I could do lunch with coworkers, we’re all stuck there after all, but once my work day is done, I’m going home. How are people in S Korea expected to nurture personal relationships if they’re always at work or with coworkers?! No wonder birth rates are low, you don’t even have the time (or the energy) to procreate. It seems like the low birth rate issue could be fixed simply by changing certain cultural aspects there. You guys need to talk openly about these things, which is also a problem there… but that’s why it’s so good that you are making these videos, you are starting the conversation… hopefully other Koreans join in on the conversation.
You did the right choice ..instead of suffering in a bad situation which could make you depress in long term ..you choose to quit and you will have a better life . Congratulations . Thank you for sharing ..your testimony is important all over the world. Thank you . Merci (french territory)
Wow, as an introvert, I would find it really hard to cope with. I love my time with me, myself and I. After a day's work, I look forward to going home to relax and recharge my batteries 😊 Thank you for sharing 🙏
This is wild, I am from France and as far as I know, our UNPAID free time legally CANNOT be tied to the company and CANNOT be used against you in a disciplinary or promotion decision. when i clock out, I clock out. Yall won't see me. Like guys I see you for 8 hours a day, even if I like you, I don't want to be forced to see you more ahhaha That is one of the toxic work expectations that would make me seriously hesitate to work there. this seems highly unprofessional to me that your company would have other expectations from you outside of working hours.
It’s weird if SK wants family numbers to go up then they should want to give time for the members to spend time with their family or potential spouses.
That’s true except previous Korean generations had this culture of always being at work and no time for their family, and the wife staying at home and raising the children.
@@craigiefconcert6493 Except if two incomes are required to live comfortably and overtime (on and off the clock) is mandatory then when are the parents around to raise said children?
Honestly, I really thank you for your videos. They show a totally realistic life of average people in South Korea, which can really help people to open their eyes and take off their rose-colored glasses. It's also about culture, a topic that you can get to know better only through the citizens of this country. I also think that these videos are a good kind of psychotherapy that can make you calm down. So, I am happy for you!"
I was watching a k drama where they all got together to eats dinner frequently. It’s good to have the context that is is actually a thing. Lunch together and then dinner too? Too much. I also don’t like “lunch and learn” presentations. It’s just a way for companies to get more of our time for free. I’m a freelancer too and it’s the best. I do go to some team social events on occasion but that’s partly as business building. Korean culture is also so much about status and hierarchy. It would not be enjoyable to spend time with the boss or superiors as you have to watch what you do or say. Just torture time for the benefit of their ego.
Unspoken expectations of the work culture, here in the US, from my peon job experiences, getting in with the popular group at work is crucial to maintaining your job or for a possible promotion…being like by the boss is important as well and sometimes it appears you gotta hang out with the boss outside of work too….and there’s many other work politics that comes to play too which I find draining and not productive….some work environments are like high school which I found to be very toxic.
Thank god i don't have a stupid work environment like this. I can go to work, do my thing, not talk to anyone if i don't feel like it and it won't affect anything, even if my job requires communication with other people, but i'm talking about the work-related stuff and nothing outside of it. That's something i could never understand in some jobs, technically you're not forced to socialize, but you're expected to do what the other people do anyway, otherwise you're a weirdo like the guy said, or even lose opportunities like you said. You'd think this mindset would be something people grow out of once they graduate from high school, lol. Your work ethic and skills is what should be the only thing that matters to your boss.
It’s not EXPECTED of you in America like it is is S Korea, we have a choice in America, people in S Korea don’t really. And what you’re describing really is not the norm in most cases, where as it is part of the culture in S Korea.
Social life in korea is exhausting. I feel like they have to stay together for whatever reason, which i feel like wasting my precious times. Even after you quit your job, people will ask you to eat together like it is something worth celebrating. that's why you can see many people go in groups during break times or at a restaurant.
I think with the birth rate being so low in Sth Korea, the suicide rate so high, the cost of housing being so ridiculously unachievable, that this type of 'forced' work gathering needs to be kept to a bare minimum...it's also extremely worrying that alcohol plays a big part in this...encouraging someone to drink alcohol, and excessively, is not ethically acceptable in any environment..or country. I also know about how women in particular are treated in the workplace, and in these gatherings, so again, it's not good all round. The pressure/passively aggressive bullying, and the cost, can't be good for any employee....so good for you for coming away from that, and becoming a Singular Thinking Human Being, that's doing the best for themself....and the people around them. 👏 Fighting 🍀
Thank you for this video .. as a french citizen , in my opinion this team meal thing is aother expression for exploitation😂.. you did the best for you . By the way your english is really excellent!
I'm danish and the lunch of half an hour at work is still working hour. And you have a breack of 15 min in the afternoon, also working hour. We don't work as a team unless it is a special project. If you work overtime after 18 it one and a half pay. If its on weekends its dobble. We have very strong unions that see to it that we are not exploided. We respect if people don't like to drink, but normally there are no alcohol at the workplace, unless you want a bear with your lunch, but only one is okay.
Thanks for sharing the many customs and traditions of South Korean society.There seems to be a lot of expectations and peer pressures in work places in Korea.Looking forward to see all your future uploads.
I left my 9 to 5 in 2021, just couldn’t take it. I powered through for 6 years before that, but there was so much of faking it. 😅 Absolutely love working by myself as a freelancer now.
