In mid October my co-teacher asked me what my plans were for next year; she wanted to know if I was going to extend my contract and stay for another year. I surprised myself by telling her I wasn't sure and that I needed a little more time to decide.
Let me jump back a bit, during the first few months here I was unsure of what I was doing, homesick, and to be honest, a bit lonely. For months I was convinced that the moment I saw an opportunity to leave I would be out of here, but when she asked if I wanted to stay, I realized that I kind of did. I started thinking of my students and how much I like them and not seeing them everyday would actually make me sad. But I also had to think of myself and what would be the best option for me in the long run.
I was so torn. Staying in Korea would mean staying with my students who I have come to love and look forward seeing everyday, and it would mean getting to travel and save a bit more money. It would also mean not having to stress over finding a job at home and being secure in a job for another year. On the other hand though, I miss my family and friends, Glen Ellyn and Chicago, and little things like being able to drive, going to the grocery store, the ability to read menus. I also started to realize that I actually miss marketing and want to start my career, and work in a part of a place where I fit in. It's easy to feel like an outsider here, and I want to be able to work someplace where I feel like part of the team as opposed to being outside of it. So after thinking for a few days I made the difficult decision: I will be leaving Korea in February when my contract ends.
As you can probably tell, it really wasn't an easy decision. Since finally deciding to leave I have been trying to take advantage of the time I have left here. I'm trying to squeeze in as much traveling around Korea as possible and I'm hoping to get to a few more places before I leave in a few months. I have a trip planned to Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong for January, and I am hoping to get to Japan and a few other countries before I head home as well. Until then though, I am trying to explore more of Korea, and I'm making sure that I am spending time having fun at my job and with my students.
Ultimately, Busan has grown on me, it has become a comfortable place and while temporary, it does feel like home. For now, I'm going to take advantage of the short time I have left here and enjoy it while I can.
That's all for now,
Marisa
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