My Korean Notice of Appointment arrives...FINALLY!
So it’s finally arrived- my work contract for South Korea! (yes, a lit matchstick for my darkness… ) I’m booked to leave for SK mid-February and this week I’ll be picking up my work visa at the Korean Consulate. Good times…
New Home Base: Daegu, South Korea
Employer: EPIK (government program)
Job Position: ESL Teacher
Grade Level: TBD (after spending the past 3-4 years working on teen reality shows, I listed high schoolers as my last preference)
Duration: One Year (tentative)
From my work application essay:
Korea is a young country but it is quickly catching up with the rest of the world powers to define its own standard of achieving excellence. Teaching abroad enables me the opportunity to share and empower Korean youth with a practical and working knowledge of the English language and 
to assist this youth in gaining confident leadership skills to apply towards building relations for their future. For myself, the opportunity to teach in Korea grants me the privilege of exploring the Korean culture, traditions, people and the progress it has to offer.
As I said I’d do just about anything for the opportunity to live abroad… up to a point.
Entering my mid to late 30’s age range bracket is a sobering period for Gen-Xers like myself, who feel tethered to a time clock still beating with a few of youth’s romantic ideals. Essentially this means – “Time is of the essence” and in following winged dreams, my feet are chained to making my choices count!
The Original Wishlist: My Ideal Job Abroad
1. Paid work with benefits and vacation
2. Sponsors a work visa
3. Supports a basic, yet comfortable lifestyle
4. Pays travel expenses and accommodations
5. Strengthens current career tools and skills
6. Gains possible skills & experience towards “a secondary profession”.
7. Entails: creative & innovative problem-solving, psychology, communication, people skills
8. Job goal: Empowering and inspiring people
Ask and you shall receive! An English teaching position in Korea fits the equation of a full package (not to mention, I’ve recently been getting into K-dramas/films and I think the B-boy culture is pretty cool)!
Next Reading (>>
A Gap Year Abroad: Gaining a Year vs. Losing One (Part II: Choices)
Christine is a Camera Operator & Producer for reality TV in North America. She enjoys photography, writing, creating art and traveling off-the-beaten path to remote countries and lifestyles she never thought she'd explore.
Sounds like you’re going to have an interesting year! I wish I were as motivated as you were. I’m happy just to work regular office hours and hang out around Cancun the rest of the time.
I like that you’re considering coming up with some sort of travel reality show. I am obsessed with The Amazing Race, so anything travel-related is awesome to watch!
WATCHING you putting all these things together is a nightmare to live with, but now reading and seeing your goal have everything in perspective; that tugs my heart with admiration. Whew!
Thanks, Dad. Just wanna do you proud.
You’ve a job and a possibly permanent lifestyle abroad- I consider that “motivation”. We all have our own process and personal dream objectives- there’s no right or wrong. A lot of travelers like the vacation approach and that’s been a consideration for me as well. But then, I thought- what happens when return to the States & find I’ve a half eaten plate for a career? I can deal with the inevitable later or troubleshoot it now.
Wonderful! This post put your dad at ease.
In all seriousness, you sound crystal clear on motives and goals. That’s half the battle. All we can do in these endeavours is proceed with a true, honest intention, then take it from there.
You’re going to be leaving very soon! Very exciting!
@nomadic chick: In all honesty, I think part of me was initially inspired by the need to create “good excuses” to validate my break-away decision! ha ha… Then I keyed into real objectives which created a clarity of intention. The decision was born from the idea of an extended traveler’s vacation so I could take photos and video…the “smart” came after.
Favorite self-awareness-part: “Entering a mid 30’s-40’s age range bracket is a sobering period for Gen-Xers like myself, who feel tethered to a time clock still beating with a few of youth’s romantic ideals.”
Aaaaaaahhhhh!!!!
*flees*
Christine…Let’s go to lunch before you go…and talk about your journey and interpretation of time and of goal-orientation…if you’re interested…aloha, jimmy
Christine, try to make an effort to drop by Malaysia when you are in Korea, you know you have got friends here, ok.
@Loke: Sure thing! I would definitely love to find the opportunity to get out there!
@Katja: LOL. definitely *flees*. Sometimes it feels like you’ve hit a wall & you’re like “How did I that old? This must be a dream!” But you’re still a young’un in my book!
@ Jimmy: Sounds like a plan. Will give you a call. I know I sound pretty intense about the goal making- I’ve spent a LOT of my young adult years “finding myself” (like many Gen Xers I know…) thru art. I found myself late so I’m playing catchup. But I’ve always created goals to direct my life. The big ingredient I forgot to mention: Always make it fun for yourself. Medicine only tastes good and works well when its sweet… In goal-making, you have to learn where to add the sugar.