Korean Job Discussion Forums

[amemorylost]

Thanks guys for the replies, they have been very useful if only to calm me down enough to think about my situation without feeling insulted/lied to.

To clarify some things I might have mis-represented or not clarified enough.

Freelancer status:

I'm currently being charged 3.3% in tax, and not paying pension or provided with health. I'm from the UK, so wouldn't get to claim pension back anyway, though the Health is something I will have to fight for.

I was wondering if it's clear-cut illegal to have E-2 visa teachers on the freelancer status, or if this was just inferred from the case of the KTX staff? I initially thought that it was illegal, but I know so many people in the same situation as me that I couldn't be sure that it actually was undoubtedly illegal if so many places got away with it. It doesn't really help my cause that none of the previous foreign teachers in this job seemed to question how they were treated and paid.


The Contract

This is a big regret I have and is what I meant when I said it was partially my own fault: my contract is pretty bad and vague. Teaching times aren't specified, it mentions 30 hours teaching time once and then 30 hours work in the overtime section. Unfortunately I don't think my contract is of much help here...and part of the reason I got so angry is that my manager actually said exactly this: "it's your mistake that your contract doesn't specify teaching times'. Anyway, it's only since coming here and experiencing Hagwons first-hand that I realise that I could have got a significantly better contract.

The working environment

The thing is, when it comes to anything that doesn't involve money and the terms of working, my Hagwon is a great place to work, and I really want to help them get back on their feet. I have a good working relationship with my co-teachers and my manager in all other respects but this, but I think the shadiness of the business practices is chipping away at that. I know that makes me sound like a pushover, but one of the things they keep repeating is that they never had this problem with any of their other foreign teachers, which makes me a bit frustrated because it's falling to me to sort this thing out or, in the worst scenario, to warn potential teachers of what their getting into.

Anyway, thanks again for all the advice. I will re-visit this later but for the time being, there's really not much I can do without earning more to fall back on, so I think I will grin and bear the conditions until next month and then re-think everything when I have enough money together.

[yingwenlaoshi]

Quit.

[Illysook]

People say to quit these bad Hagwons, but how do you do it and successfully transition to another job? Some people say that it is easy, while other people tell horror stories. My boss goes through the recycling to make sure that we don't throw away one extra scrap that could be re-used, or god forbid, something that's printed on both sides and is extra...and it's just the tip of the iceberg.

[Biblethumper]

Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their owm masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren, but rather do them service, because they are beloved and partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
If any man teach otherwise and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.


In other words: 1. Work hard, 2. Do what your employer tells you, 3. Do not quarrel to get more money or less work, 4. Beware of becoming a black-hearted complainer.

[yingwenlaoshi]

[OneWayTraffic]

[OneWayTraffic]

[pogoro]

[I-am-me]

Its a game of who is going to get shafted first. It already looks as if the school is going to shaft you first. This is Korea...don't try to be nice and kind with your hagwon. Get out as soon as you can. Plenty of other jobs out there.