Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Lao Wai]

Hi,

The comments made in a number of different threads here has got me thinking. A lot of posters have made disparaging comments about where they come from (U.S.A., Can., Aus. NZ, etc.). For example, in Canada, the taxes are too high, it's too cold, it's boring, etc. Now, I do admit that I have done the same in the past, but lately I have been having a change of heart.

I came straight out of university and went to Korea. I was quite happy in Canada but wanted to see other parts of the world. In the past 5 years I've lived in Korea for two years, back in Canada for one (university), China for one, and now Hong Kong for one. I've had fun in all of these places and have gotten to travel and experience new food, cultures, etc. But, when I really look at things, I'm the most calm and relaxed when I'm back in Canada. Maybe it's because I'm near my family or maybe it's just the familiarity, I don't know.

Something else that made me think of all this is that I was looking at my various photos and see that in the pictures of me overseas I look pale, tired and too thin. In the pictures of me when I was living at home, I look healthy and happy. It's such a stark contrast. This shouldn't be a surprise to me considering that my family alway make exclamations over my appearance after being away for a year. I think I eat better when I'm in Canada (more options), and I KNOW I party less.

So, I guess my question is 'how do you know it's time to go?' I always have this fear that if I return to Canada...that's it. Game over. No more exotic food, places, people (I live in a small city on the east coast). I never felt this way before I went overseas. And maybe I shouldn't feel this way now. Two of my good friends who have stayed in Canada since high school went to Peru a few years ago, and are going to the Canary Islands in a week. They have a mortgage, car payment, student loans, etc.

Anyway, sorry if this is incoherent. I'm trying to make a big decision here (stay overseas or return home...for good). If anyone could share their experiences making this decision I'd appreciate it.

[Nowhere Man]

I suppose I just slid into my teaching career.

I did initially come over with friends who've since left and made another life.

But really, your case is a bit different since you've been to LIVE in several countries.

For me, that was the key. I left Korea extremely bitter in the wake of the IMF crisis but truly found this was what I wanted to do when I found a positive workplace, teaching support, and people who were actually enjoying their Asian experience.

I'd preface my response by suggesting that anyone serious about EFL try it in a number of schools in different countries. I've now taught in 4 different countries on 2 different continents. One of the most consistent things was people in whatever country I happened to be living in telling me why it was impossible/not a good idea to go teach in another country. To me, it's kind of like the rabbits in Watership Down that tell Bigwig and co. to stay where they're fed (which turns out to be where rabbits are being trapped).

But you're beyond that.

But I think, just like that first scary jump to another country, that you can always go back if you're not happy.

So, go back home and see how it fits you. It's not like all of this will disappear if you go.

Personally, I find home life terribly pedestrian after being an expat.

It's a nice place to visit, but I don't want to live there.

But I don't want to be one of those rabbits telling you you must do this or that.

To each his own.

[Lao Wai]

Thanks Nowhereman,

I find it astounding that I got on a plane at 21 to go to Korea, without knowing a soul and yet now, at 27, I'm finding it hard to find the guts to give Canada a shot. One day I resolve to return home, and then the next, I'm sending off my resume to different international schools in the city.

[Homer]

Well to lessen the shock why not move to a larger city in Canada that has more to offer in the way of exotic foods and other such things?

That might be an option....

As for your questions about general happiness and health abroad or home they are a valid discussion point. You say you eat better at home and party less...perhaps thats the key no?

I mean you can eat better abroad too, it is a question of choices and you could also party less....just my two cents.

Anyway, the family thing is a biggie...I know that after I got married here things opened up for me big time. I mean having a family life here makes a huge difference in the quality of your life (well it does for me anyway).

So, perhaps these things have more to do with your general feeling then the place you live (currently HK).

[swetepete]

Hey--why do you need to go back to Canada 'for good?' Why not just treat it like another country to stay in for a while? If it stops being good for you, you can go someplace else.
I'm fairly sure (most of) the rest of the world will still be available to you after you do a couple years back home.

As my dear dead grandpa used to say, "there's only one goodbye in this life...otherwise, it's "see ya later.'"

[bixlerscott]

well, you want to weigh your options.

1. What kind of career opportunities await you at home?
2. Do you want to continue teaching in Korea?
3. Will employers at home see your college degree as outdated without enough relevent experience to hire you? Unless your degree is in education, you are probably not going to get into a new career job that pays much. Just the cold reality in todays job market, unless you got special connections at home.
4. Are you looking to start a business with your savings?

I am pondering the thoughts of what my long term career options really are as my heart is not in teaching children. Good entry level job though...