[UPDATE] OK then....
since it's no longer April first anywhere in the world...
And for those of you who didn't notice the date... this didn't ring any "Too good to be true" bells?
Hi, readers.
I'm not quite sure how to start this post... but I've got some news that's really exciting, but perhaps a bummer for a lot of my readers.
Most of you know I've been doing graduate studies in Korean Studies lately, and this has led to an interesting opportunity: through a connection I made at the Canadian embassy with the consultative group there, I've been invited to join a Vancouver-based think tank on migration, multicultural policy and identity politics across the Pacific Rim. They're looking for someone with extensive experience in writing and Korean culture, with a balance between Canadian perspective and boots-on-the-ground experience in Korea... which is pretty much exactly me. After a few interviews, I was offered the position in March, and after mulling it over with Wifeoseyo and our families, I've decided to accept it.
Not only will I get a full-benefits government-funded job, the think tank has long-term corporate backing from a number of Pacific Rim import/export companies who have a whole line-up of research projects they'd like us to develop. On top of that, the company will support my Ph.D. studies while I work for them... so long as its focus is in line with the institute's research goals... and they are. I don't know how many people are lucky enough to get offered positions where they're paid to study the topics that fascinate them.
It's hard to say goodbye to Korea -- it's been a pretty sudden, shocking change for Wifeoseyo, who'd been expecting to live in Korea pretty much indefinitely... but when we looked at the package they were offering, which included training to help Wifeoseyo pick up her line of business over in Canada, and the schools we'd have access to for Babyseyo, and the chance to be closer to my two sisters... in the end it was a no-brainer.
The amount of time they're asking, and the kinds of research tasks I'll be organizing and executing, pretty much preclude anything but work/research and family time -- I've enjoyed writing Roboseyo, and for a long time, I've told anyone who listens that the best thing about writing this blog has been the AWESOME people I've met -- I'll be in touch with you personally -- and if you're in the Vancouver area, the Roboseyo email will stay open.
I'm glad I stayed with blogspot now, because the free service means that I can keep the blog online in perpetuity -- Blogoseyo isn't going anywhere, but it just won't be updated anymore -- but the blogosphere has never been in better shape, and I'm sure, between this sidebar and the sidebar links of the other bloggers and blogs you like, you'll easily find other sources of insight and entertainment... but it won't be me.
Unless you see some of my publications here or there.
Thanks again, all my loyal readers and commenters, for your contribution to the awesome experience that Blogoseyo has been... I'm sorry I won't be able to engage with you the way I have... but then again, if I'm not living here anymore, it's for the better: I've seen what happens to those who try to keep a Korea-blog running after repatriation, and it just doesn't work.
Love you all:
Rob
And one more, because successful trolls are really funny:
31 comments:
Congratulations! I wish you and your family all the best!
That's fantastic! This should be a great opportunity for the whole family. We wish you all the best! We need to have one more coffee time before you go sir!
Check what day it is, folks...
Congrats! That is a fantastic opportunity. Good luck to you and your family.
Crap, you got me. At least I didn't say good riddance :-)
Wow. WOW! That is crazy and amazing. I'm so happy for your family! I'm a longtime lurker and reader.....I'm really sad that I won't get to read your posts anymore... :s
I have aspirations to do some sort of graduate study in a field relating to Korean studies and Korean linguistics, so hearing that you managed to turn your work into a lucrative job is very reassuring to me. Awesome!
Keep up the good work!
Wow, congrats!
I wish it wasn't
me too
Good thing I checked the date on that one...nicely done, sir.
I see you got a few there!
a few is enough to bring me back next year. I've done an April Fools post every year but one since I've been blogging... you'd think my readers would begin to expect it.
As a Vancouver native who followed your blog for most of my stay in Korea and still follow it now that I'm back...
... Welcome home.
Yeah, I too feel bad that it wasn't for real, even if he'd have to live in the insufferable city of Vancouver.
They say the grass is greener on the other side of the fence... and green has another meaning over in Vancouver... but I guess we wouldn't expect a Torontonian to know much about all the organic fun times to be had in Vancouver. So... pipe down.
i love you, bucky.
Very convincing. I wasn't sure at first.
As a person who lived in Vancouver for 9 years.. make sure you are there for your wife. Many Korean women have limited ways of making money here, mostly through doing jobs for other Korean people such as "kitchen helpers" in Sushi restaurants and such.. It's hard for women to get discouraged, and often times out of frustration and homesickness and feelings of lack of self-worth they end up going to Korea for some time, and the period just keeps increasing.
Since she does have a Canadian husband I'm sure her transition would be a lot smoother than many Korean immigrants who did not have a good fluency in English when they first arrived.
My family split after coming to Canada (dad in Korea, mom in Canada) and for many Korean families in Canada for some weird reason, family tension and divorce is pretty common here esp for new immigrants.
Good luck for your new job!
I have to say, it's a bit like faking your own death just to hear the eulogies given at your own funeral. :P
Now come on, Andrew. You don't even have the International Date Line to hide behind. At least my North American readers can claim it was still Saturday when they read it.
Jesus. What an offer. Best of luck, Rob.
check the date at the top of the post there, Via Korea.
Congratulations, Roboseyo
It's the opportunity of a life time. Go, man, go!
What a fantastic opportunity! Many congratulations to you.
Saw this in my RSS, feed.
Then looked at the date.
Well-played, sir. I just had to leave a comment.
I can't believe you will be leaving. But you landed a great deal and will provide a great future for your family. I'll miss you for sure. Please include me in any sort of goodbye thing you have!
Oh APril fools ? ><
Clues: Wifeseyo was okay with it...the Boys II Men song
Jesus. What an offer. Best of luck, Rob.
The trolls part completely flew over me, but is this an April Fools or not? It's pretty darn convincing .. so I'll either say, Congrats for the awesome job deal and Oh, major bummer. Ooorrr... you damn, you totally got me.
Post a Comment