Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bosintang]

I've met a lot of public school teachers, and it seems around the 5-7th month period of their contract, a lot of them become depressed or bummed out about their jobs. Kind of like going through cultural shock but specific to the Korean public school.

I went through them myself at about the six month mark and went as far as as seriously considering quitting my job.

Anyone else?

[xCustomx]

I'm in my 5th month, and the only thing that I can really complain about is the full schedule I have during the vacation period. I can't really complain though since I knew that it was a possibility I would have to work. Before I decide to work another year at this school I'll negotiate more vacation time. Other than that, things are fine where I am

[ilovebdt]

[Gamecock]

[Yu_Bum_suk]

Nope. I started in August 2005 and had so much free time 5-7 months later I could hardly wait for the second semester to start.

But did I ever hit the mid-contract blues big-time teaching hagwan.

5 months: ultimatum.
6 months: resignation.
7 months: bye-bye forever.

[bosintang]

Good points Gamecock. And you're right, I suspect it's hits people who are at the beginning or the end of their sojourn in Korea harder than people in the middle.

I think there are a couple of differences between a hagwon and public school. In a public school, you're by yourself, so if you're feeling bummed out about work, you really have nobody to share it with. At least for me -- I'm sure others are similar -- this made my depressions longer than if I had someone to blow steam off with and get it out of me.

I also think the point you said about boredom is valid. By the six-month mark, you really are in a routine that's hard to shake out of. Doing the same lesson over and over to students who are by now used to you and disinterested. Really grinds you down. It took me a few weeks to shake out of it.

[Gwangjuboy]

It doesn't help that Korean public school teachers are genreally the most god damn awful people one could meet here; especially the women. I've been here for over 4 years and it still pushes me to breaking point. My school is full of sickly, square, middle aged protestant women.

[butlerian]

I am burned out now. It's just so boring, and I have too much free time. Free time would be good if I lived in a bigger town/city, but where I live it's far too small and conservative to do much of value. That's why I've decided to teach at a uni next semester - it may be very challenging, but at least that'll give me some motivation and stimulation.

[Ekuboko]

The first semester in public school is really long compared to the second semester... so by the time you get to summer break, you're climbing the walls dying for a break.

I really wish that Korean schools had at least 3 semesters...

[ilovebdt]

[pkang0202]

I'm in my 5th month and I'm going through it right now. I've even passed my resume around to different employers.

The main reason for my slump is the lack of leeway that my school gives me. I figured that if I gave 150% and didn't complain that I would get a few favors tossed my way (like a week of no camp classes during break, or coming in late/leaving early if there are no English classes that day).

Instead, I'm told I can't leave school due to "liability" issues in case I got hurt outside of school during my hours. I will also be teaching every day this summer.

[some waygug-in]

So I guess this is normal?

I keep asking myself why bother? This is such a f**ked up situation, it's really not worth the money.

But I have gone through this in hagwans too, and in Mexico too. It's something about a 1 year term.

[Fishead soup]

[mrsquirrel]

My problem is the boredom.

Pure and unadulterated boredom.

It is killing me.

I need some sort of mental stimulation not more genital stimulation

[pkang0202]