I find it interesting that you describe things like a matter of fact. Fortunately, work environment in the states is very different and I hope someday, changes take place in Korean society for sake of Koreans. Through your videos, people can see the reality in Korea is quite different from what they see in K-dramas or on 'Seoul travel blogs" by many RUclipsrs. Keep up the good work! ;-)
Yup; I won’t survive. I could do lunch with team, but by dinner time I need to decompress. If it’s once or twice a month we hang out together after work, I can do that, but all the time, I would resign like you did. Also, I love your freelance hours. It’s perfect. You get to sleep late and it should be less crowded by the time you leave the office. Take care!😊
Thank you for sharing and highlighting this aspect of Korean work culture which can be so toxic. I've heard so much about the unhealthy work/life balance in Korea and many other countries and it's heartbreaking. I've quit my 9 to 5 as well, because I want more time for myself. And I'm so happy to see more and more people go part time or freelance and choose to prioritize their mental health instead. Congrats!
Here in the UK "Scotland" I thought our life was tough but the more I hear about Korea the more I am Thankful I live in a beautiful country with the freedom to do as we please, us Scottish dont take well to strict rules or peer pressure. you work to live not live to work is our saying. Just came across your channel very interested in your view of your country.
@@ThumbdownMan Yes we love the Irish, most of us has Irish roots down the family line. Only issue used to be divide in Northern Ireland with religion but thats cooled down now.
As introvert myself I hate working with people who want you to overshare your whole life to them because they hate the fact that I’m too quiet and feel like they deserve to know my private life or something. Like I don’t owe you guys anything, I choose to be quiet because that’s who I am and I don’t really like you guys because you guys are not really nice people lol. Here in the states it doesn’t matter what personality you have but at the same time they favor Extroverts over introverts. And if you are an introvert you are treated like an outsider, an easy target to boss around and like you’re a weirdo. But I could care less. I’m just here to make money and leave, I’m not here to make my “job” my entire personality or to makes friends with a bunch of demanding fake people. So I will just do me. I would much rather work independently than with a team.
In the USA we do whatever we want to at lunch. Maybe a few will get together and go out to eat, but it’s not expected. After work everyone just wants to go home and relax, eat dinner with family, be with their children, have personal time.
@@lightsumo-ct7lrhomelessness is in isolated big cities. The homeless are mostly drug addicts. You can live within your income here and there are many opportunities to build success.
Uh that definitely varies by position and company. Several Americans eat at their desk while working or forego it all together to meet a deadline or if there's a heavy workload. Mid to C suites most likely don't have this issue. America is honestly not much better than Korea in terms of work culture. It's terrible here.
That explains what I’ve seen in k dramas… Lots of socializing and drinking after work… And they are obligated to attend. I’m glad I don’t have that experience. I will be the weird one if I would be working in South Korea. It’s good you have the option to work as a freelancer. You dodged the bullet! Good for you…
It is nice to get along well with the coworkers, but until a certain limit. at least here in my country they take a hint after 3rd refusal, and no one gets offended, they simply don't invite you anymore. the personal time is so important after work, to get relaxed home or somewhere else that has nothing to do with work. so, I feel you man :D
First time I watch your channel and I liked it. I get what you’re saying about getting promoted through daily interactions by sucking up/ buddying up. I imagine that’s everywhere. It also sounds like those drinking managers didn’t have a personal life outside of work. BTW Who picks up the tab?
I think it's somewhat similar in the US. It just all depends on the managers/company you work for. In reality, there is favoritism in most work places even though there isn't supposed to be supposedly. Instead they just call it "soft skills" now and rate you on your "soft skills". I have always been a very hardworking introvert and have lost out on promotions to people that aren't as good as me but have better soft skills. It's really too bad that people are penalized for not having as good of soft skills. Some people are just shy or don't like gossiping (because there is often a lot of gossiping in small talk). That is one reason I am not very social. I don't like gossiping.
A person should be able to do whatever they want with their lunch hour. You may need to run an errand, or take care of personal business. Who wants to eat lunch with coworkers everyday? That’s why it’s good to be your own boss.
I agree. I see my coworkers all day, so I like to get away from the work environment for lunch because I live only 3 minutes from work and prefer to go home and relax during lunch hour.
US corporate is not that different when it comes to promotions...not always the best performers. Socializimg is still important but not as intense in most professions.
In my little country, we work from (private company's 8 to 5/ or 7 to 4 or 9 to 5 also it dependst on the company). Thank God, we do not have spend lunch with each other. And afther work everybody go home ! We do not have the energy to socialise with each other, maybe some people will after 9 at night but with other friends than college. I will truly go nuts if I must socialise so much with people. Ps I see in the C dram/K drama that they go eat and drink alcohol after work....is blowing mind.
Found your channel today and quite impressed, nothing like getting an honest take of the positives and negatives of life from a natives experience. For the 9 to 5 thing i am very much like you in that i am an introvert, like to get my work projects done and outside work is my time to wind down or partake in my hobbies. My wife is the opposite, extroverted and loves the social aspects and would thrive under that situation. Here is Canada there is a balance that way, some socialize while others like myself take a small hit in the work social hierarchy but find a better balance that works for them. I look forward to new content from you as i find it very informative, i find myself very fond in thinking of South Korea and look forward to visiting at some point in my life. Cheers and thank you for your thoughts on Korean culture.
I don’t like hanging out with coworkers outside of work, I wouldn’t survive. I wanna work my hours and go home. I’m a wine drinker not hard liquor so that’d annoyed me.
unless my job is paying for my lunch or dinner, i should have the option to not go. i like my coworkers, but i don’t want to have a team lunch every day with them and once every few months for a dinner to celebrate an accomplishment or goal that we met is more than enough
I'm not shy, per se, and I'm not an introvert- but I am incredibly private. I dislike large crowds, gatherings, and events. With high anxiety and an extremely private personality, I'm used to offending people.
