Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Netz]

I thought I'd take a minute to wrtie this down, due to the fact that some some F visas holders I've talked to recently seem to clearly not understand thier value.

First, anything under 75k is a waste of time, and that's just a minimum, 100k an hour is more reasonable, and actually most large companies/schools pay 125k to the contracting agency. (that's right, they keep over 50% for doing pretty much nothing but introducing you).

When negotiating your wage, remind the potential employer of these things:

1. You are LEGALLY able to work (and report any illegal E2's you see working with you).
2. Unless you are salaried, and contracted by the company/school, you receive no:
a. Healthcare
b. Severance
c. Lower Pension
d. Free Plane tickets
e. Free montly rent/Jeonse
3. You recieve no reimbursement for:
a. Textbooks
b. Travel Expenses
c. Car/Car Insurance/Gas
d. Lost wages due to Korean holidays
e. Expensive Hoishik parties with your "clients"
4. Vacation OR Vacation Pay (usually this is just a non-payment for indie contractors, and although the company/school pays the agent, the agent pockets the money, and does not pay you.
5. and YOU PAY YOUR OWN TAXES ON YOUR INCOME!

I don't know how anyone (except for a Korean recruiter), could think that 35-50k an hour is adequate compensation for the loss of all of the above, and remind them that a contracted E2 teacher make as much as 30k an hour for overtime.

50,000 an hour is a joke, and every F visa holder who accepts this amount, is not only screwing themselves, but every other legitiamte (degree holding) F visa holding teacher here in the country.

I expect this year to see agenceies hiring MANY more illegal teachers (E2s) to fill thier contracts.

If you see them at your workplace, report it immdiately.

Last thing, value yourself, and realize your own worth. In the end, everyone is better off.

Many agencies are looking ONLY for F visa holders. Why?

BECUASE YOU ARE WAY MORE VALUABLE TO THEM THAN YOU THINK.

THEY MAKE AS MUCH AS YOU DO FOR DOING NOTHING (except being good at stealing money)

Think about it, and remember, we're going to be worth even more this coming year, than we have ever been.

You may have to lose a few jobs to standing your ground on pay, but again,it's really to your advantage long term.

Good luck on any negotiations, and hang tough.

[PGF]

All the recruiters advertising for PTers take E-2s and that's why the wages are low balled.

50 is low for an F2, but considering that an E2 will jump on 35 and be happy - it is what it is.

Luckily, there are places out there that will not hire an illegal E2. I just found one at a government run cultural center paying 175 for two hours. Rare, but it happens.

As for reporting the illegal E2s....I wouldn't do that to them. bad karma.

[marlow]

[Mr. Pink]

To the OP: I'll tell you what, you get me some gigs at 75k an hour, and whatever else that the company or person is willing to pay is yours.

50k an hour isn't that shabby. I seem to have a hard time finding part-time gigs that pay more than 50k an hour...

Most places want to give like 30-40k, that I agree is insulting and not worth my time.

I've gone into a few interviews and told them I want 50-60k an hour...funny thing is those places haven't called me back.

I even decided to live close to Kangnam/Seocho-Gu just so I can be near to the heavy duty privates...I think those 75-100k an hour ones take luck or an inside contact to get.

[Southern Drawl]

I agree with everything Netz said.

Every F visa holder must understand that the agency usually keeps 60 ~ 70% of the hourly fee. I have learned that agencies usually charge between 80,000 and 150,000 won per hour.

[PGF]

[Netz]

[Cheonmunka]

[The Hammer]

[Mr. Pink]

Netz,

The problem with reporting people illegally doing privates is most people feel it makes them look petty and like pricks, so they won't do it. I've had friends that were on E2s and doing massive privates, I never thought of reporting them because they were friends.

Therein lies the problem...if we all keep our friends safe, those are the people taking 30-40k an hour jobs.

I went for an interview to teach an AP prep class and I told the guy I wanted 50-60k an hour...he comes back with 35k an hour. Let's just say that offer was insulting and I let the guy know how insulting he was.

I refuse to settle for less than 50k an hour. When factoring in travel time and prep time, that 50k an hour is more realistically 30k or so an hour. What are the dumbasses thinking when they accept 30k an hour that is realisticaly 15-20k an hour after factoring in prep and travel time?

It's been awhile since I have done a corporate gig...but the posted jobs are only giving 40-45k an hour...not really worth it for the travel time of teaching 1hr a day or every other day.

Also Netz, when I say I am near kangnam/seocho-gu...it was more for the 1 on 1 type privates in people's homes. Some of my friends get 50-60k an hour to talk with rich kids and they are minimum 1.5hrs at a time. That is worth it when you consider no prep, no pressure, and a close proximity to one's home.

I agree we should take a stand and try to push the rates up. I hate seeing all these jobs posted for such low amounts. It is insulting, as 10 years ago when I did privates I was getting 40k an hour...

[Intrepid]

Netz--could you recommend an agency to contact? Any of the recruiters on this board?

[The Hammer]

[Netz]

[Netz]

[robot]

This thread is irritating.

Either it's gonna anger E-2 holders as these poll options seem like typical F-visa bragging, or it's gonna frustrate other F-visa holders who are going to think that everyone else is making 100,000 won/hour. Most are not.

And suggesting that I rat out E-2 holders so I can get more dough is pathetic.

I have an F-2 visa, but I seriously hope that the government gets rid of this stupid restriction forbidding E-2s from tutoring. The fact that people could demand so much because of their visa status -- not their quality of teaching -- really bothers me.