Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ChocolateStarfish]

I taught in Korea a few years ago and made 2.5 Million a month.

I went home , got my B.Ed and have been teaching in North America for 2 years.

Now, Im simply contemplaing going overseas for a year to just get away, but there is no way I am working for less than 3.0 million a month, nor will I work on Saturdays. I do not think that this is unreasonable.

I know of newbies who are from my area, who are qualified teachers, both who are making 3 million a month, and got that easily, yet when I am looking on the job boards I STILL see only 2.1-2.6 Million a month jobs.

Am I looking in the wrong places?

I'm willing to take a small pay cut from what I am making now (obviously) but not so much so that I will struggle to continue to make my car and mortgage payments here at home

Suggestions?

[Radius]

It always makes me cringe when people want to leave their teaching job back home with benefits out the yahoo and pension plan to come here to teach bratty Korean kids. Dont you know how hard it is to get a public school job---at least in the States? Id switch with you in a SECOND. I wouldn't even think about it.
Can i ask you where you teach and what you teach and why you want to potentially give up your career and make a move to korea and give up everything? You may not ever land another teaching job back home if you come here. You want to chance that? on KOREA?
as far as your question goes, you aint making 3million at a hagwon or public school, the most would be maybe 2.5. Do yourself a favor and stay home.

Although, admittedly I may have been a little harsh, there is some good news. You do qualify with your experience teaching back home for an International School that will pay you the money you desire in a few asian countries. Search for one of those jobs and NOT a hagwon or public school.

[ChocolateStarfish]

I do not have a permanent job here in Canada. I do Mat or Stress leaves. Currently I am # 37 on the new teacher seniority list. That means 37 people have to quit or retire before I can get a permanent job and I live in a town with only 4 schools.

I do have a contract position in the social service industry, coordinating outreach education programs for other organizations on topics in Special Education.

So yes, I do work, and I do make good money, but I have nothing that is permanent.

I do have 2 new vehicles and a beautiful home on the water.

But I'm bored.

[Radius]

ahh, i hear ya, i was under the impression that you had a public school permanent job. Well, given your situation, yea come on over, it cant be much worse. But the school owners are trying to pay less recently with the mass influx of teachers, so if you cant aim a little lower with expected salary, then im afraid you have to stay in Canada

[BoholDiver]

If you're doing alright now, why so picky about your pay in Korea?

If you find a job here for 3.0, likely you're going to be working a lot of OT. You won't be able to enjoy the country much.

You also sound inflexible. Working in Korea requires you to be flexible.

[ttompatz]

B.Ed, home country licensed and 2+ years of classroom experience?

Why would you be looking at a hagwan?

Look for an international school, IB school or a university position.

Don't stay focused on Korea. Good money in Taiwan for licensed teachers. Same for Hong Kong (US$40k + benefits in both cases).

If you are dead set on Korea then you are an expensive commodity so you will just have to keep plugging away at it. The current teachers market is flooded with economic refugees from the States.

.

[youtuber]

OP,

Didn't you say in another thread that you recently got MARRIED? And your husband has a great job?

Pardon me for asking, but WTF? You expect your husband to be without you for a year?

Unless you are separated, which is none of my business.

Just thought that was kind of weird.

I have a BEd as well, and I think teaching is a dead-end both in Canada and Korea. Get out of teaching while you can (and are still young enough to do something about it).

[youtuber]

[northway]

[Scott in Incheon]

I don't know about Taiwan, but in Hong Kong you are not an assistant teacher. You are a member of the teaching staff. You have your own classes, give tests and participate pretty much as a regular teacher. You won't be a homeroom teacher as you need to speak know Cantonese.

And you will get raises the same as the local teacher. The pay scale in HK is quite competitive and as a NET (Native English Teacher) you will also get a living allowance.

When I left in 2004, I was making about 45K HK a month or a that time about 9K Canadian. It is not that much anymore with change in the currency exchange and a lowering of the initial salary but it is still really good.

It can be a tough job; it all depends on your school and your principal.

[stephorama]

[ChocolateStarfish]

I just saw that maplebear schools hire principals for 40-50 K a year. That is something I would consider. I guess I need to get my Principals qualifications course first though.

BTW, yes I am married. Currently I am entertaining this idea. IF I get more serious about it, then a BIG chat will be necessary. There are alot of other factors going on in said marriage that is pushing me to look. I don't want a divorce, I just want to get away for a little while. Enuff said about that.

I know that teaching in Korea requires one to be Flexible, I don't need to be talked down to like that. I taught in Korea for several years in my early 20's. 3 years ago I was making 2.5 for 22 hours a week.

I will not be flexible with my 3.0 a month when I know a few teachers making that at hagwons now and they don't work weekends. My husband has a good job, but I am a very independant person and we have separate accounts and split our bills. I would assume responsibility of my portion while (if) away as well. I have $980 dollar car payments currently, so obviously that is a factor into my equation. Plus, Id like to SAVE 1 million a month. That with my severance pay would bring me to 15K at the end of the contract, then I would come home and either buy a new home or pay off 1 of my cars.

Anyway, no Im not flexible on my 3.0 or working weekends.

What are some other sites? Where can I sift through jobs? Where are the advertisements for these jobs???

[yoja]

3.0 million a month is achievable. But it may not be easy, or *as* easy as it was even a year ago. The job market is much tighter these days, and as you may know, the best positions are not advertised, but filled through word of mouth before the employer even has to post about job availability.

If you're seriously looking to come back and work in Korea, you may want to get in touch with former contacts (or one of these fortunate newbies you seem to know so many of) and see if anyone has heard about any good, well-compensated positions.

You may also want to start thinking about what special skills/qualifications/experience you have that would warrant an employer paying you 3.0 mil per month when he can easily find someone to do the same job for 2.5 or even 2.3 million in today's job market. Employers tend to throw out a low offer, and then it's up to you to negotiate upwards.

Good luck.

[warmachinenkorea]

I'm certified in SPED and had a year worth of experince before coming here. I've been here 2 years and a couple of months into my 3rd and I will max out EPIK, 2.7 million, next contract. I get 150,000 extra for 3 schools and 400,000 for housing. I'm happy with it but want to get back to something more familiar. I'm applying for international schools this year and have my app in with the DODEA. My wife teaches here too but shes not certifed. Together we do well.

I am interested in other countries and have thought about Hong Kong and Tawain. Any other countries good for certified teachers?

[northway]