Cada quien es como es, la normalidad no existe pues todos somos diferentes. Esta muy bien seguir nuestra propia forma de ser, respetuosamente pero no seguir convencionalismos que nos causen ansiedad. Congrats.
if i am correct there is also an expectation to drink at hoesik, which can be a problem if you don't want to be hung over everyday and don't like alcohol
Wow being pressured to have dinner together all the time is terrible, especially if you have a family. Once a month ok it's nice otherwise no, it's not realistic or reasonable. isn't the family the most important team in our lives? How can bosses think this is possible in a balanced, healthy life?
How do you justify this phenomenon?? I mean, it has to come from somewhere, maybe it has been established as a culture of previous generations and continues for the reasons you mentioned, mainly for work reasons! success and happy life in your chosen one! greetings from Greece!
A big thank you for your explanation under the above topic. I think you are a great person who is sharing us the most unknown facts as a local person which is living in S. Korea.
Thank you for sharing. Have you ever thought of living outside of SK? Also, was lunch with your co-workers and after hours in your employment contract?
That sounds like torture. I'm surprised you made it 9 months. There's no place like home....my favorite place in the world. It's a place to recharge and be with the people I care about the most.
I'm a late-diagnosed autistic, also an adoptee. I used to consider moving back, thinking i'm missing out on my culture. Actually, there are way more remote and high paying jobs in the US, I own my own home here, so do not want to deal w that "family" work culture crap in any country. Reality, we work to live and there's no other truth. I work fully remote, 9/80 schedule w e/o Friday off, 6-figure salary, full benefits, no drama for a stable defense co. Sorry Korea- I will retire in Singapore bc I miss not being a minority, but do not want Asian work culture
Спасибо большое за ролик!!! Ого! Значит, это правда? Я смотрела сериал из Южной Кореи и один герой другому говорил : "Если ты будешь так делать, то тебя сочтут социопатом". Да, слово "социопат" имеет другое значение, но в том контексте было понятно, о чём шла речь...
I think this problem could arrive everywhere in France too, but not so often, and without any alcool especially after work. Sometime we attend a happy hour drink but with friends only, not coworkers
I am curious as to who pays when the team goes out after work. Does the boss pay for everyone? Does each person pay for themselves? Or is anyone expected to pay for the whole group by turns?
The only time I hung out with co-workers after work was on Holidays and even then it was not expected or pressured. Lunches we all do our own things as well or if you are close so someone, you do lunch only with that person.
I would not mind spending time with the people I work with, but I also like having alone time sometimes too. I certainly would never think bad if someone didn’t want to, everyone is different. A good team leader would consider the wants and needed of the other team members and come to general consensus on what works good for everyone. A happy worker is a productive and good worker.
Sounds like SK and Japan have a lot in common. I’ve heard this same problem over there. How is the work hours in SK? In Japan I’ve heard they work at the bare minimum a 9-5, but more often a 9-9.
Thank you for explaining. First of all it must be terrible for all of those who are forced socialized with colleagues even if they don't want to. I'm grateful to live in a Country where we have the freedom to choose. Second, all this dinners and alcohol who's going to pay for that do you have to do it yourself? Then it would be also quite an expensive matter.
Interesting topic. Here (US) when you want to go home and relax people can say "I just need to go home and decompress..." And a person who always is around the team leader and does everything to please the leader is called "a brown noser". (not a very pleasant origin to that phrase!). I have been freelance for 24 years...(photographer/studio owner). And there are often demands on me to socialize after a long day of shooting. I try very hard to avoid these dinners with clients but sometimes it is impossible and you just need to go out with the whole crew. But unlike what you are describing here in the US we don't socialize afterwork with our team regularly but will only socialize with those colleagues you enjoy spending time with outside of work.
ISFP-A. I give 110% at work but my time is my time. I don't want to do the socialising thing. I'm not interested in promotion. I don't drink so would just refuse to join any drinking parties to please a manager.
Thank you, for taking us along with you. I have lived in several other countries and what I have learned is we are all truly the same. Most people just want to be able to live their lives in peace.
i have same issue like i make pizza and my coworkers aften go to smoke and invites me,sometimes i did but it was kinda akward couse i dont know what to say,so i stopped joining them and now everyone think im a fucking weirdo also i got very sick after smoking so i stopped and they make fun of me for that think its a excuse to not go with them,problem is im not that social and i have nothing common with those ppl especially older ones,also at first they were talking shit about me when i was new so i dont trust them,i feel uncomfortable around them gives me axiety,with some ppl i find something to talk about but most of the time not and it pisses me off like i feel like alien ffs i just want to get paid and fuck off xDD unless i like that person,thats why i dont pick up phone when they call me on my day off,aint gonna hardwork give myself all when they pay me shit and dont appreciate it,you have to lick boss ass to get promoted and be fake ,fuck that,got offered for more job but no salary raise mentioning,so im like fuck u aint doing extra shit for u for free,we are not family like some jobs think fucking slavery
I thought Korean culture was like that i.e you do things for the good of society rather than yourself? The West is more individualistic. However, there are social expectations at work. It depends on the culture. Here in the UK, there is a big drinking culture so depending on the workplace, people might be expected to show their face at work drinks. This is why you will see some people say they will come for one drink to show willing, even though they'd rather go home. You are expected to go to work parties in the UK, no matter the job. There's not really much getting out of those. The only thing you can do is go early and leave early. We don't have to have lunch or dinner with anyone, but in some jobs, lunch is only half an hour, and at least two people will usually be on lunch at the same time anyway. Not going to social things would be more frowned upon in a small team. In a larger team, I think you could get away with excuses. Too many avoidances of official work parties won't make you a weirdo, but will make you appear to not be a team player.
