Korean Job Discussion Forums

geldedgoat · Joined: 05 Mar 2009

Currently I fall into category 2 I think... the one that requires one year experience and TESOL certification and that pays 2.1 mil. This is my third year in Korea, but my first was cut short by four months because of my jerkoff hagwon owner breaking the contract to can me near the end of the contract (wow, haven't heard that story before Rolling Eyes

). That amounts to a total of one year and eight months experience. In the GEPIK contract, one section states that if an employee acquires additional certification that would allow him to be bumped up a pay category, the change would be reflected in the next month's pay. Now in my case, after I work for this school four months, I will have a total of two years experience. That would make me eligible for category 1 (well, the next higher category anyway). Would I be able to apply for the upgrade immediately, or would I have to wait for the pay increase until after I finish this contract?

lifeinkorea · Joined: 24 Jan 2009 Location: somewhere in China

I am afraid those 8 months won't help you for pay. However, if a school is trying to decide to hire you with 1 year 8 months and someone with just 1 year, that might get you the job instead of the other person.

Otherside · Joined: 06 Sep 2007

In my experience it will.

I worked for a Hagwon for 6 months (cut short due to usual hagwon shenanigans) and then started at a public school. Worked there for a year and renewed my contract. When I renewed my contract I reminded them of my history and said that I should be level 1 from September (as O would now have 2 years experience) They agreed. I have a CELTA, so I fulfilled the requirements otherwise.

Now I don't know they would have agreed to this if it was my first contract with the school, or if I came to them in August, and said "hey guys, got 2 years experience now, time to pay me more". But I said my piece at the time of renewal (which is when you should clear this up, as this is the time for negotiation) and got what I wanted.

OP, I'd say in your case, it's a 50/50. It isn't provided for explicitly in the contract, but common sense dictates that it "may" be provided for. Try your luck, but don't be disappointed if it doesn't pan out.