Korean Job Discussion Forums

justagirl · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Cheonan/Portland

1,800,000 after ALL deductions (medical, taxes, etc)

6 hours of teaching a day (3-9 pm)

4 days a week (monday-thursday)

96 hours a month

all students over 8-years-old, no more than 12 in a class

apartment furnished and paid

all utilities paid

bonus after 1 year

1 week paid vacation (your choice of week)
and 4 "term breaks" (2 extra days off each time, so W,Th, F, S, S)

all Korean holidays off (of course)

paid airfare, visa

good city and neighborhood, no complaints from past teachers

3rd year working in Korea

Zyzyfer · Posted: Wed Mar 05, 2003 7:04 pm Post subject:

There aren't any massive extras, except possible the 4-day work week. But the pay is over 1.8, considering all the deductions have been taken out.

Just something to think about.

Squaffy · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: All over the place

Not really 'after 2 yrs in Korea' - more like after 2 yrs teaching ESL.

1.8 is OK from what I've read here recently. I didn't save much in Japan as the cost of living (Tokyo) was daft. Looking forward to being able to save some pennies in SoKo Shocked

bucheon bum · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

I signed a contract similar to yours last October. I'm quite content with my job- much better than my last one. The only difference is this is my 2nd contract.

mack the knife · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: standing right behind you...

JLS in gangnam
Kid's Herald in Bundang
University jobs

better pay/hours than what you mentioned...

tomwaits · Joined: 05 Feb 2003 Location: PC Bong

Consider deductions and utils you actually make about 2.1 for a 4 day week. Great. The big ??? is do you like the atmosphere there. I would take less cash for a place I felt comfortable in. The way vacations are spread out you can travel 4 times ayear. That is good by any standard...

panthermodern · Joined: 08 Feb 2003 Location: Taxronto

I think it is a fair deal if:

The do what they say ....

and there is no split shift ....

1.8 M after deductions is a sneeze difference then 2.0 M ....

It is really funny how some people will think that 100 000 won a month is a big deal.

BTW how is Mon to Fri four days a week ?

Homer · Guest

Well 100 000 won extra a month boils down to 1.2 million over the year dude. Thats not huge but it makes a difference.
I would also work for less if I really enjoyed my workplace.
University jobs have their plusses too but they also have some drawbacks.
The 1.8 is not bad and if you consider its a 4 day week its pretty good...

igotthisguitar · Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2003 7:54 am Post subject:

>. ON the surface yah ... it pretty much seems like a sweet little deal. There likely will be hidden extras of course such as marking tests & diaries, weekly homework, report cards, redundant lesson planning, daily reports and the like. Currently btw, do you actually EVER get a chance to relax on your breaks free of hassle, directors' demands & student invasion ???

When your contract is coming to term be VERY careful NOT to imply anything other than how you will be returning next year. As i've recently discovered, if your Hagwon even slightly suspects you have no real interest of returning, chances of them terminating your contract in the 11th hour so that they might among other things deprive you of your severance pay will be all that much more likely Rolling Eyes

Good luck.

mishlert · Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Location: On the 3rd rock from the sun

I work at a university with similar terms, and more time off.
I came to the job after 2yrs 6mos. of hogwon teaching.
Both have their pros and cons but in the end it all comes down to one thing, are you happy where you are? I am. If you are as well, don't worry about better pay, less students, more time off, etc.; the grass is never greener on the other side.
Having said all that, you should ask yourself if you are happy at the job and content with the terms (be honest with yourself). In the end it all comes down to you and how you feel.
Good luck.

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Location: Middle Land

NearlyKorean · Joined: 15 Mar 2003 Location: Phoenix, AZ

I would go with what works for you. From your post, it seems you are pretty positive about the work place... Have you visited the work place?

Idea

If you can survive on 1.8 million, then I would go for it. The contract can be changed. If you need more money, then I would negotiate futher with the new employer. The most he/she can say is no. I would agree with other posters who say, less money and comfort are more important.

Can you earn more elsewhere? Of course you can. It just depends on what you need and what you are comfortable with.

iammac2002 · Joined: 12 Jun 2009 Location: 'n Beter plek.

3 day weekend, every weekend? Nice!

sulperman · Joined: 14 Oct 2008

Nice indeed, but 6 and a half years old....

That said, I'd consider taking that job for 1.8 in 2009.

iammac2002 · Joined: 12 Jun 2009 Location: 'n Beter plek.

Hmm, 6 hours of teaching? I doubt that, how many office hours including preparation hours? We'll never know!