Here In Germany people are very precise about the working hours. If the contract said 8 hours per day than you will see everybody is gone in exact minute😅. No one wants or expected to spend more time than what they are paying for. Of course people are expecting you to be a team player and not an outsider in other term.
That is true here in U.S. about lunch. Because I did not want to be social with people I work with they complained and I was let go. They were not important in my life, my family and I are. I also do not like telling people my business and the young girls did not like that and complained to the people they worked for. U.S. business is who ever kisses bosses ass , even if they are not qualified always got the best offices.
I think working in the United states is stressful. I like it where it is peaceful. I have work in a place as a team, and coworkers can be very hard to deal with. I think it's better to work by myself, and getting more work done. I understand the concept of the 9 to 5 because the work schedule can be a lot more especially if you work from home.
Hell no! we have a special definition for the word TEAM in the German language: *Toll, Ein Anderer Machts!* The translation of it: Great someone else does it! 😅 Which says that mostly of the time it is about delegation and the lowest in the pecking order has to be the poor working guy.😢
Too much togetherness. I have been to Korea a few times on business, Japan many times. I don't think in Japan they get together for dinner after work, I don't think that is expected. Of course, they have the occasional party when someone has a special occasion and you are expected to be at that, but that is only rarely. This is the first time I have heard of this in Korea. I worked with Samsung a few times and I don't recall anyone talking about this. It would never work in America, here they try and leave their work obligations when they leave the office. Of course, with the new world economy, many of us do conference calls with Asia at night-and that is done from home. But usually, your home is your abode-your place to get away from the work stress. That's the way most Americans like it, I think. Like the old saying, 'Too much work makes Jack a dully boy!'. You need to get away from it and recharge.
i think creating culture of getting together is very important, even if people are introverted, is a good thing for society. This creates a sense of comradery which i think the west is missing out due to liberalism and individuality. I think it was something religion use to fill the gap with.
My son quit a job at a Japanese restaurant in the US because he was expected to go to dinner with co-workers after work. The "team" is management 's idea to exploit the workers.
Henry Ford established the 9-5 M-F work culture :) Not eating dinner with your spouse or family also contributes to population decline. Not to mention the costs involved in eating out frequently.
Nowhere in the world they pay you for your break time at work. I worked in few EU countries. I would dislike to be forced to have lunch with my coworkers - just because you see their bloody faces all day long, you might want to have a break from seeing them lol. In most countries I worked mobbing was normal, this is why I hate working with people.
Interesting video! May I ask what you do as a freelance? It seems like you're still doing pretty much the same working hours (8 hours a day/40 per week). Are there many companies that accept this type of freelance contract in Korea?
I believe that u should not be pressured to hangout with coworkers if you don’t want to. These kind of pressure is like a form of control from the top it is a toxic environment which can cause mental illness to a lot of people I really hope one day all of this will change. But if takes people to stand up as individuals to make that happen. I thank God that I have never had to go through that at work.
Well explained, your videos are great for cultural learning ❤
Thank you for watching!
I could do lunch with coworkers, we’re all stuck there after all, but once my work day is done, I’m going home.
How are people in S Korea expected to nurture personal relationships if they’re always at work or with coworkers?! No wonder birth rates are low, you don’t even have the time (or the energy) to procreate.
It seems like the low birth rate issue could be fixed simply by changing certain cultural aspects there. You guys need to talk openly about these things, which is also a problem there… but that’s why it’s so good that you are making these videos, you are starting the conversation… hopefully other Koreans join in on the conversation.
I hope so
You did the right choice ..instead of suffering in a bad situation which could make you depress in long term ..you choose to quit and you will have a better life . Congratulations . Thank you for sharing ..your testimony is important all over the world. Thank you . Merci (french territory)
Wow, as an introvert, I would find it really hard to cope with. I love my time with me, myself and I. After a day's work, I look forward to going home to relax and recharge my batteries 😊
Thank you for sharing 🙏
As an introvert I don’t like forced fun. You shouldn’t have to give a reason as to why you don’t want to spend your free time with work colleagues.
Sounds like hell for introverts who need alone time to recharge
This is wild, I am from France and as far as I know, our UNPAID free time legally CANNOT be tied to the company and CANNOT be used against you in a disciplinary or promotion decision. when i clock out, I clock out. Yall won't see me. Like guys I see you for 8 hours a day, even if I like you, I don't want to be forced to see you more ahhaha
That is one of the toxic work expectations that would make me seriously hesitate to work there. this seems highly unprofessional to me that your company would have other expectations from you outside of working hours.
It’s weird if SK wants family numbers to go up then they should want to give time for the members to spend time with their family or potential spouses.
That’s true except previous Korean generations had this culture of always being at work and no time for their family, and the wife staying at home and raising the children.
@@craigiefconcert6493 Except if two incomes are required to live comfortably and overtime (on and off the clock) is mandatory then when are the parents around to raise said children?
@@spicyritas4795 yes, it’s outdated social practice that doesn’t work with the reality of life nowadays.
@@craigiefconcert6493 agreed
Honestly, I really thank you for your videos. They show a totally realistic life of average people in South Korea, which can really help people to open their eyes and take off their rose-colored glasses. It's also about culture, a topic that you can get to know better only through the citizens of this country. I also think that these videos are a good kind of psychotherapy that can make you calm down. So, I am happy for you!"
