Master's Degree And South Korea

[tbasham]

Thinking about getting a Master's degree so I can teach at universities in South Korea. I've been living for a year and a half already and enjoy it.

If i get a Master's Degree in education (or something related to teaching English) I will be eligible for university jobs. Being a professor in Korea is a sweet deal. Decent paycheck, free housing (or a stipend), 14 weeks of vacation, and low teaching hours (9-15 a week depending on the university). Also this would be aligned with my life purpose statement (Using my brainstorming to educate and entertain others).

My goal is to eventually return home. I like Korea, but I couldn't live here forever. I also want to start my own business one day (something I can do from a laptop. Physical products will give me a headache). Being a university professor puts me in a great position to do everything I've wanted in life. I'd have enough time and money to travel and build skills that will allow me to return home. However, doing all of this will take around 5ish years. 14 months to get the M. Ed and another 2-3 years to enjoy and reap the benefits of teaching college.

The problem is that I'm starting to miss my own culture, although a trip home for a month may cure it. Also doing this will make it take longer to reach my end goal of working for myself. I could start now (go back home) or take the scenic route (be a professor in Korea). It's like I'm driving from New York to California. Do I take a straight shot? Or should I explore some of the states I'm driving though?

What do you all think? Should I become a college professor for a while or try to do something else? There are many benefits to being a professor here. But the longer I'm here the harder it'll be for me to return home. But that is a price I'm willing to pay.

Edited April 12, 2016 by tbasham

[Henri]

Yeah, that`s some kind of choice.

Thinking about planning your life without knowing what life is planning for you.

No one can tell you, this is totally up to you. And whatever your decision will be, make sure it`s your decision, that you`ll be responsible.

Contemplate on it, strongly and consciously. and leave the question while doing your daily duties. Try this for a few weeks and see what`s coming up.

[nbolt]

I love South Korea! Can't wait to return. At the end of the day this is a choice that you're going to have to make yourself as most of us can't really know what your exact situation and feelings are, but my first thought is: why exactly would it be harder to return home? I travel a ton, and you said you get 14 weeks of vacation. Why not use that time of the year to go back?

[tbasham]

I meant harder to return home in terms of finding a job, dealing with reverse culture shock, and getting back into the swing of things in my home country. I have a feeling the first 1-2 years of returning home will be rough. I'm just wondering if I should get it out of the way now, or delay it some more. However, I do enjoy living abroad and don't feel like it's time to come home just yet.

 

 

[nbolt]

31 minutes ago, tbasham said:

I meant harder to return home in terms of finding a job, dealing with reverse culture shock, and getting back into the swing of things in my home country. I have a feeling the first 1-2 years of returning home will be rough. I'm just wondering if I should get it out of the way now, or delay it some more. However, I do enjoy living abroad and don't feel like it's time to come home just yet.

Not trying to be brash, but those reasons seems kind of.. empty. At least to me. Dealing with "culture shock" or "getting back into the swing of things" are pretty vague and don't seem like good enough reasons to base a major life decision around.

[tbasham]

Neill, it's okay. I enjoy brashness. You make a good point. There really is no reason for me not to do this. I know doing this will give me everything I want in life. I just need to be diligent enough to have a smooth transition when I'm finished.