I think this must be a very very very Asian phenomenon. Refer here for a wikipedia article on them in Japan.
Anyway, in this professional firm that I work for in Korea (not sure why I'm shy about writing the name down, possibly unwise to write down the name though online) there is a large population of women who work here who are not lawyers. My conservative guess is that they represent at least 30-40% of the population here. I am only a clerk (intern) but I don't belong in that class. I'm treated as a member of the professionals and thus, treated as part of the "others" --- the ones they work for.
Anyhow, the culture is fascinating. They're all young; no one over 35 methinks. They're all very very very skinny. I haven't met a single one of them who has a thicker waist than me (not saying my waist is thin). They're so skinny though that I feel fat every single day. They all own a brand name bag or two. Their makeup is perfect. They're the OLs! Office ladies! The secretaries! A class of their own. They speak great English. They take pride in their work. They can solve most logistical problems; they really go out of their way to make your life better.
Yet, we all know that they won't stay here past age thirty-five. So where do they go after their stint here? I guess they're all gonna get married. Maybe they're here to scope out the males in the profession. Or maybe they're here to kill time, get a decent salary, and get married to their high school sweethearts. I don't know. I wonder if I would have ended up as an OL...if I had been raised here. Maybe not. But cute thought to ponder.
Showing posts with label +. Show all posts
Showing posts with label +. Show all posts
Monday, September 06, 2010
Saturday, September 04, 2010
irrelevance
No matter how relevant a person was in your life once upon a time, once s/he becomes irrelevant, there's no turning back. You can't turn back the clock. Tick tock, tick tock.
Friday, September 03, 2010
I do LOVE Korea
Now the good stuff. I was talking to someone about this (I usually process my thoughts and run them through someone else before I can put it in writing) but this is what my take is: Koreans as a mass are terrible...individually, I think they are second to none (and BETTER than Americans). People you get to know individually really are gracious, helpful, and will go out of their way to make your life easier. As a mass, I dislike them. But once you get to know each individual at a personal capacity, the dynamics change completely.
First, my family. Of course family is different and I don't have non-Korean family but hear me out. My mom has four sisters and though they're usually all over the world, this summer, all four of them are in Korea. I love it! I think this is the best part of my stay in Korea-- the opportunity to spend time with my mom's four sisters. I appreciate them so much more than when I was younger. They have really gone all out this summer to make my stay here pleasant. I guess because I'm older, they've also been dispensing some of their personal take on marriage and their personal philosophies about what it's like to live as a woman. I had the opportunity to spend one on one time with all four of them and it's been great. They're great women. They are all so different from each other but the common thread is, they're proud of me and they care for me deeply (I really felt this...and it's the first time I felt this too). I think my relationship with each of them changed dramatically since the last time I saw them. Maybe it's because I got older...or maybe it's because we're spending more quality time together. Each one of them serve different needs. Number 1 is the caretaker. Number 2 dispenses advice and really just pours out love. (My mom is the third daughter.)Number 4 is the most practical and can solve any and all logistical problems within the hour (she's like the super secretary that people would kill for). Number 5 is like a friend. I can talk to her about what's on my mind and she gets me.
Second, the people at the law firm. I didn't really expect this...but I ABSOLUTELY love the people here. I love my secretary. You would think Koreans would be awkward people at the workplace. No! They're so friendly. They really go out of their way to make your experience better. They're gracious. They are humble and though nosy, they really do look out for you. Even strangers at the firm are so polite and make sure they say hi (and this is bowing and the whole package!). I might be a little too American for all that deference but it's really really nice. My mentor is a little too Korean-American to be in this mix but she's ultra-friendly. Okay, skip. Lawyers who have given me work have been absolutely wonderful. They thank me too much (I think it's a Korean trait...I also over-thank) and they take me out to lunch frequently. Anyway, that's work. Another great thing about work in Korea...is that because everything is so centralized and controlled, you don't fight or ask for work if you're very junior (and I'm v. junior). You would think this is bad...but actually it's good. You can't take ownership of your career early on...but this means that people will look out for you. You do the best job you can but you don't have to trample on other people to get the best work. Some higher authority will figure it out for you. It's all a mystery...and maybe I won't like this model since I'm pretty Americanized in how I view my career, but for someone at her second internship...this model is uber nice. You just wait for work and do your best when you get it. You also don't feel bad for sitting around. It's never your fault. It's just the way it is.
