Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ItalianCanuck]

Am I the only one here feeling a bit lonely and depressed here in Korea? Lately I am feeling kind of down again. I have been here in Korea (Daegu) now for seventh. Not many friends here and the work is getting to me, among other things, sometimes.

[PimpofKorea]

walk it off big guy

[ItalianCanuck]

Hehe, it's not that easy. Maybe I need a new hobby or something.

[Smurfette]

spring is comming soon....that should help

[Adventurer]

I sure wish I could help you. I know one person in Daegu, but I don't know her well at all. I am near Seoul. If you were near Seoul you would be in decent shape. Mi dispiace that you are feeling beside yourself. When I lived in Cheonan, I didn't like that much though I had a very good friend there. The city didn't seem alive.

[mnhnhyouh]

[mnhnhyouh]

nevermind.

h

[Bibbitybop]

Research into what to expect as a foreigner in a differnt culture and in a different city can help predict and avoid some of the depression that can occur in Korea. And I hope you mean "seventh" month and not day or week. Seriously, think of your mates in an office job looking out the window (if they have one) right now. Even if you leave hating Korea and Daegu, you will most likely later be happy you did it.

[CasperTheFriendlyGhost]

What are you into? I'm sure you can find a like-minded pal. Pretty much anywhere in korea can be had by train in a few hours.

Make a weekly excursion.

[Grimalkin]

I'm sure many people go through that here at different times.


I know you said you haven't many friends but is there one among them that you can talk to about this? And why don't you tell us more about why the job is getting to you. It might do you good to get that off your chest.


Also if your weekdays are not that great you probably should make sure you have something to look forward to at the weekend. Would it be possible to arrange for a friend to come to Seoul with you, or if big cities aren't your thing maybe to take a trip in the countryside with you.


One way or another you only have five months left and long and all as it seems now it will go by pretty quickly so hang on in there.


Good luck. Keep us posted as to how your getting on.

[oneofthesarahs]

I feel you, I'm sort of hitting that point myself. For the last several weeks, I've been feeling rather blah and cranky, and I tend to be an overly cheerful and optimistic person in general.

You've just got to try to push through it, do something that makes you happy, and get out of your apartment as much as you can.

[Leyana]

As cliche as this may sound, it's really important to get out of your place as much as possible and meet people. Do the follow through, call people back, make friendships. You could be traveling through hell itself, but if you have some strong support, it seems less like a fiery inferno and more like tanning on the beach. Don't get discouraged if it takes a while to work, too. I remember that in my 6th or 7th month in South America I started to get depressed (the weather was not helping, as it was windy and freaking gray all the time; yay argentine winter). So I devoted a lot of time and energy into exploring the city; taking group lessons (learned to dance and made friends at the same time) and just going out and talking with people as much as possible. Stuff really picked up for me after that.

Another thought - try couchsurfing (like couchsurfing.com or there's another one .. hospitality club i think its called?) You always meet the coolest, most interesting and open people that are up for food, conversation, fun... Of course, that's just MY way of solving stuff.... so you may want another, less crazy hobby .

I wish you luck and sunny skies!

[Tarmangani]

1. Take up a martial art. Once you start punching, kicking, and sweating your anger and frustration away, you'll feel better.

2. Order something cool from back home. Opening up the box in your little shoebox of an apartment will feel great.

3. Wake up early one morning and hike up to the top of a nearby mountain. A little fresh air and exercise does a body good.

[Milwaukiedave]

The weather probably plays into your feeling down at least to some degree. It's been cold for the last few months and today it's gloomy and raining. When spring comes, Korea feels like a different place.

I would try to find at least one person you can meet everyonce in awhile and go do something with. Get some good books and read in the evening which will help you sleep better. Also plenty of exercise (this coming from someone who hates exercising) is important. I've had to push myself to exercise everyday to lose weight. It will also help your energy level.

For clarification, I believe he meant he's in his seventh month based on this thread:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?p=1102212&highlight=#1102212

[i_teach_esl]

yea, just piggybacking on what everyone has said here, ItalianCanuck, you're fine. everyone here has moments, or weeks, or months. find a hobby, drink lots of water (lay off the alcohol), exercise daily. if youre ever near pyeongchon, you gots a homegirl there (homegirl read Me).