doctor and you'll probably be fine.

[chrisinkorea2011]

Actually my friends in cali and some people i know have said that americans will fly to korea for surgery because its that much cheaper than in the states. Now is that 100% the case all the time? im sure it matters on what surgery you need, but im pretty sure that its damn well cheaper in korea. And actually all over korea (especially when i to to seoul) they have TOO MANY plastic surgery posters/ads all over the place lol

[Draz]

when did 33 get to be too old to get a job in Korea? It's not advised because it damages your career prospects more at that age, but actually finding a job shouldn't be that hard.

For the eye thing, I would try to minimize it in the picture, if possible. I met one person who hid a let's say facial disadvantage in their application photos. Was the school happy? No. Did they say anything about it? Yes. Was the person fired? Nope.

[brento1138]

Hey man, you're not old until 35! Two years left!

And with a droopy eye-lid, they'll probably just think you were blinking during the picture. No biggie.

I say just give it your best shot, come on over here, save up the money, and get your long-wanted surgery. It's all good!

[Feloria]

I got my first job here at the ripe 'ol age of 38! I've been here 4 years and just started at a new job. Age has never been a problem, at least for me.
Eyelid surgery is the most common surgery done here, and it is much less expensive than in the States.
Give it a shot--I've seen plenty of foreigners out here who are far less than "picture prefect."

[Swampfox10mm]

As for the surgery thing... find a place that has a lot of bookings... not just a nice place. Ask around, and try to find more than one reference.

I went to the dentist last week, and the DENTIST now gives botox shots!

I've heard stories from Koreans of Korean family practice doctors who aren't making enough money, and ask to "sit in and watch" a few plastic surgery procedures performed by an old buddy from med school.... they then open up their own shop as a plastic surgeon!

[Seoulman69]

What kind of qualifications do you have? If you have a degree or MA related to TESOL or linguistics then you should have a good chance of getting a job. If you have a degree in pottery then you're chances are alot lower.
I'd suggest getting a pair of glasses. If will hopefully take the focus away from your eye.
I'd also suggest taking your time to find a plastic surgeon who knows what he is doing and hopefully has done this particular procedure before.

Good luck!

[SonomaJoe]

Hi, guys. Thanks for your replies.

I do have glasses. The ptosis is not as severe as some other ones I've seen online but it is definitely noticeable. I don't mind being stared at. People say stupid things to me every now and then like "Dude why is your eye like that?" Because it's my fashion statement. Why do you think?

I have a BA in English literature. I have all my documents. I have my TEFL, which I just got in the mail. As far as hurting my career goes, I'm not worried about that. I've worked a few temp bank jobs that lasted a year, and done some minimal copywriting, but apart from that I have been trapped in retail jobs. Teaching anyone, anywhere, would be a dream in comparison. I don't look to Korea for an easy job, just a job that can help me get ahead before it's too late.

[tfunk]

Have you applied anywhere? For me,there were times when I didn't receive any response from recruiters etc. so don't be discouraged by lack of replies. Try a few places.

[Weigookin74]

Normally, I'd say the age issue wouldn't have been a problem. If you're older and applying for the first time, you'd just have to work somewhere outside of Seoul. The countryside was relegated for those really old, while the suburbs were for those over 30 or non white North American or people from other English speaking countries. But the recession has really messed things up around the country. (Lots of young uns, even in the countryside.) Still with experience, a person can get into Seoul, public school, etc. I've had my eyes opened recently by discovering less than perfect looking people hired recently by EPIK and also working academies in Seoul. But, you must have a year or so of experience. Take a job anywhere in Korea, wear glasses, tolerate the jokes (Koreans can be direct when it comes to people's appearances), and start saving.


As far as any type of surgery, look in the APGUJUNG district of Seoul. It's a part of the Gangnam district with a stop on Line 3. Usually can speak English there. Get Koreans to check on them (references). Most expensive in Korea but less likely to have bad results. If you do surgeries in Gongju, Suncheon, or some other crack place, that's where you'll prob get screwed. Cheapest price may not always use the most modern methods. Look for best quality with the best experience. I'd say APGUJUNG is the only place to go for surgeries using the latest odern methods. Much cheaper? Prob not. Maybe cheaper than LA because prices in some places like that are really inflated.