Singing the blues

Since starting this job in August 2009, it seems that there is a pattern among the people who started at the same time. Around November, there was a period where suddenly a lot of people were expressing homesickness. Around January, it happened again. And again now in April.

I don't know if this is a coincidence or not. It seems that there is a cycle of homesickness going on here.

I'd imagine the novelty of living in Korea was wearing off for a lot of people around November. The honeymoon period was likely coming to an end and for those who hadn't felt it yet, it was the "oh my goodness, I really am in Korea" feeling coming in. That was also when the weather started to change from pleasant and warm to bitter and cold, which is often a reminder that time is indeed moving along.

In January, the winter English camps were getting underway for some of us while others went away on vacation. This had a profound effect, it seems, as some people started hearing about others' vacations and started to long for the same. Also, it was in the middle of Korea's coldest winter on record, which didn't help things when your buddies are posting stuff about snorkeling in Australia or enjoying the sun in Vietnam.

And this brings us to April. It seems that a lot of people are settling back into their schools for the new semester and interestingly, a new wave of homesickness seems to be settling in for a lot of people. Perhaps it's the lack of holidays or the feeling of déjà-vu, but some people seem to be expressing some frustration at the monotonous nature of restarting a semester. Some have even flirted (albeit playfully) with the idea of just handing on a letter of resignation and going back home.

I'm not immune to this. My first bout of homesickness came in mid-October, although I had largely gone past the "oh dear, I really am in Korea" part long before. The first time is really difficult because it's such a new feeling. My next feeling of homesickness came around January, like a lot of other people. However, I was more well-equipped to handle it because I had gone through it before. When I came back in March, I felt another wave, which was much stronger than the January one. That one was hard to deal with; the others are experiencing this in April, but I already got it out of the way a month early.

Sometimes for people wanting to sign up for this job, the money and the perks seem attractive; some Koreans are even a bit resentful that we are here to teach a language that we speak in our home countries. However, one shouldn't overlook the emotional toll it may have on a person. It's impossible to imagine the feelings of homesickness that will eventually hit you, until you're actually here and experiencing it.

While money was a big motivator for me, it eventually became clear that money is of secondary importance. This job is not all about the money. To remain here, you have to also question whether you can handle the emotional burdens that present themselves. Some can handle it, and some can't. At some point, you have to ask yourself if the money is worth it.

I'm making it sound like doom and gloom, but there is a plus side to this. Living here is difficult. However, if you manage to last for a year, then you have accomplished something that few people at home ever get the balls to even try. Living here is a test of endurance and tolerance, and passing the test can have some benefits down the road. I don't know what those benefits might be, since I'm still here in Korea, but there's got to be at least a few.