Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dmbfan]

I recently arrived back from an outstanding vacation. I spent some time in Koh Chang, Thailand, and the rest in Cambodia. I was amazed that I still had social skills, and how much my mood improved by being able to talk to people who had a clue about general things. Plus, when I smiled and said "hello" to the locals, it was returned back. I remembered that people do that in the world. I remembered that ladies will actually say "thank you" when a man holds a door open for them (or, depending on their English ability, will make an attempt to show their thanks). I remembered that people actually dont' just push and shove you out of the way.


I am now at the crossroads here in Korea. This is not my first contract, but I know it will be my last. I don't really have any major complaints with my school (public school), but..................one thing that kind of bums me out, is that they really don't care if I am there or not. After three weeks of being gone, nobody seemed to give a shite that I was back. I knew what I was getting into, being the only foreign English teacher there, so I am not surprised. It would just be nice to know that after nearly six months, my services are appreciated.

Furthemore, I am not really happy with the living situation. The apartment is not really the concern, granted it is a "stu" rather than a studio. It is the location. I have gripped about this before on the board, so bare with me here. It is the lack of peace and quiet. I can't sleep in on weekends, due to all the phucking barking dogs that are in a 30 foot radious of my apartment. I have mentioned this to my counterpart at school, and inquired if someone would talk to the owners, and see if there is something they can try and do (I know.........it seems somewhat self centered, but dam....................it drives me nuts). Nothing. No attempts, no requests, nadda. I can't even take a nap on a Sunday afternoon. I have made a request to move, or to atleast move to another room in the building, one that is not right next to the road, and every neighbor with a phucking dog. Nope. Nadda. I was told it would be "impossible". However, I don't really believe that, and I don't believe my counterpart has actually done anything to try and help the situation.

We talked about it, during the winter classes. But, nothing has been done, or discussed.

Also, the social situation here. There appears to be a tight group, that is very selective about whom they will include in the social circle. Now, I'm 30 years old. I dont' need to be everyones friend, and most of the time, I could care less about being on the "A list". But, there are some others here who have been left out, and have been wondering about this as well. Thus, not having a good core of friends does make things a little more difficult. When I first started in Pyungtaek, it was much different. We would welcome, and invite everyone to parties, BBQ's , outings, etc. Regardless of whether they were or were not American, Canadien, etc. Everyone was welcome, because we all realized we were in the same boat.


Not here.


During the first four months, it was ok. I had vacation to look forward to. But now......................I just dont' want to deal with this crap anymore. I'm tired. Even after a kick ass vacation, I'm tired of dealing with this crap here. I'm tired of stupid ass foreigners who start fights in the bar, causing problems for the rest of us. I'm tired of little cliques of foreigners who think they run the show. I'm tired of not being able to sleep when I want. I'm tired of my school not giving a dam whether or not I am there, despite the fact that I do my very best everyday to teach something to the kids. I'm tired of stupid ass Koreans who just dont' have a clue. Most of all, I'm tired of being like this, constantly being moody or unhappy. After four years..............I think Korea is a bag of shite.


So, do I try and stick it out only for the money? Granted, if I don't save anything from now until the end of the contract, I'll walk away with 7,000,000 won. Or, do I just turn in my notice, tell them that I just need to leave, and move on?

Granted, I just got back from a great vacation. I was able to have access to all kinds of food and activities. I was able to talk to women who have a a clue. I was able to talk to other foreigners about things that mattered. I was able to walk down the street, and not be stared at as if I were a phucking alien. I was able to sleep. I was able to have meaningful conversations. I was able to find books. I was able to be around, what seemed, normal people. So, as I mentioned in an earlier post, it could be post vacation syndrome...................then again, it may not.

I guess money is not everything.

Time to go.


Cheers.

dmbfan


P.S. Another thing. I can't even volunteer at an orphanage without the threat of being deported. I found this out last night, and it was a kick in the nuts. I had planned to do this when I came back, and then I find out that helping out kids can be crime here in Korea

phuck this backwards country.

[PimpofKorea]

I hear ya guy. I just came back from a month in the states. Had a great time chilling on the beach. Coming back here really sucks.....but don't worry about other foreigners. I only have 2 white guys I keep in contact with and everyone else I see I could give a crap about. I care even less about making Korean friends...only business acquaintances for the sole purpose of making money off or through them.