Third, my friends! I have quite a number of friends in Korea. Some of these friends were really close to me...some weren't. Yet, all of them have been so helpful. Jessica solved my cellphone problem within the first week I was here. My friend from middle school who I haven't met in over a decade and I had a great time talking. We really talked about the things that were going on in our lives...and it wasn't superficial chatter. Maybe it's me...but I really do appreciate it when you can pick up from where we've left off...even though we have time against us. I think it's something Koreans are especially great at. The ability to move on but still maintain that bond (kizuna, in Japanese). Maybe it's the language? The informal speech really does give a sense of friendship, closeness, and intimacy. I don't know.
And finally, I hinted at this from my post yesterday but this country is awesome if you're willing to spend some money. You can get anything done at any hour (almost) if you plan it out right. People will extend store hours for you if you tell them in advance. You can get appointments with doctors that work around your schedule (late at night or even on weekends). If you're dressed properly and have the right attitude (as in, snobby attitude), you can walk into any luxury store and touch and hold anything without getting any of the passive-aggressiveness you get in the states. People are ready to accommodate any and all needs you have. The people working at coffee shops are extremely pleasant too. (But you pay...tea and coffee here is so expensive compared to other things in Korea.) So actually, this final point isn't really a compliment. It's just an illustration of capitalism at its best (or worst).
I overwrote.
First, my family. Of course family is different and I don't have non-Korean family but hear me out. My mom has four sisters and though they're usually all over the world, this summer, all four of them are in Korea. I love it! I think this is the best part of my stay in Korea-- the opportunity to spend time with my mom's four sisters. I appreciate them so much more than when I was younger. They have really gone all out this summer to make my stay here pleasant. I guess because I'm older, they've also been dispensing some of their personal take on marriage and their personal philosophies about what it's like to live as a woman. I had the opportunity to spend one on one time with all four of them and it's been great. They're great women. They are all so different from each other but the common thread is, they're proud of me and they care for me deeply (I really felt this...and it's the first time I felt this too). I think my relationship with each of them changed dramatically since the last time I saw them. Maybe it's because I got older...or maybe it's because we're spending more quality time together. Each one of them serve different needs. Number 1 is the caretaker. Number 2 dispenses advice and really just pours out love. (My mom is the third daughter.)Number 4 is the most practical and can solve any and all logistical problems within the hour (she's like the super secretary that people would kill for). Number 5 is like a friend. I can talk to her about what's on my mind and she gets me.
Second, the people at the law firm. I didn't really expect this...but I ABSOLUTELY love the people here. I love my secretary. You would think Koreans would be awkward people at the workplace. No! They're so friendly. They really go out of their way to make your experience better. They're gracious. They are humble and though nosy, they really do look out for you. Even strangers at the firm are so polite and make sure they say hi (and this is bowing and the whole package!). I might be a little too American for all that deference but it's really really nice. My mentor is a little too Korean-American to be in this mix but she's ultra-friendly. Okay, skip. Lawyers who have given me work have been absolutely wonderful. They thank me too much (I think it's a Korean trait...I also over-thank) and they take me out to lunch frequently. Anyway, that's work. Another great thing about work in Korea...is that because everything is so centralized and controlled, you don't fight or ask for work if you're very junior (and I'm v. junior). You would think this is bad...but actually it's good. You can't take ownership of your career early on...but this means that people will look out for you. You do the best job you can but you don't have to trample on other people to get the best work. Some higher authority will figure it out for you. It's all a mystery...and maybe I won't like this model since I'm pretty Americanized in how I view my career, but for someone at her second internship...this model is uber nice. You just wait for work and do your best when you get it. You also don't feel bad for sitting around. It's never your fault. It's just the way it is.
Third, my friends! I have quite a number of friends in Korea. Some of these friends were really close to me...some weren't. Yet, all of them have been so helpful. Jessica solved my cellphone problem within the first week I was here. My friend from middle school who I haven't met in over a decade and I had a great time talking. We really talked about the things that were going on in our lives...and it wasn't superficial chatter. Maybe it's me...but I really do appreciate it when you can pick up from where we've left off...even though we have time against us. I think it's something Koreans are especially great at. The ability to move on but still maintain that bond (kizuna, in Japanese). Maybe it's the language? The informal speech really does give a sense of friendship, closeness, and intimacy. I don't know.