I was watching a k drama where they all got together to eats dinner frequently. It’s good to have the context that is is actually a thing.
Lunch together and then dinner too? Too much.
I also don’t like “lunch and learn” presentations. It’s just a way for companies to get more of our time for free.
I’m a freelancer too and it’s the best. I do go to some team social events on occasion but that’s partly as business building.
Korean culture is also so much about status and hierarchy. It would not be enjoyable to spend time with the boss or superiors as you have to watch what you do or say. Just torture time for the benefit of their ego.
Yes too much hierarchy that's true...
Unspoken expectations of the work culture, here in the US, from my peon job experiences, getting in with the popular group at work is crucial to maintaining your job or for a possible promotion…being like by the boss is important as well and sometimes it appears you gotta hang out with the boss outside of work too….and there’s many other work politics that comes to play too which I find draining and not productive….some work environments are like high school which I found to be very toxic.
Thank god i don't have a stupid work environment like this. I can go to work, do my thing, not talk to anyone if i don't feel like it and it won't affect anything, even if my job requires communication with other people, but i'm talking about the work-related stuff and nothing outside of it. That's something i could never understand in some jobs, technically you're not forced to socialize, but you're expected to do what the other people do anyway, otherwise you're a weirdo like the guy said, or even lose opportunities like you said. You'd think this mindset would be something people grow out of once they graduate from high school, lol. Your work ethic and skills is what should be the only thing that matters to your boss.
It’s not EXPECTED of you in America like it is is S Korea, we have a choice in America, people in S Korea don’t really. And what you’re describing really is not the norm in most cases, where as it is part of the culture in S Korea.
Social life in korea is exhausting. I feel like they have to stay together for whatever reason, which i feel like wasting my precious times. Even after you quit your job, people will ask you to eat together like it is something worth celebrating. that's why you can see many people go in groups during break times or at a restaurant.
Oh yeah, you're right. My personal time for life is very important for me, but not for others. That's why I'm a freelancer now, too )
I think with the birth rate being so low in Sth Korea, the suicide rate so high, the cost of housing being so ridiculously unachievable, that this type of 'forced' work gathering needs to be kept to a bare minimum...it's also extremely worrying that alcohol plays a big part in this...encouraging someone to drink alcohol, and excessively, is not ethically acceptable in any environment..or country.
I also know about how women in particular are treated in the workplace, and in these gatherings, so again, it's not good all round.
The pressure/passively aggressive bullying, and the cost, can't be good for any employee....so good for you for coming away from that, and becoming a Singular Thinking Human Being, that's doing the best for themself....and the people around them. 👏 Fighting 🍀
Thank you for this video .. as a french citizen , in my opinion this team meal thing is aother expression for exploitation😂.. you did the best for you . By the way your english is really excellent!
I'm danish and the lunch of half an hour at work is still working hour. And you have a breack of 15 min in the afternoon, also working hour. We don't work as a team unless it is a special project. If you work overtime after 18 it one and a half pay. If its on weekends its dobble. We have very strong unions that see to it that we are not exploided. We respect if people don't like to drink, but normally there are no alcohol at the workplace, unless you want a bear with your lunch, but only one is okay.
Thanks for sharing the many customs and traditions of South Korean society.There seems to be a lot of expectations and peer pressures in work places in Korea.Looking forward to see all your future uploads.
I left my 9 to 5 in 2021, just couldn’t take it. I powered through for 6 years before that, but there was so much of faking it. 😅 Absolutely love working by myself as a freelancer now.
I find it interesting that you describe things like a matter of fact. Fortunately, work environment in the states is very different and I hope someday, changes take place in Korean society for sake of Koreans. Through your videos, people can see the reality in Korea is quite different from what they see in K-dramas or on 'Seoul travel blogs" by many RUclipsrs. Keep up the good work! ;-)
Yup; I won’t survive. I could do lunch with team, but by dinner time I need to decompress. If it’s once or twice a month we hang out together after work, I can do that, but all the time, I would resign like you did. Also, I love your freelance hours. It’s perfect. You get to sleep late and it should be less crowded by the time you leave the office. Take care!😊
Thank you for sharing and highlighting this aspect of Korean work culture which can be so toxic. I've heard so much about the unhealthy work/life balance in Korea and many other countries and it's heartbreaking. I've quit my 9 to 5 as well, because I want more time for myself. And I'm so happy to see more and more people go part time or freelance and choose to prioritize their mental health instead. Congrats!
Here in the UK "Scotland" I thought our life was tough but the more I hear about Korea the more I am Thankful I live in a beautiful country with the freedom to do as we please, us Scottish dont take well to strict rules or peer pressure. you work to live not live to work is our saying. Just came across your channel very interested in your view of your country.
You have the same spirit as the irish. Do Scotland and Ireland get along?
@@ThumbdownMan Yes we love the Irish, most of us has Irish roots down the family line. Only issue used to be divide in Northern Ireland with religion but thats cooled down now.
As introvert myself I hate working with people who want you to overshare your whole life to them because they hate the fact that I’m too quiet and feel like they deserve to know my private life or something. Like I don’t owe you guys anything, I choose to be quiet because that’s who I am and I don’t really like you guys because you guys are not really nice people lol. Here in the states it doesn’t matter what personality you have but at the same time they favor Extroverts over introverts. And if you are an introvert you are treated like an outsider, an easy target to boss around and like you’re a weirdo. But I could care less. I’m just here to make money and leave, I’m not here to make my “job” my entire personality or to makes friends with a bunch of demanding fake people. So I will just do me. I would much rather work independently than with a team.
