Korean Job Discussion Forums

oneofthesarahs · Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Location: Sacheon City

I know I haven't been here for very long, but I'm hitting the 5 month mark and starting to realize that I really enjoy teaching and would like to do the Korea thing for at least another year so I can make some money to go to grad school. I'm thinking I would like to stay in a hagwon: the hours suit me and I like having freedom in the classroom.

But Dave's makes me think that I might not be able to ever find as sweet of a deal as I have now. I get along well with my coworkers, have a nice apartment, always get paid on time, am provided with books and materials but am still trusted to be self-sufficient, and most importantly, I have lots of smart students who seem to really be making progress.

So when I'm offered another contract (which I'm 99.99% sure I will be), what's reasonable to ask for? Right now my biggest issue is that I really don't have any vacation time other than school-mandated vacation. My contract is up at the end of October. I'd like to have November and December off so I can go home, and then come back in January. I'm willing to forgo a pay increase in lieu of a week or two of vacation that I can take when I want it. Is there anything else I should ask for? What should I expect to be offered/be able to negotiate when signing up for another year?

polonius · Joined: 05 Jun 2004

Hey there,

First and foremost, take whatever is said on this board with a grain of salt. Most people who talk here grip and complain. Very rarely do you see people who are happy posting. If you are honestly happy with the school you are working at, then stay there. Talk to your managers before your contract is up, and tell them what you would like. If you need 2 weeks off to see your family, and if they want you to continue working there, they will give it to you. If you are honest with your employer about your needs, they will help you out. I say this, because you seem satisfied to this point. You should be able to get the flight home and back paid for, plus a raise, as it would cost the employer the same amount just to bring a new person in. (Then subtract the fact that they aren't as familiar with the system as you are.)

Just make sure that when you talk to your managers, you take into consideration their point of view. What I mean by this is, how long are their semesters, will they need to sub for you, are you leaving during a slow time or busy time? I would take what you know of the company, and pick your time to go home based on what would be easiest on the company, so that they would have very little reason to denigh your request.

crsandus · Joined: 05 Oct 2004

A bit off topic but when I read your thread title I thought to myself "Oh? She's quitting her job? I thought oneofthesarahs was happy with her job"

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

AwesomeA · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Location: Yeosu

I have worked with a few bosses to re-sign. First, 100 a month raise. Don't expect a paid vacation that you can take when you want, without offering to find a sub. When it comes to airfare, it is cheaper to buy a roundtrip ticket than 2 one way tickets.
In the next 7 months of your contract show them that the can't do without "oneofthesarahs" the teacher as well as the person.

Sody · Joined: 14 May 2006

rothkowitz · Joined: 27 Apr 2006

What's your holiday allotment at the moment?

caniff · Joined: 03 Feb 2004 Location: All over the map

babtangee · Posted: Fri Mar 09, 2007 5:32 pm Post subject:

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

Sarah, do whatever is best for you. That school will still be there whenever you decide you want to return. My best guess is that once you get back to the land where people actually smile in public, don't stare/glare at you, and hold a door for you, then you'll want to stay there.

Take my advice- stay there. Wink

yingwenlaoshi · Joined: 12 Feb 2007 Location: ... location, location!

babtangee · Posted: Sat Mar 10, 2007 3:39 pm Post subject:

Heheh. I think polonius already chopped up and buried four of his students for not taking English study seriously enough.

wylies99 · Joined: 13 May 2006 Location: I'm one cool cat!

My point was that Sarah needs to do what's best for her and not wait for any word from the school. She's not leaving early. The school's answer is ALWAYS going to be something like "Need Englishee teacher NOW, NOW. NOW."

Sarah-I'd keep my plans to myself. The situation may be fine NOW, but if Sarah does tell them she's thinking about leaving, things could turn ugly.

jodemas2 · Joined: 06 Dec 2006

oneofthesarahs · Joined: 05 Nov 2006 Location: Sacheon City