I am back to my home land, finally - Page 4

I heard from friends that most people who go back to Korea hate it because they hate the culture and people. Jobs through hook up as opposed to merit, and lots of corruption in government and work places. They say its not as nice as TV makes it out to be and that people are very cold, selfish, and rude. My friends have also been telling me that Korean Americans are more naive and innocent, and that Koreans are really just dicks.

Any truth to this from your experience?

Although it's probably more prominent in Korea, jobs through hook up is evident in US as well. Do you really have the luxury to choose to live in US as a ghost as opposed to live your life because of corruption in government and work places? You make it sound like Madoff and Enron cases are to be obsolete..

It really depends from person to person. I was the only Asian in my neighborhood and my neighbors made sure that I acknowledge that.. So does that mean all Americans are dicks and call me names?

Koreans are very homogenous and they tend to outcast those who're diff. but this social psychological phenomenon exist in all cultures..

True.
Every society has glass ceiling.
I unconciously felt there is glass ceiling and racism during my stay in American society as well.
Sometimes I have imagine myself at the working place after DA passes. I might work extremely hard to go up the corporate ladder, but I will be retiring at some point where I am not even close to be a CEO. Going up the ladder is just hard as winning a lotto because there aren't that many position such as CEO available. Korea is kind of the same, but it is better to start up quickly in my homeland than waiting for politicians to pass something. I truly think that congress might trying to vote on some kind of immigration reform at 2013, which is after the election.
If that does not pass, Dreamers have to wait until next election and then next election. Cycle will continue, and many people who are over aged will regret. I wouldn't bet my life on political climate or "hook ups". Since you guys are not over-aged like me, you guys have the edge over me. However I believe age is just a number.

How old r u?

awesome story. I've been thinking about going back to korea. I've been living in US for 11 years now. I came here when I was 14 and have been on F-1 student visa. I can speak fluent korean and I am willing to serve my military duty but I only have an associate's degree.

One thing I really dislike about Korean culture is that you have to hang out with your co-workers after work for 'social drinking'. I can't drink because my liver+stomach cant take any alcohol. I can't even take 3 shots of soju lol Also, Im so into jiu jitsu and cant imagine myself without it. I have mixed feeling about America. My parents own a hot wing/pizza restaurant for 10 years now and I am tired of dealing with rude people. I am also tired of working odd jobs. I pushed carts at assi plaza, packed boxes for internet sales company, and currently work at a donut shop which requires me to be at work by 3 AM.

I am thankful that I have a job and can pay for my bills atm, but I dont want to repeat this cycle forever. I am already 25 years old. Some of my friends with US citizenship work for big corporations like R.I.M, ING insurance, and law firms while I couldnt finish my bachelor's degree because my parents' business isnt doing so well and couldnt afford my tuition.

Pursuitofhappiness, Do you think someone like me who has a chance in Korea? I have no place to stay in Korea other than barracks lol I dont think I can save up $5k by this fall for my school tuition and another $5k for spring semester.

You sure have chances.
Think outside the box for a bit.
There are lots of American, European, Chinese, and Japanese companies in Korea. You don't have to work for Korean companies if alchol is a hinderance for you.
As I hover around Seoul, I see lots of Americans and Japanese residents. Isn't this evidence that you can also assimilate as well as these foreigners? I am just astonished at how people assimilate to culture so quickly for survival. Anywhere you go in this world, you will find different experience that will enrich your life.
However, I recommend you get at least bachelor degree before you can move on.
I believe your parents can support you if you show them your determination.

well my parents cant really support me

our house is getting foreclosed soon and they told me to go back to korea. They said the same thing last year but I refused to go back and applied for school once again. Ever since then, they dont even talk to me.

Good to hear that you're doing well and adjusting to life in Korea!

I am really considering to go back to Korea too..with all these anti-immigration bills coming up in Georgia..I just wanna leave

What my friends are saying is that if you speak fluent english, you will easily find a decent job there...but dont they already have a lot of ppl like us?

I wish I was able to get at least a bacherlos degree, but I wasnt able to go to a 4 yr university..so I am just lost deciding which path I shud take..

Did your parents go back with you? or did you leave by yourself?

I arrived here by myself, because my cousin allowed me to stay at his home until I find a place. To give you short advice, Korea still needs people like us. Maybe there are going to be lot of ppl like us in next 10 years, lol. If you have native english skill and enjoy teaching young students, you can easily make around $5k/month. Cost of living is not as high as I expected. Only imported brands are about 2 times expensive than in the US.
Have confidence. "Fear" always keeps people from advancing.

Great to hear your story! I totally agree about the part of assimilating for survival...but there's definitely a part of me that can't (or won't?) maybe b/c my immediate family is still in the US and I can't "unlearn" my american ways since I've moved back to my own country lol

how funny...my job when I moved back here was working at the Korean embassy. Great experience (one of my childhood best friends in the US was korean so I was somewhat familiar w/culture) definitely wanna visit korea someday