In the USA we do whatever we want to at lunch. Maybe a few will get together and go out to eat, but it’s not expected. After work everyone just wants to go home and relax, eat dinner with family, be with their children, have personal time.
Everything is Extremely expensive in US and homeless are full on streets in US
@@lightsumo-ct7lrhomelessness is in isolated big cities. The homeless are mostly drug addicts. You can live within your income here and there are many opportunities to build success.
Facts!!!
Uh that definitely varies by position and company. Several Americans eat at their desk while working or forego it all together to meet a deadline or if there's a heavy workload. Mid to C suites most likely don't have this issue. America is honestly not much better than Korea in terms of work culture. It's terrible here.
Thanks for sharing your story
Wow! Thanks for sharing. Good lord that would have driven me crazy.
That explains what I’ve seen in k dramas… Lots of socializing and drinking after work… And they are obligated to attend. I’m glad I don’t have that experience. I will be the weird one if I would be working in South Korea. It’s good you have the option to work as a freelancer. You dodged the bullet! Good for you…
Thank you for providing another small window into your society.
It is incredibly interesting.
Post 1953 Korea is a fascinating subject......
It is nice to get along well with the coworkers, but until a certain limit. at least here in my country they take a hint after 3rd refusal, and no one gets offended, they simply don't invite you anymore. the personal time is so important after work, to get relaxed home or somewhere else that has nothing to do with work. so, I feel you man :D
First time I watch your channel and I liked it.
I get what you’re saying about getting promoted through daily interactions by sucking up/ buddying up. I imagine that’s everywhere. It also sounds like those drinking managers didn’t have a personal life outside of work. BTW Who picks up the tab?
정말 공감이 가는군요. 헬조선의 개인 버전을 공유해주셔서 감사합니다
Work culture seems very tough in South Korea from the information I’ve seen over time. It’s good to know you can take a more flexible approach. 🇬🇧
I think it's somewhat similar in the US. It just all depends on the managers/company you work for. In reality, there is favoritism in most work places even though there isn't supposed to be supposedly.
Instead they just call it "soft skills" now and rate you on your "soft skills". I have always been a very hardworking introvert and have lost out on promotions to people that aren't as good as me but have better soft skills.
It's really too bad that people are penalized for not having as good of soft skills. Some people are just shy or don't like gossiping (because there is often a lot of gossiping in small talk). That is one reason I am not very social. I don't like gossiping.
i agree 110% with your point of view.
A person should be able to do whatever they want with their lunch hour. You may need to run an errand, or take care of personal business. Who wants to eat lunch with coworkers everyday? That’s why it’s good to be your own boss.
I agree. I see my coworkers all day, so I like to get away from the work environment for lunch because I live only 3 minutes from work and prefer to go home and relax during lunch hour.
@@stevehoffman9052 I also worked 5 min from my job and went home every day for lunch. Watched television and relaxed
This seems like an issue in East Asian cultures.
As an Asian Australian I still feel guilty, but it is more accepted to reject.
Love the video, I see ur point, I’m a freelancer as well and I love it
I would HATE eating lunch with my co-workers. That’s my “me” time. My time to relax, eat, and get alone time. I would have a hard time with that. 😅
Hahaha same 😂
US corporate is not that different when it comes to promotions...not always the best performers. Socializimg is still important but not as intense in most professions.
In my little country, we work from (private company's 8 to 5/ or 7 to 4 or 9 to 5 also it dependst on the company). Thank God, we do not have spend lunch with each other. And afther work everybody go home ! We do not have the energy to socialise with each other, maybe some people will after 9 at night but with other friends than college.
I will truly go nuts if I must socialise so much with people.
Ps I see in the C dram/K drama that they go eat and drink alcohol after work....is blowing mind.
Alcoholics in the work place is a red flag. No matter what country.
Good for you
You made the right choice😊❤
Found your channel today and quite impressed, nothing like getting an honest take of the positives and negatives of life from a natives experience. For the 9 to 5 thing i am very much like you in that i am an introvert, like to get my work projects done and outside work is my time to wind down or partake in my hobbies. My wife is the opposite, extroverted and loves the social aspects and would thrive under that situation. Here is Canada there is a balance that way, some socialize while others like myself take a small hit in the work social hierarchy but find a better balance that works for them. I look forward to new content from you as i find it very informative, i find myself very fond in thinking of South Korea and look forward to visiting at some point in my life. Cheers and thank you for your thoughts on Korean culture.
I don’t like hanging out with coworkers outside of work, I wouldn’t survive. I wanna work my hours and go home. I’m a wine drinker not hard liquor so that’d annoyed me.
unless my job is paying for my lunch or dinner, i should have the option to not go. i like my coworkers, but i don’t want to have a team lunch every day with them and once every few months for a dinner to celebrate an accomplishment or goal that we met is more than enough
I'm not shy, per se, and I'm not an introvert- but I am incredibly private. I dislike large crowds, gatherings, and events. With high anxiety and an extremely private personality, I'm used to offending people.
Cada quien es como es, la normalidad no existe pues todos somos diferentes. Esta muy bien seguir nuestra propia forma de ser, respetuosamente pero no seguir convencionalismos que nos causen ansiedad. Congrats.
if i am correct there is also an expectation to drink at hoesik, which can be a problem if you don't want to be hung over everyday and don't like alcohol
Wow being pressured to have dinner together all the time is terrible, especially if you have a family. Once a month ok it's nice otherwise no, it's not realistic or reasonable. isn't the family the most important team in our lives? How can bosses think this is possible in a balanced, healthy life?
