Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ellamarie]

I couldn't fit exactly what I wanted to say in the topic line. My question is really how other people handled the various reactions they got to their plans before leaving for Korea (or any other country.)

I am planning to begin applying for jobs this fall and I will hopefully be in Korea by early next year. I have explained my plans to a few people, including some family members. Most of the people I tell look at me as if my head is on fire and they are not quite sure what to do about it.

My mother hates the idea and sounds a little depressed and scared when I mention it. I have tried to reassure her and I plan to give her a guidebook on Korea so she can learn a little about the country. She is under the impression that I will need a bulletproof vest and an armed guard 24 hours a day. Of course, as is a unique characteristic of mothers, she is managing to make me feel guilty about leaving. I am trying to tell myself that it is my life and I feel like this is something that I need and want to do.

I am 28, by the way, so I'm not exactly fresh out of my naive teenage years. I just finished putting myself through school and spending some time overseas is exactly what I want to do.

Just wondering if anyone else had a similar experience before leaving.

[doggyji]

Do you think she would show the same reaction if you said "I'm going to stay in Japan, Germany, France, or UK for a few years?" If not, just keep trying to inform her of the reality better.

"She is under the impression that I will need a bulletproof vest and an armed guard 24 hours a day."

If she thinks like that, it's no wonder she's so much worried and scared. Just tell her in general it's even safer than many other major industrialized countries.

[canuckistan]

[K-in-C]

Hi, ellamarie,

I know the feeling. I have flown from the nest a few times and I am planning on doing it again this summer. The main difference between your situation and mine is that I am the parent and my grown daughter is the one who is having a hard time dealing with my wanderlust. I am trying to shake the bug before she gets married and has children. I sure will want to be around for that.

Korea doesn't suit everyone but give it a try.

Best Wishes,

K-in-C

[Yu_Bum_suk]

Let me guess, you're one of the 20% of Americans who owns a passport and these other people are part of the 80% who don't?

Who cares what other people think?

[ajgeddes]

Everybody I know thought it was cool and a great idea. Are your parents that terrified of North Korea and the evil KJI? Just tell them you are much, much safer here than you are at home. Besides that, you are 28, so who cares what they think.

[crazylemongirl]

I do plenty of things that people don't approve of, but back home I also have the best stories.

A lot of it is jealousy of people who want to go overseas but don't have the balls to do so.

Your life, your decision.

[periwinkle]

I had a lot of people trying to get me to change my mind and acting negatively, as well. They were well-meaning, though. My dad even read to me a bunch of stuff from the state dept.'s web site discussing the ESL industry here. He also told me I was on my own, and under no circumstance was I to come crying to him for help. =( That just made me more determined to succeed. Man, it was fun proving people wrong! I'd say as long as you have a back-up plan in case of emergencies, it's all good. I think some people have a hard time seeing their friend, daughter, etc. pack-up and move halfway around the world. Follow your dreams, I say. ^~

[dreamscape]

My experience from my parents was pretty well the opposite. Except for wishing I wouldn't go because they'd miss me, it was my Mom who bought the guide books and started finding all the stuff I should see while I'm here!

If your parents are concerned about the relationship with North Korea, let them know that the situation isn't nearly as dire as North American media would make it seem. The overwhelming majority of South Koreans feel no threat from North Korea. The ROK (South Korea) is far and away the larger, more advanced, and more powerful nation. Most Koreans envision a rejoined country in the not too distant future, the threat of invasion is quite far from their minds.

If they're concerned about your safety in other ways, remind them that Seoul is one of the safest cities in the world. It will take a bit for it to sink in, but after you've been here a few months you'll notice this great feeling of freedom (as you get on the bus drinking a beer ), you really don't worry about crime or violence. Sure, there's crime here, but it's mainly restricted to petty thefts and even those are few and far between.

Let your parents know that you're going to a techonologically advanced, wealthy nation that is safe and where the people are generally warm and welcoming (depending on where you live, of course, but overall I was overwhelmed by how welcoming and helpful Koreans have been...just hope you don't mind being stared at, personally I think it's funny ). And, not to mention, all the cultural and travel opportunities you'll have once you get here. Ever think of taking a long-weekend trip to Taiwan or China from home? Not likely!

[KittyLover]

When I came here, there was a lot in the media about N. Korea, and then a bit about SARS, so I had some people saying don't go...come home, etc. I still generally feel safer and healthier here than I did back home. As for your parents, they'll make a fuss at first, but probably get used to it. Maybe it would help if you arranged for them to visit you.

[jinju]

I signed the contract, got the visa and told my folks. In that order. I didnt bother asking them for their reactions. I just presented them with the choice I made. Same when I decided to stay for more than a year. Told them over the phone, again without soliciting their opinions. I was 25, you are 28. Its your life so take control of it.

[Corporal]

I was lucky enough to have been brought up by bright people who know about the world in which they live--so there were no negative reactions, plenty of support and encouragement though.

Only the uneducated or ignorant (vast majority of non-passport holders, maybe?) would try to discourage their children from perspective-broadening choices.

[kermo]

[periwinkle]

Well, my father certainly isn't ignorant (he's an oncologist and heads a pain mgmnt. center at a well-known American univ. medical center). Neither were the others that told me not to come. They were concerned about my welfare. I must say that they probably wouldn't have reacted that way if I were a guy. I suppose if I had a daughter, I'd be worried about her travelling on her own, too. Also, I had no back-up plan when I came here. That could've been another factor for their concern. I'd say their concern was legit. Funny, the biggest opposition came from some folks who emigrated to Canada from Jamaica almost 30 years ago.

I'd say if you have a contigency plan, and a credit card with enough money to buy a ticket back home, you have nothing to worry about.

[bijjy]

My coworkers and friends often looked at me like my head was on fire too.. 'Why Korea?' I think they were just very curious.. after all, people just don't travel to Korea, for vacation or otherwise.

So I just told them my reasons for coming.. I need a change, I like teaching English, I have a friend there who got me a good job, Koreans are some of the nicest asians I've known in Vancouver, I know little about it so it'll be an adventure, and you can save more than in Japan or Taiwan.

Now that I'm here, the same people back home are always saying 'damn you, I wish I was exploring Asia too.'