Human Trafficking
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Ms Parker in Korea!: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Ms Parker in Korea!

Monday, December 04, 2006

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

I'm a bit preoccupied these days...


Yes, I will stay in Korea.

The question is this: Do I stay at the same school or go somewhere else?

Reasons to stay at the same school:
  • I like my students;
  • In my mind, leaving my school means leaving Suncheon (and I like Suncheon);
  • I know how to get around the city by bus, scooter, giving directions in a taxi...;
  • Universities seem to hire primarily in March and August, and my contract ends in April;
  • Jakob and Mr Shane;
  • Red Devil, my scooter;
  • TaeKwonDo and Tuesday French Nights;
  • I'm lazy.
Reasons to move on:
  • Have you seen my apartment?
  • My relationship with the staff at my school is touch and go;
  • Suncheon is a nice place, but there are other great places to see;
  • It will be even more difficult to leave after two years;
  • Many friends seem to be leaving;
  • It's the end of the school year here, which means different students starting on March 1 (1/2 same and 1/2 different students next year);
  • The dangers of stagnation.
Could somebody please make this decision for me, so that I don't have to?

Thanks.

13 Comments:

  • We've already discussed this. Stay, and look for another job too. If another fab job comes up, let them get you out of your Suncheon contract. Why are you agonising over this? (as I am not personally involved, your path seems obvious to me) Do you want C.P.'s #?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 9:17 PM  

  • Hi Its MOM Meron is right, would you come home between contracts? Love MOM

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:23 PM  

  • May I suggest flipping a coin? No, don't do that. Do what Dr. Phil always tells his annoying guests: try "wearing" each decision for a day and see how you feel. How would you feel if you decided to stay? How about if you decided to move on? If that doesn't work, flip a coin. Good luck! Whatever you decide, it will be fine and you will continue to be surrounded by friends who support you.

    By Blogger Char, at 4:10 AM  

  • Easy job, great friends, good pay, brilliant holidays, easy to travel, very low cost of living, beautiful mountains and temples, lots of islands, weekend parties and events, trips to cool cities like Busan & Seoul, good shopping, rairly good weather, fun islands to explore... And you can hang out with me.
    :)

    So what was the question?

    By Blogger Goulash, at 8:51 AM  

  • I'm taking Char's advice and am wearing the "I'm not signing on at the same school again" hat.

    Stu - you don't have to convince me to stay in Korea! That's a given!

    xoxo

    V.

    By Blogger Ms Parker, at 9:22 AM  

  • I'm right there with ya... I know I am staying, but I am planning on bargaining with my hagwon for some extra time off so I can stay at my apt and with the kids and school I love.

    However, 2 years in the same place will be my limit. I think it's a good number. Stay with me friend!

    Cassie

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 1:23 PM  

  • The question I see is between the devil you know and the devil you don't. While there are lots of issues with your school and housing, you do kind of luck out with the time off (it seems there are a lot more schools that are asking teachers to be here for all the days other than the ones you take as part of the contract) and you wouldn't have to move. You live near a lot of friends (even if there is a lot of turn over right now) and believe me, there is a lot of good in that.

    From what information I have right now, I would vote "stay" but I'm selfish like that and like having good people reasonably nearby.

    J

    By Blogger Jess, at 2:11 PM  

  • Didja see that?!!? A mother said I was right! Write down the date, time, etc...
    Mrs. Virginia and I are right. So there. Stay. Moving sucks. ( I kinda want to visit Suncheon now too... I'd like to see in person all of the people, places, things...)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:11 PM  

  • Arrrrgh! I can't believe my mother said that you were right! The only time I have ever told you that you were right was because I lost a bet and it took another 45 minutes of (you) whining before I actually did it!

    By Blogger Ms Parker, at 7:30 AM  

  • I'm ALWAYS right. You're just not generally swift enough to acknowledge it in a timely manner. ( have you decided that I'm right about the job thingie yet?)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 11:45 AM  

  • My vote is to stay and embrace the joy and fun that is "coasting in one's position". You've already learned all the hard stuff there. so by taking a year to coast, you can ensure you really focus on doing the things you want outside of school.

    Of course, choosing this course will mean the ideal opportunity elsewhere will come up, and you'll be compelled to take it.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 12:29 PM  

  • Dutch Uncle Advice. Unless the career has a really good retirement option, jobs should be changed every couple of years. Think of the new doors open to you as you moved there. I spent 30 years in the Military and have had a couple of new jobs sisnce. My new career is to Substitute teach. At 60 it is great to meet different kids each day and I swear if I survive, I am getting younger. I can't remember smiling and laughing nearly as much in any job.
    Dennis Petty, Tecumseh KS
    Posting as Ridingwithmud.blogspot.com
    MUD is Mean Uncle Denny, a name I was given by one of my nieces and one I wear proudly. (as I say it with a smile)

    By Blogger MUD, at 10:55 PM  

  • Hi Mud,

    You comment on Jessica's blog all the time!

    Great to hear from you!

    By Blogger Ms Parker, at 2:26 PM  

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