When all else fails, you just have to come to terms with the fact that "It's Korea".

During my, almost, 3 months of living here in Korea, I've been educated on the severely different culture that I've jumped into. I've mentioned previously that I received a promotion, at work. I was apprehensive and uncomfortable with receiving the promotion, but I wasn't exactly asked if I wanted the job, I was just told I was the "head teacher". I was completely unaware of what I was to be doing and what my new position entailed, but was finally given the opportunity, a couple of weeks ago, to observe at another school-one of our flagship schools and meet with a teacher, there as well, who was able to give me some insight as to what my new position entailed and who gave me some information regarding how the school should be run and what my role, in that, was. I was so excited! I finally had information and ideas of what I was supposed to be doing and I couldn't wait to tell my director, Helen, about the suggestions that were made and ideas that were given that could make our school run more efficiently and make me, as well, as the other teachers better educators and administrators. I met with Helen on a Friday and after, I felt great about our meeting. On Monday, I was at school, bright and early, ready to start making some changes (it's amazing, how even small changes make the biggest differences); only to be told that changes were not going to be made and that she appreciated my suggestions but that she wasn't going to implement them until next year. I was so disappointed. It's so hard having knowledge of something and not be able to sufficiently use it. I mean, I observed a close to perfectly run school, and granted the one that I teach at is new (only 2 months old), there were definite changes that could be made and make us that much better. On top of that, Helen told me that they no longer needed a "head teacher". I don't think I've ever received a demotion before, but I can tell you that it usually helps to not have wanted the job (promotion) in the first place, so the feeling of having something taken away from isn't as bad when you approach it from that angle. With that said, I still encountered the same emotions that someone, who did want their new job, would face. I was shocked and felt like I'd done something wrong-like I wasn't good at my job (which I know I am) or that I'd let her or someone else down. I felt embarrassed and then I thought, why am I feeling embarrassed, I didn't do anything wrong. Helen told me that she wanted all of the teachers to be considered equal and that since we were a new school she didn't think we needed a head teacher, at this time, but that if I stayed in Korea, for another year, that I would be "head teacher". Still, though, I felt a mix of emotions, that even the most secure and self-confident person can't avoid. My dad gave me some great advice though and it really helped me change see things differently. Also, I have a great friend, who actually just left Korea and completely gets what I'm going through. She talked me through some of my emotions and reassured me that I was doing my job well and also told me something that basically sums up any situation, experience or problem that may occur here-"It's Korea". There's no real rhyme or reason why they seem to do some of the things that they do here or why they handle situations like thay do- it's Korea! Honestly, I'm completely relieved about my demotion. I never wanted to be head teacher and I certainly didn't want the crazy work hours that came with it. So things are back to normal around here. I work from 9-5, and don't feel the least bit guilty when I leave at 5pm.