And finally, I hinted at this from my post yesterday but this country is awesome if you're willing to spend some money. You can get anything done at any hour (almost) if you plan it out right. People will extend store hours for you if you tell them in advance. You can get appointments with doctors that work around your schedule (late at night or even on weekends). If you're dressed properly and have the right attitude (as in, snobby attitude), you can walk into any luxury store and touch and hold anything without getting any of the passive-aggressiveness you get in the states. People are ready to accommodate any and all needs you have. The people working at coffee shops are extremely pleasant too. (But you pay...tea and coffee here is so expensive compared to other things in Korea.) So actually, this final point isn't really a compliment. It's just an illustration of capitalism at its best (or worst).
I overwrote.
Thursday, September 02, 2010
I LOVE Korea
So I needed to get Korea out of my system. And I can finally say that I think I got it out of my system. (And my English is going down the toilet...or I haven't blogged in so long that I lost my "touch".) Maybe some of you have heard some of my complaints. Actually, I'm a habitual complainer so you might have disregarded the seriousness of this fall out. But I will tell you for sure that I am no longer enthralled by this country and what it has to offer.
(Right now, I'm eavesdropping on a conversation where the lawyer is talking about how a client asked her to set his daughter up with a lawyer...and they're talking about a prospect who is not single and is short! Awesome. She's scanning the picture of the girl to send to the lawyer. This is ridiculous. I LOVE KOREA.)
I think a lot of Korean-Americans (I might be wrong) have this unresolved nostalgia for the motherland. I think this condition (yes, it's a condition) gets exacerbated when one goes for short and sweet visits that are a gross misrepresentation of the country and its people.
List of my grievances (I feel my blood pressure rising as I type them.)
1. When you're in this country to spend money, everyone will treat you like a prince(ss). But when there is anything that you need from anyone in this country, you will have to scream for it. They will never provide what you need unless you specifically and repeatedly ask for it (them). Nothing is free in this country and those things that are "free," you will have to SCREAM for. I love Korea.
2. A minority...but a very large one...will never follow the rules and thus make it that much harder for the majority to follow the rules. 30% of the people will always walk on the wrong side of the street/subway/road/whatever causing the rest of us to bump into them and get annoyed. I love Korea.
3. People on the streets will try to scam you...and even when you seem disinterested continue to stalk you (even if you have your headphones on and didn't give a single glance their way). I love Korea.
4. It is very very very hard to eat alone in this country. Everyone including the waiting staff will judge you for even thinking about eating alone. WTF. I love Korea.
5. People do not respect private space. They will not apologize if they bump into you. They do not react at all when you glare at them. Men always stand a little too close to you on the train and they will blow smoke your way on the streets. I love Korea.
6. People have no problem asking how much you make and have no qualms about commenting on your weight. I really love Korea.
7. Taxi drivers always tell you what they think. Ummm...I never asked and do not care? (Solution: talk to someone on the phone for the entire ride...in English.) Love Korea.
Ok, I have a lot of good stuff too...but getting the bad stuff out of my system. Good list tomorrow. I do like being in Korea but I do not love it here. It's a good experience but it has been more educational than enjoyable. But I do love this country...in a sick sort of way. In no way was this entry supposed to be insulting or racist. I am as Korean as a Korean-American can get, afterall.
English going down the toilet.
(Right now, I'm eavesdropping on a conversation where the lawyer is talking about how a client asked her to set his daughter up with a lawyer...and they're talking about a prospect who is not single and is short! Awesome. She's scanning the picture of the girl to send to the lawyer. This is ridiculous. I LOVE KOREA.)
I think a lot of Korean-Americans (I might be wrong) have this unresolved nostalgia for the motherland. I think this condition (yes, it's a condition) gets exacerbated when one goes for short and sweet visits that are a gross misrepresentation of the country and its people.
List of my grievances (I feel my blood pressure rising as I type them.)
1. When you're in this country to spend money, everyone will treat you like a prince(ss). But when there is anything that you need from anyone in this country, you will have to scream for it. They will never provide what you need unless you specifically and repeatedly ask for it (them). Nothing is free in this country and those things that are "free," you will have to SCREAM for. I love Korea.
2. A minority...but a very large one...will never follow the rules and thus make it that much harder for the majority to follow the rules. 30% of the people will always walk on the wrong side of the street/subway/road/whatever causing the rest of us to bump into them and get annoyed. I love Korea.
3. People on the streets will try to scam you...and even when you seem disinterested continue to stalk you (even if you have your headphones on and didn't give a single glance their way). I love Korea.
4. It is very very very hard to eat alone in this country. Everyone including the waiting staff will judge you for even thinking about eating alone. WTF. I love Korea.
