Korean Job Discussion Forums

crheine · Joined: 20 Sep 2007

Ok so I am finishing up on my first year here in Korea. My contract will finish Dec 1st and I am planning my next move. I have been hearing that most better jobs end up opening around March. So i see myself with a few options. I can take a long holiday with my plane ticket and come back but that could use quite a bit of my savings. I can try to extend and leave maybe in Jan and use less savings. I have contemplated looking or a winter camp and taking holiday either before or after. But since this is my first year I don't have the best idea of what to expect job wise for my second year. What would you guys recommend I do upon completion? Also where am I supposed to find this marvelous second year job that should trump all our first year struggles. Thank you in advance for all your help.

cazzy3 · Joined: 07 May 2008 Location: kangwon-do

i guess it all depends where you live and what kind of options are there for you. if you want to take time off and travel around asia, it would be the perfect time to get out of the cold and enjoy the beaches of thailand.

as for the 'perfect' second year job. it's best to start putting word out that you're looking for a job. check the local EPIK teachers to see who's leaving and what schools may be opening in march. or if it's a uni job, you should go and and speak w/ the department head and ask if there's any jobs available. there are plenty of camps as well, so just start networking/researching and i'm sure you can find a job that's suited for you. good luck.

soviet_man · Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Location: Seoul

Do a 5 week CELTA course or similar ESL certificate course.

There are so many nice cities you could do it in.

So you could combine some travel before or afterwards, although you would have to buckle down and concentrate on your study during the actual course as it is intensive.

hamlet712 · Joined: 16 Mar 2007

Have you considered asking your bosses to extend your contract until March 1st. Or ave you done that yet?

Since most school finish their year in February,I am sure your bosses will not mind you staying the extra three months to save them the hassle of bringing in another teacher to complete your classes. This way you don't eat into any savings.

As for jobs, a public school is the best if you are not qualified for a University position. The public schools have more vacations and better schedules.

but there are decent hagwons out there too

Davew125 · Joined: 11 Mar 2007

you mention savings so as a side note i'd be keeping my eye on the Korean economy and exchange rate, it's on a downward slide (my pay has been cut by 10% in the past week or so in relation to what i can send home! )and i was reading today that some analysts are expecting it to carry on sliding next year as well.

It may be that your best option might not even be in Korea!!

that said if you do want to stay then start looking early. write out exactly what you want in your new contract, mail it to as many recruiters as possible and stick to that as much as you can.