[PimpofKorea]

I hear ya guy. I just came back from a month in the states. Had a great time chilling on the beach. Coming back here really sucks.....but don't worry about other foreigners. I only have 2 white guys I keep in contact with and everyone else I see I could give a crap about. I care even less about making Korean friends...only business acquaintances for the sole purpose of making money off or through them.

[forever_young]

싫음 가~ ㅋㅋ

[dmbfan]

[uberscheisse]

stick it out. you'll be glad you did. everybody has a crap week now and then, and you can always go teach in thailand if you want... tho i'm sure you could find ways that thailand sucks too.

[dmbfan]

True.

I have some friends who teach there. There are many pros, but some some serious cons to it as well.

I actually have thought about teaching in Phnom Phen, and working with people who actually appreciate what ESL teachers do.


No. I think it is time to go. I could be wrong. But, I've tried not to let the little things bother me, but after four years...................I think I am toast.
I just feel like I am getting older, with nothing to show for it. Granted, I have made some stupid choices, and have not acted as I should have in the financial department. That is MY fault, not Koreas. But, I just dont' think I can live like this anymore.

An interesting thing I have learned during this experience, is that living in a foreign country, brings out your strenghts and your weaknesses in your charcater. Being caught up in the daily grind, especially in a place such as Korea, can really magnify ones weaknesses..................

For example: The ability to put up with racist cowards, and not take them seriously.


There was a time when I did enjoy being in Korea, but that is a memory rather than a reality.


Oh well. It has been an experience nonetheless. And, I would not change it for the world. But, it is time to go.

Cheers.

dmbfan

[Hanson]

Sounds like your mind is already made up...

I can only tell you that I have been where you are now, and it does/can get better. So, before you hand it that notice, remember that once back home, you may find that the grass is not greener, and that all your gripes against Korea - many of which are the same as my gripes - are small potatoes in the grand scheme of things.

I've been here for almost 7 years now, and in the last few years, I have been feeling many of the same things as you have. One big difference, perhaps the most important difference between our situations, is that I'm married and have a young daughter. I always come home to a loving family, whereas you probably come home to an unopened pack of ramyeon. Huge difference.

Finally, a friend of mine who'd been here almost ten years went back to Australia last summer. He had been getting fed up with life in Korea, even with a wife and two daughters, and we complained together about Korea's shortcomings. Well, now he thinks back to our complaint sessions and shakes his head, thinking them trivial and really not that bad.

So, give yourself a chance to turn it around, and it might.

On the other hand, only you can be honest with yourself and decide what's best for you.

[dmbfan]

Thanks Hanson.

Granted, I'm not really looking for any sympathy posts, mainly just airing out...........objective advice is appreciated though.


You are right Hanson. I am not married. So, it is different. The longer I stay here, the longer I will remain single. I realise some of you are married to Korean women, but....................well.......I just could not do it. It is differnent when you have a family, rather than only yourself.


But yeah, my mind is pretty much made up. I dont' have to be here. I dont' have to be unhappy. I realize the "grass on the other side" rule. I know life back in the States would be questionable. Once you travel and live overseas, it changes you. ....at least it has me.


Japan is a possibility. Cambodia is a possibility. Latin America is always a possibility.


Cheers.

dmbfan

[SHANE02]

Yes, while your single it's easier to travel, try a new place.

Korea aint going anywhere.

PS: I've seen many times it's better to not give notice and do things in the right way because you usually get screwed. If you wanna go just go, and don't worry about other people.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

[dmbfan]

mmmm................I don't really want to leave like that.
I'm at the public school, and it would be decent to give the proper notice. I'm their first foreign teacher, and I don't want to screw it up for the next person by doing a runner, especially went a runner is not necessary.

Cheers.

dmbfan

[shifdog]

It sounds like it's time for you to go. That's how I felt just before I left Japan. The people got on my nerves, and the job was not fun. Maybe it's time to rejoin the real world.

[twg]

Yes, leave. Who ever said being miserable was a virtue was a tool. Go.

[ipsofacto]

@DMBFAN

Dude. I hear you. This place is particularly harder to stomach if you are well travelled. I've just returned here from the best part of half a year in South East Asia, which makes the transition even harder - and this is my second stint here.

My (humble) advice would be to get your head down, do your job, and think of the possibilities to be had when you have a stack of cash after your contract expires. The world beckons .....

Good luck.

[dmbfan]