Now on the surface, it appeared that he had already secured what for many Korean students today seems to be their dream a secure job as a government employee,a position this gentleman has held for more than 10 years. In fact, he had succeeded twice.
Initially, after graduation, he had been accepted as a firefighter. He soon realized that occupation was not a good fit for him, so he prepared for and passed the civil servant’s exam, in the process landing one of those coveted government positions. And as the years wore on, he became increasingly miserable in his second job. He felt trapped. By now he had a lovely family and all the accompanying obligations. He could not just quit his job.
So now, well into his thirties, he has decided to try to attain the credentials to qualify for a job that he really wants to do, a job requiring exceptional English language skills. He may not achieve his dream. The competition just to be admitted to the school is intense, the course of study rigorous. Meanwhile he continues to report to his job each day, putting in the extra hours after work to try to realize his dream.
Is there a lesson for you? Study English now; you may need it later? No. Government jobs in general are undesirable? No. But much too often in conversation with students, they tell me they’re busy preparing to take the civil servant’s examination. What are their majors? Just about any major offered at CNU. They aren’t looking for jobs related to their field of study. It’s all about job security and a decent, steady income. If they pass the exam, are they going to get jobs they truly want to make a life’s career? Hard to say.
Will they be happy? No guarantee. I’d be willing to predict, though, that their chances for happiness would be greater if they pursued a career in a field they have chosen.
Is it worth the effort and the uncertainty of putting everything into pursuing a career you really want? Probably. Follow your dream.