Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tanklor1]

Alright, I'm starting to get this bisness now. So, I'm considering actually negotiating on my next contract

(I know, should have done that from the start, but sometimes I gots to learn the hard way.)

Now before I throw ridiculous sums of money at people:

"I want 4 Million won a month!"

Can someone tell me how much can I get away with with two years experince?

[Ramen]

You should demand 8 million.

Good luck.

[Mikenski]

It would be interesting if those 'negotiation tactics' work here: start with an absurdly high number, only to then follow up with a less absurd, yet still absurd number. In comparison the new number is a steal! Doubt that'll work.

[Otherside]

In public schools the salaries are fixed, so I assume you are looking at hagwon work.

Basically it comes down to: How much more are you worth than a younger, better looking newbie who will put up with a ton of crap and settle for below par accomodations and probably won't realise she is being overtaxed and not recieving pension or healthcare. She will also wind up teaching atleast 6 classes per day. That teacher is worth 2.1-2.3 mill a month.

My answer is, not all that much. ESL in Korea for the most part is dead end, with experience and credentials only marginally increasing your renumuration.

You've seen the countless UNI ads on Dave's which demand an MA and 3 years experience yet offer 2.1? Or howbout the ones that offer 2.4 for a BA, 2.5 for an MA and 2.6for a PHD ( a friggin PHD)

1 year is worth about 100K. Good luck to you if you can get more!

[tanklor1]

Well, my first year topped off at 2.0 while my second gig netted me 2.3. I was considering a realistic increase of 2.4 or 2.5.

[Ramen]

[plynx]

realistically, you can get any sum you wanted if you can back up your claims (how much the company/school would benefit from hiring you, what a great teacher you are, etc.). i've countered offers up to 400,000 above what they've initially quoted, and never had anyone turn me down. it's all about confidence and presentation. (even as a newbie - three years ago - i never made less than 2.6 in a hagwon.)

[SOOHWA101]

Exactly what the above poster said. There are some other factors involved though; what do you have to offer? How is your Korean? Can you teach TOEFL, TEPS, or any other special classes? Do you dress for success? How is your reputation at your previous schools? Do you have "head teacher" or management experience?

After you settle on a decent salary, begin talking about perks. How many OT classes CAN you have? Can you create a class at the hagwon and then split the tuition with the school? Will they set up privates for you at their school?

All of these factors laid the foundation for my current position. Of course, networking and keeping an ear to the ground doesn't hurt either.

[AussieGav]

[red_devil]

Go hourly @40K/hr, and guaranteed number of hours like min. 5 per week. Ask for all other benefits, except you'll cover your own housing - maybe you can get key money from them.