Mr. Lee Heung Gu, 57
Security Guard from Kunsan
How did you get this job?
Before I worked for a bank but got downsized. I was unemployed for a year; that was boring, so I started my own business, a pyramid marketing scheme. That failed. I was unemployed again, wasting time. I came to Kunsan University and saw an acquaintance here and asked if there were any open positions. He replied, “We only have a position as a security guard. Are you sure you want such a low status job?” I took the job because I needed the money.What happened at the bank?
In 1998 we were forced to follow IMF (International Monetary Fund) policies because we had lots of debt. Many companies went bankrupt. As an official at the bank I had to fire many workers. That was my job. At last I lost my job. I could have fought to keep my job but felt that since I had fired many people, I should retire too. I felt some guilt.How did you get money while unemployed?
In South Korea we don’t have a national pension system, but I had retirement money from the bank that I could use. I also got unemployment payments from the government.Why did your marketing business fail?
I didn’t know much about marketing strategies. Also, at that time many people who had lost their jobs tried this sort of business. I went door to door explaining the product. The product was not famous however; many thought it was a cheap imitation. Amway, for example, is very famous, but this one wasn’t.What’s your schedule here like?
One day off and one on, but when I work it’s for 24 hours. After midnight I can get a little sleep. I’m in charge of the whole building. Some professors go home very late, like after 2 am. I just leave the doors open because some professors need to come and go at all hours. I wake up at 6 am.What specifically are your responsibilities?
I’m in charge of the lights. And we have two big conference rooms that I’m responsible for. Professors, however, are responsible for their own classrooms.Are there any bad points?
I’m very satisfied with this job because I have lots of free time to read books, and it’s a simple job, just locking doors, or informing people. So I can’t complain.How is the salary?
One million won (105,000 yen) a month.Is that enough?
No. I have some money from retirement which I can use. But I feel fulfillment doing something. I feel empty when not working.And you’re also an artist?
I do oil painting. I’m a member of an oil painting guild. I hold some exhibitions. Occasionally I get sales from exhibitions.Like for how much?
It’s like a small gift—200,000 won (21,000 yen).How much time a week do you spend painting?
Two or three days a week. Sometimes when the spirit moves me, five or six hours, but more often two or three hours. I draw with oil.What sort of things do you draw?
Landscapes. Every city has this sort of artist’s guild. I don’t do portraits, just landscapes. Once we planned to paint a nude but quit the idea.Does your wife work?
She used to work in the church as a deacon. She received little pay, but it was more or less voluntary work.What’s your dream for the future?
As time goes by, I’m feeling old. In this society there’s not really anything to do. I just want to enjoy my hobbies. I won’t try to start anymore businesses.Has there ever been any security problems?
No.the end