Korean Job Discussion Forums

[big_fella1]

Not wanting to moan but as week 14 has passed I really seem to be doing something wrong here. I have not made a single friend. I have abused the hospitality of acquaintences due to the fact there was so few of them they now don't want to spend time with me. I don't know how I am going to survive the remainder of my contract. I am in my mid 30's which makes me much older than the teachers I work with.

I know that hobbies are a good way to meet people but I cannot do the hobbies I had back home due to a lack of contacts ,equipment and funds.

I try to go drinking at the local foreigner haunts but find that I really don't have anything to discuss with them except the ramblings that go with getting drunk. I don't mind this once a month but find once a week too much.

I was drinking at home every night but now find that I am too depressed to even have a drink. This is serious not wanting a drink whats next?

Any survival strategies would be appreciated.

Thank you

[schwa]

Dont despair. Sometimes it takes some time. I was into my 4th month in Korea before I made the connections that started to add positive value to my being here.

Prior to making those friendships, I contented myself with keeping a journal, emailing family, solo daytrips, & walking my neighborhood. Sure, it was a bit lonesome, but exciting too. I passed some time with folks I met I knew would never be close friends but were nevertheless companionable.

Patience is key. If youre halfway personable, you'll find your slot. Best luck.

[Captain Corea]

What are your hobbies?

[Ya-ta Boy]

You are at the Wall. Somewhere around 3 months, people get over the adrenalin rush of living amongst newness and realize that routine has set in. It's natural.

Now you have to get creative. What kind of people do you want to meet? Figure that out and half the battle is won. The other half is just identifying where those people are to be found. The third half ^^ is getting your butt out to those places.

But one thing you have to accept is that a large portion of your time is going to be spent alone. It's time to think of hobbies that give you pleasure even though you are alone. Writing, some kind of art, photography are some things you can do alone. Biking. Take Korean lessons. Go to a gym. Learn taekwondo. Take a cooking class.

Good luck.

[JongnoGuru]

[Ya-ta Boy]

[Cigar_Guy]

You partial to cigars? I have a group that gets together once a month--our next meet should be in a couple of weeks if you wouldn't mind spending a Friday night with good cigars, good scotch and some good guys (older than you on the whole, but still closer to your age group than you're probably finding in some other places).