It seems like Wonderland will find my replacement sooner than expected. Supposedly they have their eyes set on someone from London.
I haven’t spoken to my supervisor in the past few days. We got into a heated argument during a meeting on Tuesday. I stood up for the other foreign teacher, and disagreeing with the boss is a big no-no here in Korea. Now I’ve become a pariah.
It’s all very depressing. I’m glad I protected my coworker (because she’s been sick for weeks and doesn’t deserve to get roasted in front of us), but I just wish the fight didn’t get so ugly. It seemed like I was going to leave my job unscathed, but I don’t see how things will heal between me and C.
Which is unfortunate, because while she has now grown so vindictive of me, I don’t have any ill feelings towards her. She was a wonderful employer, and did as much as she could for me in spite of her busy schedule. My coworkers and students can’t stand her, but I know she tries her best.
When you make someone lose face here in Korea, that’s it . . the friendship’s over.
I should know–I do have Asian parents, after all.
This week has made me think of my former coworkers from the bank. Yes, we had some fights, but we were such a laid back bunch. Even though the hours were long and ran late (or early) a few times, I always looked forward to seeing them.
Now I’m working in a place filled with so much resentment and nearly barren of genuine friendship.
(I miss you girls.)
Oh you Asians and your honor. Back home, I think it’s no longer in the average American’s lexicon .
I’m sorry to hear things have taken a rough turn. Hopefully there’s another route(job) you can take in Korea where you won’t have anything to do with Wonderland. As long as you still want to be there.
Isn’t there an ‘ignorant American’ card you can play?
“There,” meaning Korea, not Wonderland, btw.
I know! I really hate the concept of “losing face.” The Westerner in me really doesn’t give a shit.
However, my relationships do matter. I’m going to try to make things right next week, but I don’t think there’s anything else I can salvage.
Hopefully Wonderland will find a new teacher soon.
(I still want to stay in Korea. I’m going to wine and dine my contacts this weekend. Wish me good luck.)
Good luck, Pia, on all fronts. Korea seems like it would be an awesome place to be without the work obligations. But I guess I could say that about anywhere. 😉
Best of luck, Pia. I’m sure you’ll charm your way to stayin’. I hope you do, as I know you’re so much happier there.
Best of luck, man. You’ll do fine, just keep your chin up and exude confidence and you’ll be fine. I’ve given myself a deadline: I’m going to quit my job by the time that I leave for San Francisco. Sleeping during the day this summer is just no longer in the cards.
Hey! Yay! We’re back! 🙂
Darn unscheduled maintenance.
Yeah, for a (long) while I thought my entire blog had been deleted.