No Desk Warming

For the first time in 2 years my principal has given me the entire winter vacation off. I’ve been asked to desk warm every other time. Having said that, every time I bumped into the principal during one of these vacations she seemed shocked to see me. I’m sure most of the time she doesn’t know I’m there. Once I was even locked in the school.

I know that this is a topic that a lot of EPIK teachers like to moan about but I’m not one of them. Getting the free time is of course a bonus. Rachel and I can find time to explore Korea a little more before our departure. But I’d also be content to desk warm. Essentially I’d be getting paid to do nothing. In fact, it’s better than that – I’d be getting paid to do whatever I wanted within limits.

I’m a highly motivated person. I can’t sit still. I’m easily excited by things. I also like the idea of pushing myself to do something that I never thought I could. Desk warming to me is language learning/self-improvement time. There are so many skills to learn or books to read. I’d feel guilty if I didn’t take advantage of the time.

I also don’t understand how people can say they are bored when they’re sat with an Internet ready computer available to them.

Another reason why I’ve never complained about desk warming is because it’s part of my job. I expected it to happen and realise I have no grounds to complain about it. Many EPIK teachers complain that making us desk warm is the result of ‘faulty Korean logic’. In my eyes the only faulty logic comes from the person who agrees to come and work here knowing fine well they’d more than likely have to desk warm, and then complains about it when it happens.

Whether you’re desk warming or not this vacation I hope you have a good time.

These pictures were taken on Art Street, downtown Gwangju. Click to enlarge.

Old souvenir shop

Second hand things outside of a shop

Old Instrument

Old Ornaments