Korean Job Discussion Forums

[son of coco]

My contract finishes in 3 weeks and I am currently looking for work in Ulsan. Would love a public school job, but it seems they're as rare as hen's teeth there despite the city's size. I guess a lot of people renew.

So for the past few weeks I've been keeping my eyes on the advertisements for private jobs. A few have come up here and there, but nothing concrete yet. I had one recruiter ask if I could start at the beginning of November when I'd already told her I was going home to Australia for 3 weeks at the end of my contract, so not sure what's happening with that.

Anyway, today my co-teacher tells me the teacher who was coming to replace me is no longer coming. So this afternoon I have thoughts of what it would be like to renew my contract here and get the 2 million won bonus plus work for the next year without wondering what will happen when I come back at the end of Nov (if I have to look for work then).

If it wasn't for my having a girlfriend who lives in Ulsan I wouldn't be moving...this is the dilemma. I can't go for another year with weekly trips to Ulsan (I don't think) as it's tiring and you get no down time. On the other hand, I don't want to spend a quarter of what I've saved here looking for another job (especially if it's added to missing $2000 bonus and a potential $2000 extra for winter and summer camps).

It's a definite talking point with my girlfriend this weekend though...she mentioned moving to MAsan when I told her about it but I'm pretty sure she was joking.

Don't expect anyone on here to offer any advice by the way, just had to write about it as I thought it'd help me think (although you can if you want )

[andrewchon]

Clayton's advice.

[.38 Special]

That is quite the predicament. Of course I can't offer much in the way of advice, as I know nothing of your opinions of either the place you live, the place you work, and the things you want to improve upon with future employment/location.

That said, it seems location is your biggest problem. Perhaps you should share some of that problem with your girlfriend. If you're satisfied with your current working conditions, then perhaps you could convince your girlfriend to find work nearer to you.

Or, stick it out for another year, erstwhile putting your name around in your preferred location near your girlfriend, making connections, etc.

Good luck, chief.

[seoulsucker]

When is your contract up?

99% of public school/uni jobs start in late Feb/early March so your timing may be a bit off.

[benji]

How hot is your girlfriend? Can you find a new one? For me to move to Ulsan for a woman, she would have to be movie star beautiful; and even then Im not so sure.

[JJJ]

You have the power now, they need you more than you need them.

Negotiate a new contract. Get a raise, less travelling time, better hours, a few more holidays, a pre-written letter of release.

Years ago, I was one week from leaving and the replacement didn't show up, the supervisor calls me up at home and begs me to stay for 6 more months...fine, call me back tomorrow. I made a list of demands...free rent, small raise, 2 weeks off during the 6 months, letter of recommendation, a few less classes.....I got it all. And after enduring a hellish year, this extra 6 months was awesome...no pressure at all.

[platypus666]

I work for the EPIK program in Ulsan and you could easily get a job at a middle or elementary school, but not until July/August of 2010.

The mid-contract turn over is quite rare but a person with experience teaching here would be hired in a flash.

Maybe renew your current contract for the extra $$ but on your own terms?

[youtuber]

kljh

[son of coco]

[son of coco]