Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tideout]

This may seem like an odd post for an online forum and though it's unlikely many on the this board, in the land of hi-speed internet connections, don't own their own laptop, net book etc.. I'm curious about it anyway.

When I taught ESL in Latin America it wasn't uncommon for ESLer's to primarily use internet cafes for the minimum use of a computer - mostly email and maybe facebook if they were into it. Some of this had to do with spotty internet connections or hassles with getting service and so on.

Here in S. Korea I know several people who rely on their local pc bon for the occasional task. I know another person who doesn't own a cell phone here. If you want to reach 'em, you have to call their office number. It's certainly not a money issue, they just don't seem to give sh*t.

I will say that the people I know who don't have their own netbook/laptop also don't seem overly tortured by the lack of one.....

Any experiences on this people could post would be interesting.

[andrewchon]

One school (public) lent me a laptop, so I didn't have a buy one. They even let me keep using it until I bought one for myself even after the contract finished.

[tideout]

[fermentation]

I lived without a computer for a while back back in my student days and I didn't get a cell phone until like last year. I did my most of my work on the school computers and called people using a phone attached to the wall. It didn't kill me. In some ways I think I was better off.

[tideout]

[fermentation]

Don't get me wrong. It was uncomfortable going to the library to write papers and check my facebook (because I didn't have a phone) and I eventually did get a computer. But not having a computer meant I actually did something productive like working out, reading books, etc instead of playing video games and going on forums. Before I had a phone I used to read books on the subway, but now I download movies to kill time.

[tideout]

[Redfish]

I have been in the hotel business for the past 11 years, 7 of which were management...had to be able to be contacted 24/7. I cannot wait to go to the phone place and have my cell disconnected here, and probably won't get a cell in Korea, just a land line is good for me. I'll take my laptop for emails to family and friends as well as access to The Flix when I'm at home and don't feel like reading.

[andrewchon]