Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sugarkane59]

Hi,

I'm about to sign a contract with a hagwon and I have recently read a post on here that has got me worried. It said that sometimes hagwons offer jobs that aren't actually available and that they are anticipating present employees leaving. If they end up not leaving, then they take the job offer back.

Is this common?
Thanks for you advice.

[Goku]

you should probably be worried,
I wouldn't go around making any flight plans based on a maybe.

But by the same token given the amount of turnover of FT's in the hagwon industry, someone's bound to be fired soon.

lol

[sugarkane59]

I was just really asking how often it happens or if anyone knows of it happening to anyone?

I guess I have to put an element of trust in these people. I'm a control freak, so I'm finding it difficult. I wouldn't want the situation where I sign, think I'm sitting pretty for the next 2 months and then have them taking the job offer away at the last minute.

[Skippy]

I think there is a saying about eggs and baskets.... Anyways if you are so worried make backup plans. Find a good couple of jobs that you want (unless it is PS then you might get in trouble). If you are worried about this be a bit more careful with your documents. I have heard of people not getting a job or job folding and they end up losing their degree or passport or crim check... So if you are are a touch paranoid double check on the paper work and maybe consider getting extras.

[Otherside]

Well what you are saying may be true.

What is also very likely is, recruiters are searching for more than 1 person for the job. Right now, you maybe no.1 but if a better candidate comes along, or when they decide they need a teacher NOW, and someone is quicker with the documents...you job is gone.

Just like you may change your mind and shouldn't put all your eggs in 1 basket, neither should they

[sugarkane59]

Thanks Otherside, I thought that might be the case.

[dragon777]

Korean hagwon owners do not know what they want. Even after you satisfy what they want on paper, they will be dis-satified with you whether you are 22, 25 or 45 years of age.

[Chambertin]

Always have a backup plan.
Things can always change, and sometimes change fast.

Right now I am debating between two jobs that have been approved and are ready for a visa. I would recommend you do this also so that you can make your final decision based upon how you think you would fit in at the two different schools. When the time comes just give one your 30 day notice, there will be other people out there ready to take the one you dont. Lots of people.

I'm having trouble deciding between a decent private in a larger town vs. a rural Public school. They both pay the same but have different benefits and different demands. I never thought I would have to decide between two good offers, so its kinda tough but very worth it.

[dragon777]

Chambertin, I envy you on your futurel job change. But do not expect any radical attitude change towards your job change in a new area. However, good luck and all the best.

[sugarkane59]

It's hard not to put your eggs in one basket once you've sent your documents to one recruiter though. It cost me about �150 to sort all the docs out and I don't really have the money to do it again to' spread my eggs about'.

It is a gamble all of this business - just got to cross my fingers it'll all work out. I was pleased to read 'what's it like working at a hagwon' - very positive, lovely remarks.

p.s. how long does it take between signing a contract and emailing it to getting the visa issuance number from the recruiter/hagwon?

[Chambertin]

It�s very tough, but I made sure to get extra copies at every stage.
I also live in Michigan where extra copies are next to nothing after the initial fee.

From the top:
Fingerprinting card � Walk in, 20$ for initial, 5$ per extra I got 3. Wasted 10$ as you only need one in my State.

CBC � 30$ flat fee with no extra charge for copies. I asked for 4. + 10$ shipping. I got lucky with free return service. It took 2 days.

Diploma Copies � 2$ for 4 high quality color copies, then free notary at local township office. (township residents only)

Apostille � In my home State they have walk in service, about 1 hour away. 1$ per copy + gas = about 40$

Shipping � I shipped to three different recruiters at 41$ a piece. This is the part that was tough, but I decided what the heck. I also have one spare set.

Passport Photo � This one I was creative on. I went to a local 1 hour photo place with a memory card. I printed off 4 wallet photos at different levels of zoom, checked them against the state department standards for a photo then ran 10 copies of the best one and cut them myself. Totaled about 10$ only a little more than the fast service for a set of two.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/guide/composition/composition_874.html

Letters, resume, and other doc�s are considered free as I print at home or they had no cost.

Totals out at about 200$
It wasn�t fun to drop half my monthly budget on finding a job. I think it was worth it though. One of the three recruiters was slow as hell. The second only wanted to place me in private elementary / kindergartens until they found out there were two others with documents in hand who I was working with.

Still like everything it�s up to you. I can still get bushwhacked because it can all change once I drop in country. The way I see it I still have one person out there with fresh doc�s in hand who can drop me into a new job if the one I take is junk. (I dropped the second offer and recruiter)
I get my Visa this Friday and hope for the best.

Good luck with everything and I hope this helps you, maybe not now, but next time.

(EDIT):
It�s best to make some copies even if the original authority doesn�t.
I learned the hard way when I gout out of the Marines that you need lots of copies of your DD214. So even if you just get a few copies notarized its well worth it longer down the road.

The UK is cumbersome isnt it: �28 per Apostille is bullocks. There has to be some kind of local contact for the FCO out there.
http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-the-fco/what-we-do/docs-and-legal-services/legalisation/

(#2) When you get some results give a shout. Will be interesting to find out what happend and if you are close by.