Korean Job Discussion Forums

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Okay so I've got my mind to make up, which usually takes me forever.

I've had 3 bad experiences with 3 schools in 2 years here.

First was a kindy job that wasn't my thing. I finished my year with the second job only leaving to be owed 7.0 plus 9 months pension that wasn't paid. Third school, which I worked at for 2 months cut my position because of the lack of students.

In general, my attitude sucks here.

Leaving is all considered upon the ability of the second school to pay in full, which the wonjonim has done for the last 3 teachers who finished their contracts.

With that said, in total, I'll have 18 mil to live on while I find a teaching or other job in the States. This is savings, back pay and pension which I will collect.

I'll also have a Korean girl to consider marriage to there.
I'll have no car, no residence and no job upon arrival, just the parents to ask.
I'm single, have no girlfriend here and am between jobs.

What would you do in my case? Go home or remain in Korea or teach in another country?

McNasty · Joined: 04 Jul 2003

matthews_world,

I can relate to your feelings of frustration after years of working at hogwans in Korea. Sounds to me like you need a change or just a break from here. Something to consider is going to teach in China. I have gotten a few offers that aren't too bad with low working hours and only 6 month contracts. Might be worth a shot.

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

China's wages are too low right now. I've got student loans left.

This economy has got me draggin'.

I guess I just need a good job situation.

dutchman · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: My backyard

If after 2 years you are still bitter, it's time to go. Life is too short to live with that bile. Go home and be happy.

marista99 · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Location: Incheon

I agree--it sounds from what you said like leaving is the clear answer here. Go home, live frugally on your savings and look for a job.

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Things are expensive in the States. Rent, food, transportation, entertainment.

It's tough leaving the country I've become so accustomed to. Perhaps I just need a decent job here.

I've saved that much money while working here. I'm thinking I should save more before going back.

I'll only have 11 million not including my last employers back pay.

jazblanc77 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004

Only 11 million? Rolling Eyes

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

That's pretty good in fact. I've been religiously paying of them student loans.

batman · Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2004 8:55 am Post subject:

My advice would be to take some of your savings and make a huge payment towards your student loans. (When I had student loans I was paying $300.00 a month. Paying them off quickly makes a huge difference towards your monthly budget.) Then take a short vacation in Thailand (2 or 3 weeks) and see how you feel at the end of the trip.
The money you have saved now can go awfully quick once you get back home. Better to maintain the momentum in your savings than to see it disappear while you perform your job search back home. If Korea is getting on your nerves, head over to Japan for a while. You may save less than if you had stayed in Korea but at least you will be working and still have an income. Then during your year in Japan (or whereever you end up) think about what you want to do in the States and work towards that goal.

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

Sounds good. Living in Thailand won't cost you much. You can get refreshed, and maybe the problems here will have resolved themselves by then.

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

Matthews_World,
Since you have been here so long I am sure you have made quite a few contacts.
Just ask them if where they work is good and see if a job is going.

Go on a holiday, recharge the mind and come back afresh into a situation you know shouldn't be a problem.

jajdude · Joined: 18 Jan 2003

Matthew,

Did you say you have 11 million won saved? Well, then that would give you lots of time to find a better job, in Korea or elsewhere.

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Gollum · Joined: 04 Sep 2003 Location: Japan

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

After some consideration, I'm 90% sure that I'm out of here in October.

I'm pursuing an on-campus graduate degree program of TESOL in my home state, maybe even a graduate assistantship. Maybe even state certification as a teacher.

Good move I think. And yes, there is a possibility of marriage in the near future.

This economy sucks. Korea, basically, is the only Asian one in a glut at the moment.