On April 20th I commemorated three years in Korea. I can't believe it's been three years already. Time flies. On the one hand it seems like it was just yesterday that I was saying tearful good byes to my friends and family and heading off into the deep blue yonder. On the other hand, my life before Korea seems distant, hazy. I have decided to sign a fourth contract which will begin in August, thus guaranteeing another year here. My life here is good. I have a good job, great friends, and I'm enjoying living free of the complications of America. The economy back home is still not good so why should I fix something that isn't broken?
Since it's been three years since landing in Korea, I'll use this blog to reflect on my life here. One of my recruiting clients recently asked me what it means to me to "live in Korea". Here is what my answer to her was:
Living in Korea means...
Expanding my mind- I get to experience what it's like to live in a different culture, a different language, and a different part of the world. With that comes both joys and frustrations. I can get to see what life is like outside the States. I have seen other people's perspectives and have learned that there is more than one way to do things. To me, that is liberating. Obviously there are frustrating things like the language barrier, but I've had an experience that most people in the States will never have, and once I leave Korea, I'll carry it with me forever.
Since it's been three years since landing in Korea, I'll use this blog to reflect on my life here. One of my recruiting clients recently asked me what it means to me to "live in Korea". Here is what my answer to her was:
Living in Korea means...
Expanding my mind- I get to experience what it's like to live in a different culture, a different language, and a different part of the world. With that comes both joys and frustrations. I can get to see what life is like outside the States. I have seen other people's perspectives and have learned that there is more than one way to do things. To me, that is liberating. Obviously there are frustrating things like the language barrier, but I've had an experience that most people in the States will never have, and once I leave Korea, I'll carry it with me forever.
Travel- I've been able to not only see a lot of Korea, but have been able to travel to a lot of other countries in Asia. Travel is something that has always been a priority for me.
Financial Freedom- After three years in Korea, I will soon finally pay off my college, credit card, and car loans which amounted to about $40k when I moved here. I'm finally debt free, owe no one a dime, and can put all my money in my savings account. At the same time I've done that, I've still led a fun life and have traveled a lot. I work hard, but it's been worth it. Living in Korea dollar-wise I don't get paid as much as I would in the States, but I've been able to make so much more headway than if I lived there. Here I'm free of all the financial hangups that hold people back in the States- I don't pay for rent, a car, car insurance, health insurance, or significant taxes.
Excitement- There is something exciting about living abroad. Everything seems to be an adventure. You never know what's going to happen when you walk to the bank. There is also a sense that this is not my final destination. I will eventually move from Korea back to the States, and so I don't take anything for granted like I did in the States. I go out and see things, I utilize my time, and I enjoy it while I'm here. The States will always be there for me to return to.
People- I have been fortunate enough to have established a really good core group of friends- both foreigners and Koreans- that have become my family here. I've been lucky to surround myself with people that are so great. I know most people are not that lucky so I feel very blessed. The people I know here are a key incentive to staying.
Frustration- Living in another culture can be frustrating, especially when you don't speak the language. Three years later I still get frustrated when people don't do things the way that I expect and it can make me angry. But, then I put things in perspective, realize that things don't work the way they do back home, and move on. These frustrations could could be anything from the shopkeeper misunderstanding me, to the bank needing more documents to transfer money, to the late notice my co-teacher gives you about an upcoming event.
Homesickness- I do miss my home. Actually, I miss the people back home more than I do the location. Sometimes it is difficult. I have missed events such as Christmas and Thanksgiving and friends' weddings. I agonized about going to one of my best friend's wedding in June, but have decided not to go- a difficult decision that I might regret. I have a big family that has a lot of fun at holidays and I miss that. However, while my family was spending Christmas in cold Virginia, I was in Thailand. And they all said they'd rather be in my shoes. So, even though I miss things, I'm still having amazing experiences that family and friends will never have. I have also lost contact with some of my friends in the States. Others I have not. I believe those are your true friends though. The ones that don't depend on your close proximity to them in order to still be a friend.
So, in case anyone was wondering why, three years later, I'm still here. Those are a few. At this point, the thought of returning to the States gives me more anxiety than did the thought of leaving did three years ago. All the crap I would have to deal with when I return- buying a car, rent, health insurance, huge taxes, car insurance, finding a job, having to drive everywhere, paying for gas, the crime rate, expensive hotels, the higher cost of everything...I could go on. Yeah, I'm in no hurry to return home anytime soon. Sorry Mom and Dad, just not yet.