5. People do not respect private space. They will not apologize if they bump into you. They do not react at all when you glare at them. Men always stand a little too close to you on the train and they will blow smoke your way on the streets. I love Korea.
6. People have no problem asking how much you make and have no qualms about commenting on your weight. I really love Korea.
7. Taxi drivers always tell you what they think. Ummm...I never asked and do not care? (Solution: talk to someone on the phone for the entire ride...in English.) Love Korea.
Ok, I have a lot of good stuff too...but getting the bad stuff out of my system. Good list tomorrow. I do like being in Korea but I do not love it here. It's a good experience but it has been more educational than enjoyable. But I do love this country...in a sick sort of way. In no way was this entry supposed to be insulting or racist. I am as Korean as a Korean-American can get, afterall.
English going down the toilet.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
No August entry?
Remedying the situation. For some reason, doesn't sound like English. Maybe it's not. English going down the toilet. Maybe.
Monday, July 26, 2010
two more weeks!
two more weeks and then I'm off home to pack for Asia. I leave for Asia on the 12th of August.
3 more Mondays at EY. One weekend in DC. One weekend in Orlando. And the third weekend, I'm already in Seoul!
3 more Mondays at EY. One weekend in DC. One weekend in Orlando. And the third weekend, I'm already in Seoul!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
birthday week
I guess I'm gonna celebrate this entire week! Had my first birthday dinner with Liz Yoon.
Happy birthday week!
Happy birthday week!
Friday, July 02, 2010
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
making mud pies
"Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased."
C.S. Lewis
I love how this man wrote; he made so much sense. He made (and makes) Christianity seem so logical. But at the same time, he had so much conviction for us mere mortals to relate completely (at least for me). It's hard to find comfort when I am stuck in the slum making mud pies...and cannot trust that I can go off to a holiday at the sea. C.S. Lewis makes perfect sense but I cannot make sense out of it.
Friday, June 25, 2010
twitter owns me.
I can't focus on blogging because I have to think of my next tweet. I'm learning to be grateful -- or rather, trying to add plus-factors in my life to remain at (in) a happy state.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
so much to complain about
but I shouldn't whine here. I've whined enough.
Been in the city for two nights, three days...48 days left in the city!
TBC.
Been in the city for two nights, three days...48 days left in the city!
TBC.
Friday, June 18, 2010
last night in buffalo
I've been brain-dead for awhile. It was relaxing but at the same time, v. boring.
Last night in the buff. Kind of surreal. I will be back in August for two days before I leave for Asia.
I will now live out of luggage bags, eat terrible food, and be a nomad.
Tomorrow is an errands day in the city. Must go to Japan's Consulate, Korea's Consulate...etc.
Soccer today really depressed me. I had predicted a 2:1 loss...but a 4:1 loss was devastating. I felt ill after the game and went straight to bed after taking medicine for indigestion.
Last night in the buff. Kind of surreal. I will be back in August for two days before I leave for Asia.
I will now live out of luggage bags, eat terrible food, and be a nomad.
Tomorrow is an errands day in the city. Must go to Japan's Consulate, Korea's Consulate...etc.
Soccer today really depressed me. I had predicted a 2:1 loss...but a 4:1 loss was devastating. I felt ill after the game and went straight to bed after taking medicine for indigestion.
Monday, June 14, 2010
makeup
My roommate from junior year (college) gave this to me as a Christmas gift in 2005. The brick shattered after some good use. I finally opened my purse and replaced it. Took 4.5 years!
Also bought a dress for Liz's cousin's wedding. Ugh, weddings. Sort of like graduations...except it makes me feel sort of behind in life. But everyone tells me...no need to rush. I'm not even ready, but still...the "behind in life" feeling remains.
last week in the buff!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
hard to gauge
it's hard to gauge how often to tweet.
i hope i learn the art of tweeting properly.
world cup! not sure if i can wake up early enough to watch the s. korea game. it would be easier for me to not go to bed.
기다림의 보람.
i hope i learn the art of tweeting properly.
world cup! not sure if i can wake up early enough to watch the s. korea game. it would be easier for me to not go to bed.
기다림의 보람.
Friday, June 11, 2010
I started twitter (had an account for awhile but first tweet!) mainly to read famous people's tweets.
I wonder how long I'll last on Twitter.
My posts here are strangely becoming tweet-like.
I wonder how long I'll last on Twitter.
My posts here are strangely becoming tweet-like.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Friday, June 04, 2010
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
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