It has been like this for a long time. People know that too many dinner parties are not good but society just accepts it
@@average_korean_manI greatly respect your decision to live the one and only life you will have.
I’m you from California haha I’m quitting my job in 2 months and leaving the us and traveling with no plan but being happy
How do you justify this phenomenon?? I mean, it has to come from somewhere, maybe it has been established as a culture of previous generations and continues for the reasons you mentioned, mainly for work reasons! success and happy life in your chosen one! greetings from Greece!
In US,,,5 oclock you OUT😂 ,,, CAN HAVE LUNCH ALONE or with other,,,, drinks sometimes ,, if not is ok too ,,, usually Friday only 😂😂
LMAOOOOOO
A big thank you for your explanation under the above topic. I think you are a great person who is sharing us the most unknown facts as a local person which is living in S. Korea.
Thank you for sharing. Have you ever thought of living outside of SK? Also, was lunch with your co-workers and after hours in your employment contract?
That sounds like torture. I'm surprised you made it 9 months. There's no place like home....my favorite place in the world. It's a place to recharge and be with the people I care about the most.
Thanks for telling us, I think you don't have a script to read from - impressive!
I'm a late-diagnosed autistic, also an adoptee. I used to consider moving back, thinking i'm missing out on my culture. Actually, there are way more remote and high paying jobs in the US, I own my own home here, so do not want to deal w that "family" work culture crap in any country. Reality, we work to live and there's no other truth. I work fully remote, 9/80 schedule w e/o Friday off, 6-figure salary, full benefits, no drama for a stable defense co. Sorry Korea- I will retire in Singapore bc I miss not being a minority, but do not want Asian work culture
This culture is a nightmare to introvert ones like me
Спасибо большое за ролик!!! Ого! Значит, это правда? Я смотрела сериал из Южной Кореи и один герой другому говорил : "Если ты будешь так делать, то тебя сочтут социопатом". Да, слово "социопат" имеет другое значение, но в том контексте было понятно, о чём шла речь...
You are so endearing, i hope you find a loving wife/ partner. You would be a brilliant husband ❤
Thank you for sharing…ㅠㅠ
I think this problem could arrive everywhere in France too, but not so often, and without any alcool especially after work.
Sometime we attend a happy hour drink but with friends only, not coworkers
So the K Dramas are telling the truth this to time. Too many rules, :are we there to work or form groups and sing kumbaya like we in primary 😮😮😮
I am curious as to who pays when the team goes out after work. Does the boss pay for everyone? Does each person pay for themselves? Or is anyone expected to pay for the whole group by turns?
Usually boss or if you work in a big company, the company gives the team money for company dinner. There is 예산 for team gathering stuff
Good for you! I would go insane ! I don’t want to see my coworkers , boss, president 😅 after 5 unless it’s my birthday party 😂
The only time I hung out with co-workers after work was on Holidays and even then it was not expected or pressured. Lunches we all do our own things as well or if you are close so someone, you do lunch only with that person.
I would not mind spending time with the people I work with, but I also like having alone time sometimes too. I certainly would never think bad if someone didn’t want to, everyone is different. A good team leader would consider the wants and needed of the other team members and come to general consensus on what works good for everyone. A happy worker is a productive and good worker.
This is also common in Australia, it's a pain, I avoid it, actually now self employed, don't have to worry about this crap
I understand that. After work I can't wait to get home But I'm a Homebody as it is. I always say I Love Home. ❤💯
Sounds like SK and Japan have a lot in common. I’ve heard this same problem over there. How is the work hours in SK? In Japan I’ve heard they work at the bare minimum a 9-5, but more often a 9-9.
Thank you for explaining. First of all it must be terrible for all of those who are forced socialized with colleagues even if they don't want to. I'm grateful to live in a Country where we have the freedom to choose. Second, all this dinners and alcohol who's going to pay for that do you have to do it yourself? Then it would be also quite an expensive matter.
You were right, I wouldn't like that either.
Interesting topic. Here (US) when you want to go home and relax people can say "I just need to go home and decompress..." And a person who always is around the team leader and does everything to please the leader is called "a brown noser". (not a very pleasant origin to that phrase!). I have been freelance for 24 years...(photographer/studio owner). And there are often demands on me to socialize after a long day of shooting. I try very hard to avoid these dinners with clients but sometimes it is impossible and you just need to go out with the whole crew. But unlike what you are describing here in the US we don't socialize afterwork with our team regularly but will only socialize with those colleagues you enjoy spending time with outside of work.
I’d get stressed easily or straight up agree getting called a weirdo 😵💫😆
ISFP-A. I give 110% at work but my time is my time. I don't want to do the socialising thing. I'm not interested in promotion. I don't drink so would just refuse to join any drinking parties to please a manager.
Thank you, for taking us along with you. I have lived in several other countries and what I have learned is we are all truly the same. Most people just want to be able to live their lives in peace.
That was always my problem. Prefer to waste time by myself rather than with others. Temping was good for variety without obligation.
이렇게 얘기해보면 다들회식을 극혐하는데 (저포함) ..대체누가 매번 회식을주도할까요? 팀장이나부장도 우리처럼 피곤해서 집에가고싶을텐데 대체왜 매번회식회식 이 지랄해대는걸까요.
