Sometimes I am astounded by how different Canada and Korea really are. I might have felt, said, and acknowledge their differences in some way, yes, but to truly feel they're just so very different is another matter. Seeing so many people spit in the streets is one of those things. I took it for granted --and I think many of us can agree that most do-- that one should not spit in public unless one absolutely has too. It shouldn't be a habit.
After I was reassigned to the paralegal team I've had to work with the legal team and the way they function drastically differs from most teams that I'm used to. They talk loudly, sometimes swear, leave their ringtones are on, not silenced, talk on the phone for personal reasons... The fact that they're men can't be an excuse.
I was told that office rules in Korea are pretty rigid. My dad was so concerned about me abiding by them, thinking that I, in my Western demeanour, would look down upon them and show obvious disregard for them. That is mainly because my dad doesn't know me really well but that's another story.
I have no idea how to approach this. I'm usually the first one to show explicit objection and do something about this kind of situation. But being but a rookie I don't have a lot of say in this. All my teammates are deeply bothered by this, but can't really say anything because it's part of the other team's job to talk on the phone, etc. My superior told me that she had once appealed to HR and requested relocation but it was either forgotten or ignored. I'm not sure if we even have empty offices to which we can move. I've been subtly suggesting to others that we need to be relocated. Not sure if it'll be effective at all.
I never thought I'd have to worry about things like this in a Korean office -- in a law firm no less!
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