Korean Job Discussion Forums

Daechidong Waygookin

Thats an interesting question. Some people hate it here. And Im not talking about the job only. Some have a real hard time dealing with the natives, they have a lot of run ins with Koreans and are generally the targets of a lot of crap. OTOH others thrive. They just sail through life here with no problems. I wonder why that is. Is it just luck? Or is there a real reason behind it? Are there some personality issues underlying this phenomenon? How people carry themselves? What do you think?

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Not entirely sure. Korea has a strong propensity to pull out the best and worst in people.

Daechidong Waygookin · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 3:49 am Post subject:

Hanson · Joined: 20 Oct 2004

It's all about how you look at it... Persective.

I was in Morrocco many a year ago, and I was havin' a relatively good time with a buddy of mine when this Swedish dude, in broken English, told us haphazardly on the street that he absolutely had to get outta Morrocco ASAP, expletive, expletive, expletive... He was pulling at his hair and seemed totally at his wits end... He sure looked like a guy who needed to get out...

I'm guessing we all have our breaking points and some of us reach em and some of us don't.

I'm glad that I'm in the latter group (at least I think I am...), but I have my moments...

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Been puzzling over this for a few years, now.

As for me, it's not so much that I like Korea but rather that I like my place in Korea. Of course there are a few negatives to living here but those things serve as the Captain Hook in my own personal Never Never Land.

I have a cousin working in a �п� in �� and I've mentioned to her that I could get her an interview at a university with 4 months holiday (she likes traveling) but she wants no part of it. To me that's like turning down a troilistic encounter with two nubile soon to be ex-nuns.

Daechidong Waygookin · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 4:02 am Post subject:

the_beaver · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Daechidong Waygookin · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 4:05 am Post subject:

Daechidong Waygookin · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 4:07 am Post subject:

Ok, yes, liking your place in Korea is important. But that doesnt address issues like harassment. Why are some people repeated victims of harrassment while others never have any problems? Do we project a different image if we like our place in Korea or is it luck or some other reason?

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

redd · Joined: 08 Nov 2004

Cedar · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 5:41 am Post subject:

By and large, I think it depends on what you project. Some people are completely unaware of what they project. Vibes, body language, and of course where you spend your time all work into it. For example, I'd say no one is likely to get cussed at and shoved on the subway at 6 a.m., on the other hand, at eleven thirty (pm) after a few drinks there are more cussing, pushing and shoving types in the subway system.

tomato · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2004 6:12 am Post subject:

Hello, Daechidong Waygook!

I have wondered the same thing, so I asked the same question:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=465&highlight=

Here are my hypotheses:

Those who enjoy the age group they work with tend to be happy here.

If you like kids and get a job working with kids, you are more likely to be happy here.
I have had kids crawl all over me, fight with me, tease me, and call me every name in the book.
And I have loved every minute of it.

Those who didn't do well back home in Anglophonia tend to be happy here.

This is embarrassing, but I'm afraid it's obvious to the enemy camp.
They even coined the term losers and pinned it on us.

Living in this country sure beats dodging creditors, pawning musical instruments, and eating meals at the rescue mission, so I won't complain for a long time.

Those with an interest in foreign language tend to be happy here.

Guess what! They speak foreign languages in foreign countries!
I don't know what other people expectedbut that's what I expected.

Look around, and you may find that those who complain about their students' English are the very same ones who can't speak Korean worth poodle-de-doo.

Here is someone else who noticed the very same thing:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=30494

He must have struck a raw nerve, because other teachers are attacking every petty little detail they can find.

Those with an interest which can be pursued internationally tend to be happy here.

I am interested in music, so I learn about Korean music and Korean folk instruments.

That doesn't mean that one has to be interested in music. Many other interests could keep a person occupied here. History, sociology, visual arts, plants, wildlife, rocks and minerals--the possibilities are endless. I have a friend who is interested in cooking, and she could tell you all about Korean cooking.

On the other hand, I can't promise anything to those who only like Anglophonic sports, Anglophonic movies, Anglophonic fast food, and Anglophonic pop music.

Creative and independent teachers tend to be happy here.

If you spend the whole classtime reading out of the textbook, don't go to sleep.

On the other hand, if you wait outside the director's for an adequate supply of songs, games, and picture books, don't hold your breath.

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003