점심도정말 혼자 폰보며걍 따로먹으면 참 좋을텐뎅ㅛ
허허허허 술 좋아하는 사람들이 참 많은거 같습니다
i have same issue like i make pizza and my coworkers aften go to smoke and invites me,sometimes i did but it was kinda akward couse i dont know what to say,so i stopped joining them and now everyone think im a fucking weirdo also i got very sick after smoking so i stopped and they make fun of me for that think its a excuse to not go with them,problem is im not that social and i have nothing common with those ppl especially older ones,also at first they were talking shit about me when i was new so i dont trust them,i feel uncomfortable around them gives me axiety,with some ppl i find something to talk about but most of the time not and it pisses me off like i feel like alien ffs i just want to get paid and fuck off xDD unless i like that person,thats why i dont pick up phone when they call me on my day off,aint gonna hardwork give myself all when they pay me shit and dont appreciate it,you have to lick boss ass to get promoted and be fake ,fuck that,got offered for more job but no salary raise mentioning,so im like fuck u aint doing extra shit for u for free,we are not family like some jobs think fucking slavery
This (hashi sp??) seems to be like happy hour. But our happy hours are limited to a couple of hours and nobody forces anybody to drink.
I thought Korean culture was like that i.e you do things for the good of society rather than yourself? The West is more individualistic. However, there are social expectations at work. It depends on the culture. Here in the UK, there is a big drinking culture so depending on the workplace, people might be expected to show their face at work drinks. This is why you will see some people say they will come for one drink to show willing, even though they'd rather go home. You are expected to go to work parties in the UK, no matter the job. There's not really much getting out of those. The only thing you can do is go early and leave early. We don't have to have lunch or dinner with anyone, but in some jobs, lunch is only half an hour, and at least two people will usually be on lunch at the same time anyway. Not going to social things would be more frowned upon in a small team. In a larger team, I think you could get away with excuses. Too many avoidances of official work parties won't make you a weirdo, but will make you appear to not be a team player.
theyre gossiping that your a weirdo,let them be..JUST IGNORE THEM & LAUGH LATER."🤣😝🤣😝🎉🎉🎉🎉😌😌😌😌
Here In Germany people are very precise about the working hours. If the contract said 8 hours per day than you will see everybody is gone in exact minute😅. No one wants or expected to spend more time than what they are paying for. Of course people are expecting you to be a team player and not an outsider in other term.
That is true here in U.S. about lunch. Because I did not want to be social with people I work with they complained and I was let go. They were not important in my life, my family and I are. I also do not like telling people my business and the young girls did not like that and complained to the people they worked for. U.S. business is who ever kisses bosses ass , even if they are not qualified always got the best offices.
I'm already a weirdo 🙂 I'm extremely too introverted for that.
I think working in the United states is stressful. I like it where it is peaceful. I have work in a place as a team, and coworkers can be very hard to deal with. I think it's better to work by myself, and getting more work done. I understand the concept of the 9 to 5 because the work schedule can be a lot more especially if you work from home.
I wonder, who pays for all the going out in the evenings? team leader?
Usually the boss or if you work in a big company there is budget for team gathering stuff
Hell no!
we have a special definition for the word TEAM in the German language:
*Toll, Ein Anderer Machts!*
The translation of it:
Great someone else does it! 😅
Which says that mostly of the time it is about delegation and the lowest in the pecking order has to be the poor working guy.😢
Too much togetherness. I have been to Korea a few times on business, Japan many times. I don't think in Japan they get together for dinner after work, I don't think that is expected. Of course, they have the occasional party when someone has a special occasion and you are expected to be at that, but that is only rarely. This is the first time I have heard of this in Korea. I worked with Samsung a few times and I don't recall anyone talking about this. It would never work in America, here they try and leave their work obligations when they leave the office. Of course, with the new world economy, many of us do conference calls with Asia at night-and that is done from home. But usually, your home is your abode-your place to get away from the work stress. That's the way most Americans like it, I think. Like the old saying, 'Too much work makes Jack a dully boy!'. You need to get away from it and recharge.
i think creating culture of getting together is very important, even if people are introverted, is a good thing for society. This creates a sense of comradery which i think the west is missing out due to liberalism and individuality. I think it was something religion use to fill the gap with.
I don’t like this life either all this working work work work bills bills wtf n if u don’t u go homeless n starve😢
My son quit a job at a Japanese restaurant in the US because he was expected to go to dinner with co-workers after work. The "team" is management 's idea to exploit the workers.
Looks like in Korea your coworker is your second girl friend
Henry Ford established the 9-5 M-F work culture :) Not eating dinner with your spouse or family also contributes to population decline. Not to mention the costs involved in eating out frequently.
Nowhere in the world they pay you for your break time at work. I worked in few EU countries. I would dislike to be forced to have lunch with my coworkers - just because you see their bloody faces all day long, you might want to have a break from seeing them lol. In most countries I worked mobbing was normal, this is why I hate working with people.
👋Be you hang in there Good day👊✌️❤️
As much as I could enjoy the company of my team members, I would want to go home. Absolutely.
Get your tram to eat fast and go for brisk walk to wear them out. After wok have them go to gym instead of esting
Interesting video! May I ask what you do as a freelance? It seems like you're still doing pretty much the same working hours (8 hours a day/40 per week). Are there many companies that accept this type of freelance contract in Korea?
I believe that u should not be pressured to hangout with coworkers if you don’t want to. These kind of pressure is like a form of control from the top it is a toxic environment which can cause mental illness to a lot of people I really hope one day all of this will change. But if takes people to stand up as individuals to make that happen. I thank God that I have never had to go through that at work.
3 to 4 hours is selfish for a leader to do. I hope you're doing well.