Job Search Tips
So I'm slowly but surely finishing my second year as an ESL teacher in Korea. Did this job in the first place to travel, experience something new, get out of the ordinary... And I stayed for a second year because I ended up really enjoying it.
But now I've realized that teaching, at least in this way, is NOT something I want to do long-term. The problem is that a lot of people in my position also feel the same way but STAY in their jobs, for years, just because they haven't thought of something else to do! I think that's terrible, and I don't want to fall into that hole.
I'm interested in international relations/business, linguistics, something along that line (even though I have a BA in Economics). Grad school is a possibility in the future, but as you know it takes a LONG time to make the right decision, or even get in to the school you want.
So how do I find a good job for the next year or two while I figure out the big picture? What did YOU do in your job search?
Thanks for any help!!
First, I do what you did - think of what interests me.
Next, I'd take up the course/ college credit geared towards that profession/job.
Then, look for companies that offer good employment possibilities.
And while doing all that, I also explore other areas that might help make me more marketable in that area.
I also network with people who belong to that side of profession/job to get the "feel" of things. It's like, dressing your way to success sort of philosophy.
What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are but how you deal with incompatibility. - Leo Tolstoy
The clearest explanation for failure of any marriage is that two people are incompatible; that is, one is male and the other female. - Anna Quindlen
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Mm. I know networking is really important, but unfortunately I find that a little tough to do. Mainly because I'm terrified of coming across as FAKE, as if I'm using someone, even if at the end of the day that's exactly what I'm trying to do.
I'm a little frustrated right now because I have so many amazing opportunities to move up in my current "field" of ESL teaching... it just seems like such a breeze... I'm GOOD at this job, and I can move up the ladder quickly, but I DON'T want to do it!I feel like banging my head against a wall.
Well, I don't blame you. But networking is not "using" people, or at least for me. I think about it as broadening your experiences and at the same time gaining/meeting future friends. It's like a screening process for me. I am actually timid and shy, so when I talk, I must have struggled/pondered about it, meaning, I am not that outgoing to really network as much. But I try.
Why don't you want to grab the opportunity to rise up the ladder? You are still young. Why don't you grab the opportunity for now while you are grooming yourself towards a smooth transition to where and what you want to be, say 3-5 years from now...
How many years are you giving yourself allowance to teach ESL? And to which country will you go next? Hmmmm..Japan? See you there.
What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are but how you deal with incompatibility. - Leo Tolstoy
The clearest explanation for failure of any marriage is that two people are incompatible; that is, one is male and the other female. - Anna Quindlen
Register! | Rules/FAQ |Contact Mod| Contact Admin
Trust me, I was in the same boat as you. I hated networking. Felt like I was using someone. But that is what everyone does now a days to get a job. Well, at least in the US. Disgustingly, now a days, it has nothing to do with your skills and experience. Too many people unemployed have that. It is who you know.
You said you live in Korea? If that is the case, I don't know if it is as popular as in the US, but in US a very good networking tool is *EDIT* I would check it out to see what kind of a turn out it has for Korea. It is a way to find people in companies. Also, have friends become a connection of yours, and then it links you to their friends and their friends. You would be surprised how people have connections for a company you are interested in. It is like a chain. Connections to someone who works in a company or someone who knows someone who works in the company, is your main way of getting an interview now a days.
Last edited by caterpillar79; 02-03-2010 at 06:51 PM. Reason: Posting websites is not allowed within forums.
Never regret something that once made you smile.
Are you gonna look for a job in New Zealand?
Didn't think of it as linking a website but I guess I was. Mes T if you think it is something you can use and want to know what I was talking about, PM me.
Never regret something that once made you smile.
Cat, one reason I don't want to continue rising up this particular ladder is that I don't want this to end up being the only field I'm qualified for... My boyfriend majored in psychology and now randomly has 6+ years of teaching experience... all pretty much for nothing, since he also doesn't want to be a teacher.
That, and I've pretty much lost my passion for this line of work.
Amber, yeah I saw that website name before it got deleted but didn't get a chance to jot it down!! I'd appreciate a PM, thanks!
Tex, dghsdrsretsdkfjhsf I really want to!! But looks like it's gonna be really tough to find something.The biggest issue is getting a salary big enough to pay my monthly college loans. If I didn't have that burden, I'd settle for something much less, at least for the time being.
Since I presume you are fairly fluent in Korean and English, can you get a job working for a company or other organization that does work in both countries?
btw - I'll be in Seoul this weekend - anywhere in particular I should try to see (you can pm me to avoid a thread hijack).
Not fluent in Korean but am more or less in Russian... I've thought about something like that... But again, what's even the first step in finding a company like that?
And great! What brings you to Korea? (No worries about hijacking.) The nicest looking places in Seoul are on the North side of the river, kind of in the city's center, around the Jongno3ga / Myeongdong / Gwanghwamun area. Lots of Japanese tourists like Myeongdong especially. Popular for shopping. The place where most people go to get tourist-ie souvenirs is a town called "Insadong" near the Anguk subway station.
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