Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tanklor1]

I don't particularly like the job I have and I was about ready to start searching for a different one when the boss comes up to me and says "How about another year?" and tosses more money at me.

I've come to the conclusion that I don't have a reason or desire to stay other than it would increase my bank account by a couple of zeros.

What would you do?

[Unposter]

"Hate" is a relative term. Just how much do you hate this job? What kind of financial responsibilities do you have? What do you think are your realistic options? Answer those questions and you might get closer to an answer.

[sbp59]

[tanklor1]

[sbp59]

[The Floating World]

Yes. My whole 8 years in Korea. Hate would be a strong word, but I literally only do it as it's more interesting living abroad than at home at the moment and I can get up later and save more than I can there in a job where I'd have to extend simmilar effort and responsibility.

[Who's Your Daddy?]

If the job is a 6 out of 10, that's a hogwon. It could be worse. Do you think the other job is at least a 6?

Then again, sometimes it's nice to change you surroundings, especially living area.

[Adventurer]

[dmillika]

I personally cannot be happy if I am working a job I hate. That feeling of hatred seeps in to everything else I do. Like, if it's the weekend, instead of enjoying myself, I'll be thinking "Great. Only 2 days before the start of another week in hell."

That's me though. I'm terrible at completely detaching work from home, although Korea has made me better at it.

Not enough money to throw at me to stay somewhere I hated.

[Julius]

[Suwon23]

Isn't that just life in general? I mean, if you really loved your job, they wouldn't have to pay you to do it. If your job is destroying your very soul, then by all means leave. But if your only complaint is that it kind of sucks that they micro-manage you, then... You're probably no worse off than you'd be at a different job.

Money is the main reason why anybody puts up with any job. And Korea is a good place to make money, so that's probably doubly so here.

[big_fella1]

Yes I have stayed in a job I hated for the money. It was much more than I make in Korea and I eventually quit to come here. The first 4 months after I did that were the toughest period in my life.

After one year in another job I hated I now realise that I need to grow a pair.

[pmwhittier]

The last job I had in the US was working in a call center selling insurance. At first, I thought it was great because straight out of college with an English degree I was making $40k/yr. But as time went on, customers became more abusive, management became less supportive (while at the same time always peering over my shoulder) and I began to dread stepping into the call center every day. In June, I was laid off, and I have never been as broke or as happy. I lost my apartment, my car, my big screen TV, but I don't dread getting up every day. Now I'm about to go teach English to little kids, and I think it will be a great adventure.

I may end up with a micro-management freak of a boss or out of control kids, but at least I know it will be better than dealing with the daily grind of a call center and customer service.

So ask yourself, do you dread going into work? If so, then find another place to be. Money truly can't buy happiness, and life is too short. Plus, if you have experience, maybe you can consider other options (such as another country?) to see if a change of location or customs might be a better fit for you.

This is just my story, and I don't want to downplay anyone's experiences. I just know from my own experiences that happiness is worth way more than $$$.

[thegadfly]

For many people in the world, staying in a job you dislike because you need the money is called "life." Being able to quit a job they dislike is a luxury many folks don't feel they can afford.

I've never bailed on a contract early. I've never not given proper (contractually-outlined) notice, in the cases where the contract was not a set period of time. I've never quit a job without another one already lined up and ready to start...but then, I have always had financial responsibilities to meet

[Swampfox10mm]

I hated a job I had in the USA. It wasn't my most recent job there. Stayed in it for 8 years.