Dawning of a New Era in South Korea: my birthday

My hagwon was established in the same year that I came to being on this planet.  Incidentally, in my case that exact date happens to be September 1st.  For this reason, any work environment and scheduling imperfections aside, I've gotten used to the place and at least know what to expect when I come to work everyday, and that I will be paid the full amount on time.  Perhaps I waited until I was uncertain I'd need to run away in the middle of the night before I spent any money on condiments and cooking utensils that may just be abandoned. 

My biggest suitcase was stashed on top of the refrigerator in my one room apartment until last weekend a friend asked me why don't I just put it out on my 'patio'--the area where my washing machine is, separated from the rest of my apartment with sliding glass doors.  That's where the windows are, with the view of some trees albeit dwarfed by the row of communist block apartments across the alley.   I meant to leave that area open, in case I wanted to sit out there and look out the window (?).  I haven't had a lot of time to think about these things, nor the non-user friendly furniture arrangement including the fact that my refrigerator was connected to a multiple outlet extention cord located directly under my sink.  Except for the fact that there wasn't an associated electrical outlet, I didn't question the fact that the refrigerator seemed to belong in the space where my countertop ended and the end of the wall.  Though I frequently imagined, soon I would electrocute myself while doing the dishes, I left it that way.  

Upon rearranging my apartment per the scheme of my friend, though I was comfortable enough before, I was now ecstatic with the new feng shui and ready for another six months and three weeks in South Korea.  Just when I put the suitcaise away.....

My plan for my birthday was for it to be an otherwise unremarkable Wednesday like any other. To avoid having any mandatory luncheon that would rob me of my siesta and alone time between morning kindergarden and start time at the academy, I didn't want to say one word about my birthday.  

There was a young man at the academy yesterday, who I didn't take much note of until he'd spent half of the day in the office with the school manager.  He could have been anyone, a prospective adult student, a parent, but I'd started to guess that he might be the replacement for my Korean co-teacher.  On Monday, I was informed of the news that she was leaving. As my boss told me, he smiled and said I know this is good news for you.  I asked him please, this time can we have a Korean English teacher that can speak a little bit of English? I thought maybe this was my birthday present from the universe.  

Yesterday on my birthday, two classes down with two to go, the manager and the man come into the classroom the other native English teacher and myself have established as our office.  Our manager introduces the young man as the new owner/manager.  He says, "After much thought, since I've been here for 9 years I've decided to leave my position here and the owner has decided to sell the school.  I'll be here through October to teach him how to manage the school." 

The new owner/manager says to us-

"I'll be here for you for whatever you need at the school or outside of the school.  You can call me any time for any trouble or any situation."

(not exactly in that sort of English) 

WOW

When both of us express extreme surprise, he smiles and says 

"there will be many more surpised things in the future." 

(that he did say) 

Good ones, right? 

He smiles 

The old manager will be here for another paycheck, so I'm fairly secure about having another payday next month, but from then on.....well you might have heard about fly by night language academies.  Whether it means an improved work situation or that I have a reason to walk away, like anything I guess it is happening for some reason.  On one hand, with the exception of about three people, everyone I've ever met seems to have a bigger apartment, a better schedule, and a better working environment.  On the other hand, I've read about much worse jobs in South Korea than mine.  

Last weekend, I was content to deal with any imperfections and count future paydays until March.  Back in May, I watched another English teacher leave with a big smile on his face when he received his end of contract bonus pay.  Given that, I was fairly certain I'd at least have that and a plane ticket to look forward to. 

I'm not that worried about my ability to find another job or to buy another plane ticket out of here.  The whole thing certainly adds a sense of urgency to be prepared for plan B at a moments notice.  

• South Korea
• job security