So, I wanted to wait a little bit to announce the sad news (although if you follow me on Facebook, you already know).
GEPIK or the Gyeonggi English Program in Korea has decided to cut funding for 98% of middle and high schools in the Gyeonggi province.
Guess whose school that includes?
Mine.
Yup. I don’t have a job after April 5th.
When I found out the news, it was like I had been punched in the gut. I was already planning on being at my school next year. My students love me. I adore my students. Even though I live in the middle of nowhere, I really like my apartment. I’m pretty devastated. Luckily, Johnny was spared from being cut because he works at an elementary school. He’s already signed his renewal papers.
Of course, now the competition to get a job at an elementary school, or the rare middle/high school with funding is stiff. And this isn’t the only problem. About 80% of the jobs start on March 1st. My contract isn’t over until April. Slim pickings all around.
I emailed my recruiter the second I found out I wasn’t going to be able to renew my contract. She’s working really hard to find jobs that are hiring for April, so not all hope is lost. Of course, there’s always the hagwon route, but that’s my LAST LAST LAST LAST LAST option. I’m not trying to lose all my vacation days! Psh! And I’m really trying to not work until 10 at night. NO MA’AM. In the words of Sweet Brown, “Ain’t nobody got time for that!”
In other news, I’ve turned into a freaking hermit. It’s so cold here. So so so so cold. My apartment has turned into my best friend. That, and my awesome space heater. BFFs. Last week, I had to desk warm, and this week I’ve been teaching my Harry Potter English Camp, which has been a ton of fun. Next week is desk warming again, then I’m on a staycation for 2 weeks. I’m not leaving Korea, as I spent all of my money on a new computer after my dear, beloved, BBmac finally passed on to glory. My bright, fast, and shiny new Macbook is totally worth it though. No more waiting roughly 10 minutes for Powerpoint to open!!
During my staycation, I plan on eating a lot, taking tons of pictures, and finally seeing all the stuff in Seoul I haven’t had a chance to see. You know I’ve never been to Insadong? Or Ewha? GASP. SHOCK. HORROR. And I want to see the new IFC mall. And the rest of the time I’ll probably be in cafes reading.
I’m also working on a winter beauty product review. You know, I haven’t had dry skin all winter? Or chapped lips? I AM A MIRACLE!
So, what have you been up to this winter? Anyone want to make me jealous with stories of warm weather in SE Asia? (actually…don’t. I’ll just be sad)
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
WHOA that is way crappy lady!
By the way… Korea is on our “maybe” list since Japan is so expensive and they don’t pay for much. Although, maybe I should stay away so you can get a job!
girl! Come on over! When are you planning on coming? And as far as money goes, S. Korea isn’t dirt cheap, but compared to what people tell me about Japan, it’s lightyears cheaper!
Sorry to hear that GEPIK is closing down so many schools. Does your boyfriend’s school have any openings for teachers? Maybe your school can sign you on as regular staff? I have no idea how that would work or if it does.
You’ll find something, especially since you still have 3 months to look. Are you looking to stay in the same region??
Bonne chance avec tous les choses!
I wish it worked that way
. They’ve already hired the Korean teacher that’s going to replace me. Sadly, she also barely speaks English, but …yea. Not gonna get into that!! lol!
And yes, I’m looking to stay in the same area, only because Johnny is here too. If he hadn’t resigned, I think we would’ve moved to Seoul.
Keeping my fingers (and toes!) that your recruiter finds you a GREAT job at a nearby elementary school!!
Thank you so much! I need all of the finger/toe crossings that I can get!
*fingers and toes crossed!!
I’m staycationing too.
My bf’s school lost their funding, so we are in a very similar situation to you and yours. It’s getting harder and harder every year! I hope it all works out well for you, and that you enjoy your time off. I too will be reading in cozy cafes, and wandering areas of Seoul I’ve never seen. ^^
AH you too?!?!?! Sigh. I hope your BF finds a job soon. Is he thinking about going to a hagwon or is he trying to get a public school job? FIGHTING!!!! We can do it!
We gave up. It seems we’re too old (30), experienced, and heathen (we are unmarried but living together, hehehe), to stay in Korea. It’s time for some change! I’m really excited to move on to the next big adventure. Best wishes to you!
Best wishes to you too! Good luck on your next adventure!
Oh no! Sorry to hear about GEPIK. (I have a couple of friends who also got the cut. Sad faces all around.)
Hopefully you’ll be able to find something starting in April. Have you considered the part-time route? I have a pal that does it here in Seoul and works 2-3 part-time gigs a day. She gets like 3 million a month! AND housing! And without that much commitment, she still has loads of vacation time.
I’m leaving Seoul come February. Definitely going to miss this city…
what?!?! Tell me more about this part time thing! Better yet, look for an email in the next few days. I’m intrigued.
What are you plans after your grand departure from Seoul?
You should come to Spain! Their Language and Culture Assistants program opened up apps today, actually.
I’m not worried about you. Think about how much experience you’ve gained over the past year, professionally and personally. You’ve come a long way from L.A. baby! Although, I do feel your sadness about leaving your lovely students and school, I think there’s a lot of opportunity to come. Try to work with more than one recruiter if you can and see what else it out there. Also, think about leveraging your social media skills and photography into your next job. It’s a new moon on January 11 and it favours Sagittarius (hello…Jupiter giver of gifts and luck is in the house). You can move up – to a better apartment, job, income, etc. Stay strong. Believe in yourself and the universe and opportunity will come! Big hugs from Canada!
You are the best Natalie! Thank you so much for the encouragement. And the hugs!!! It really made me feel better!
Have you been to the Hyewha area yet? Or Samcheongdong-dong? Both highly recommended! I went to the Shinro Ohtake exhibition at ArtSonje the other day after hitting Insadong and then wandered Samcheongdong-dong – loved it. Actually much nicer than Insadong.
Don’t stress too much about getting a job, something will turn up.
Oh that sucks! I really hope you find something soon. Hoping to make it to Korea this year *fingers crossed* so hopefully our paths will meet! If only so I can stock up on some of these beauty products you’ve been raving about
GIRL! You’re coming to Korea?!?! WHEN?! We need to make a meetup happen…even if we just go shopping for cosmetics together!
Hey hun, I know you told me over Twitter that you’ll be staying there until March 2014 now – Does that mean they extended your contract at your current school or did you manage to find a job elsewhere? x
Well, I haven’t found a job…yet. But I’m pretty confident I’ll be able to find a job soon. I actually have an interview on Thursday!
woo hoo! How did it go?!
- Maria Alexandra
Sadly, I didn’t get the job
But, I have another interview in about an hour and a half! eeek!