Korean Job Discussion Forums

[justin moffatt]

I am approaching my one year mark of residing in Korea. It has been all but dull. My hope was to experience a new culture, gain some international university experience, travel around Asia and make some money. I have accomplished most, however, due to a combination of the instability of job security here and my spending habits, my savings are few.

I have been fortunate in obtaining what appears to be some of the best available positions in Korea (University jobs, and corporate jobs). However, I have not been satisified with some aspects of the working conditions and virtually little fulfillment in the actual work. Furthermore, I spend the majority of time, trying to avoid the politics and ensuring ways that I will be paid for work ensued.

Regardless of the negative experiences such as being jumped and stabbed by a group of Korean males, the complicated and unsatisfying dating scene, the constant struggle to be paid for work, the continued job searching, the racist comments and stares, the competitiveness among foreigners, crazy ex-girlfriends, etc. etc., I try to focus on the positive. Every day has been an adventure of sorts, I've partied and met some attractive women (some not so attractive), had some good relationships, travelled to many countries, and met some interesting people.

However, I wonder if I could survive another 6 months to a year, and even if I would want to. It seems that many longer term foreigners here are either survivors themselves, or have no options back home (or are running from something), or are married to a Korean, or are conformists that will do whatever it takes to appease their Korean masters (a little harsh but it sure seems that way sometimes). Any thoughts?

[europe2seoul]

After reading your post in which you kind of nicely analyzed and summarized your stay in Korea for the past 1 year I would suggest you put it to an end and seek other opportunities.

Later down the road it is going to be a nice memory and you could always draw something from living in Korea for a year.

But judging from your post, I see no reason to stay here further. Going back home and starting a new chapter or somewhere else would be a viable option for me in your shoes.

[Mashimaro]

If you are struggling to find reasons to stay, it's probably a good sign that you would be better off somewhere else.

I find myself assessing my own situation a lot lately and there are still enough good reasons for me to want to be here, but the day there isn't I'll be gone.

[europe2seoul]

[justin moffatt]

I'm also attempting to get money owed to me as well, however, I don't anticipate that I will retrieve all.

[europe2seoul]

[bobbyhanlon]

as someone who only intended to stay for one year, the time to leave korea is almost always 'next year'. however this time i really mean it, i swear!

[Ya-ta Boy]

When it is no longer fun, then it is time to move on.

[laogaiguk]

When the 8-ball tells me to.

[aldershot]

when you actually begin to enjoy the place... when the nuances that were korean fail to be nuances at all

[jojonii]

I went home and got a full-time job.

[ajuma]

[mithridates]

I'm surprised people are (mostly) just recommending the op to go back. There are a great number of threads like this one:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=47158

[candide]

Leave Korea? Never! Why would I want to leave a country that has 8000 won bottles of Aussie wine at E-Mart? I'm here for life, sweetcheeks!

[ajuma]