So, here it is, January 1st of 2019 - another year come and gone as time tends to go. Trying to take advantage of as much of it as I possibly can while I am still breathing ~ after all, isn't that what life is all about?
I decided Time was asking me to make some changes. In September of 2018 I opted to leave a job that I had been working at for 20 years. I've had many people question why I would do this. Well, first of all, I graciously fell into this job when I was merely a young single mother at the age of 21. I needed the work. I think I probably somewhat enjoyed the job every once in awhile but occasionally found that some of the people that I worked with were the only reason I could tolerate the job (in some cases despise it more) - often both a blessing and a curse. However, this was never the job that I dreamt of doing. It rarely did anything to fulfill me; it just kept a roof over our head and food in our bellies (most days). And no, there was no pension - no perks - no great send off... I got a pen and a business card holder for all of the absurdity I had been privy to all those years, but I felt a massive weight lifted from me.
I have always wanted to travel more but parenthood, money, and the infamous employer seemed to dislike this desire. With the kids gown up I just had to figure out my way around the other two hurdles. I had been "encouraged" to return to college which I had finally completed my Bachelor of Science in Human Services March of 2018 and got a certification to teach English as a second language (ESL/TEFL/TESOL). So now what to actually do with it.
I honestly could not stomach staying at that soul sucking company that I had been with since what felt like the beginning of time. It was one of the most difficult things I ever did on a weekly basis. I had finally just got comfortable in my financial situation. However, leaving my job and starting in the Human Services field here would cut my livable salary in half making it not so livable. I had to find a solution that would allow me to afford to live yet use my degree while building my resume some. And without a vivid moment of thought, the idea of teaching English in a foreign country presented itself. Not only did this option fulfill my wanderlust, I could leave my job and someone else would pay me to work abroad. Haha and someone once told me I'd spend all that money on a degree and never be able to use it. (*sending raspberries*)
Up, I left, without a glance behind. I had so much paperwork and other things to complete before I could get a job abroad. Some countries offered paid housing and a minimal salary. This was definitely an enticing perk. I could save money (or have money to travel) while doing something new. Due to my upbringing, family history, and recent language interest I chose Korea - SOUTH - for all of those that ask, it's difficult to refrain from smacking the nonsense out of you. Luckily for everyone, I have surprisingly impeccable restraint ;).
To work abroad as an English teacher requires certain documents which can vary by country and surprisingly more money than most future jobs. I had to complete an FBI background, have that and my BS processed through a special international notary called an apostille, resumes, Skype interviews, Fed Ex-ing paperwork overseas, visa processes ... and on top of still having some monthly expenses and other things to do before leaving the country for awhile. Writing it all out doesn't really feel like so much but the whole process of just paperwork took nearly 3 months and $1,100. Luckily, I saved a little money by already having a valid passport with enough time before it expires.
After a ridiculous amount of emails from recruiters from China, Thailand, and Korea that I had to sort through often and respond to regularly for interviews while keeping in mind the time/date differences, I finally found a school in Suwon that didn't seem to be trying to scam me into some unreasonably sketchy contract. For those looking into this as an option, keep in mind most of these schools are in this business for the money that they charge the students' families and less into your satisfaction and happiness as an employer. If you are from an English speaking country and "look the part" they want to use you mostly as a marketing aspect and less for your qualifications (or lack thereof) and satisfaction. Fortunately, due to many years of researching family court processes and board of labor violations, I have become pretty well versed in a lot of legalese. Keep an eye out specifically for words like "employer/employee" (you want these in your contract), anything that may require additional stipulations once you reach your said country for the contract to be valid (red flag), and most importantly recruiters that bully or "threaten" that they can find anyone. While this is likely true, they probably have difficulties keeping teachers. You may be walking into a hot mess.
So now, with a one-way ticket in hand to Korea as of February 2019, I wait, impatiently, eagerly, terrified to some extent, yet excited. Many people are supportive in my choice and adventurous plans and some quietly say nothing. What is most challenging is the time while I wait to leave. All of this free time gives me that much more time to question "what the hell am I doing?" and for all of the fearful thoughts to flood in. I know that every day will not be superb and there is a lot that I will have to get accustomed to. After visiting for one week in 2018 I realized many of the things that will make it hard for me on a daily basis such as: where all of the trashcans are, bottled water, air drying my clothes, absurd humidity, language barriers, real Mexican food, 4 seasons, no car/using public transportation for everything, deodorant, paying bills in the US like car/insurance/storage/etc, starting a completely new career, being away from friends and family, and more. We never really realize how much we take for granted. On many levels it is similar to life here but with many differences and the best internet around.
Pardon me if I need a lot of quiet time to myself before I go as everyday this becomes more and more real and until I am fully into it with no way to back out or run, I will need to find ways to maintain my courage and stay centered. I have noticed that I can get more easily aggravated having to explain myself or a situation, also by any negativity - as small as someone saying "things are crap for me" or "that's stupid". I can only think to myself, "THEN CHANGE SOMETHING". The universe gives you so many roads to choose and it is up to you which ones to take. At any time, you can reroute just like Google maps.... A lot of people I don't even think realize that they are chronic complainers sometimes. It really makes things harder to stay positive and driven at times.
So, please, don't be upset with me when I seclude myself or seem to shutdown so that I can continue on this amazing journey and experience. I know I will be basically alone when I arrive. I will struggle with many new changes and a very small handful of people will even begin to understand what it is that I am going through - sometimes even myself. So, I have chosen to use this blog to chronicle what I will be and have gone through to get to this point. I hope you will follow with me and continue to be supportive and understanding. This is the beginning of a new chapter and every moment will help determine how this story progresses and eventually ends. Here's to changing everything that you are comfortable with....Cheers!
