Korean Job Discussion Forums

[inlimbo]

I recently wrote a post (actually posted it twice; sorry, first timer here) describing the hard time I've had in Korea and asked for advice on how others could avoid the same situation. Reading the responses was very interesting. When I finished I realized what I should have suspected in the first place; I am suffering major culture shock. I have traveled a lot and worked abroad for many years, but maybe its the "experienced" hands who are most vulnerable to culture shock. I assumed I was immune, so didn't pay attention to the warning signs: a gradually increasing anger over small matters, an unwillingness to explore the culture with an open mind, a general suspicion of Korean people, among others.
Other advice I found important was putting in the time researching your school. Duh! If you have a hard time with children, teaching those who barely speak English is not the way to go. I took the first job I was offered, and I should have looked around for exactly the right position; teaching kids is not my thing.
I know there are books out there on how to identify culture shock and deal with it, and I am going to read up on this. It is incredibly important for those of us living and working abroad to take care of our emotional/mental health. It seems fairly obvious, but then that's why it is so easy to overlook.
Anyway, thanks for the kind wisdom everyone shared with me.
Live and learn, eh?

[canuckistan]

You sound like you have your head screwed on straight--you'll do fine

[SuperFly]

[kangnam mafioso]

enjoyed your post, inlimbo. thanks for sharing. korea can be a drain on the spirit, particularly if you get locked into a job that isn't a good fit. i barely made it through my first year contract, but was so broke i had little choice. some people love teaching kids; it's a miserable experience for others.

have fun in india! (or indo, as they say in the ROK)