Korean Job Discussion Forums

noright85 · Joined: 04 Jul 2009

I have a problem.

I have enough teaching experience in Canada that I know I can land a job in Korea. The problem I'm facing is that I could teach in Seoul at a private facility and enjoy the social scene and all that it has to offer but I'm guessing my salary would be in the 2.3--2.5 million won range. I enjoy meeting people, hanging out and looking at new experiences on my time off.

Recently, my recruiter posed to me a position at a Language Institute where I would be making close to 2.8-3.0 million won/month. However, the town is small and from what I hear there isn't much to do. I'd have 35 paid vacation days, I'd work about 45 hours a week and I would have small class sizes (I think)

Both provide housing, airfare and all that good stuff.

What would you do?

Perceptioncheck · Joined: 13 Oct 2008

I would take the job in Seoul over the small town job.
Why? Because my happiness is worth way more than 500,000 won. Some people have different priorities. I guess you've got to decide on yours.

AgentM · Joined: 07 Jun 2009 Location: British Columbia, Canada

Tux

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

45 hours per week is awful.

Go for a job with lower hours and average pay. That leaves you open to make more money on your own time, or in OT. That's where the better money is made.

E_athlete · Joined: 09 Jun 2009 Location: Korea sparkling

it really depends how many of the 45 hours you teach.

I seriously doubt the OP is teaching 45 classes a week. That would be hell and 2.8 to 3m would not be worth it. I'll say this though..if you take the sticks you'll be satisfied with the money but be very lonely.

SweetTea · Joined: 14 Jul 2009

OMFG 2.3 million won? that's 0.2 million won more than I'm getting. sweet deal. Take the job in Seoul if you like the social scene! But it's polluted and crowded and people are rude and all the other bad stuff about cities... Are you teaching adults or children?

Conrad B Hart · Joined: 27 Jul 2009

It depends on whether going out and getting pissed regularly is what you consider as being a 'new experience', as I'm sure you could do that regularly in Seoul. But 35 days paid vacation does sound good, you could do some decent travelling in that time and possibly gain better quality 'new experiences'? Only you can truly answer that.

laoshihao · Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 7:59 am Post subject: Priorities

What are your priorities? If it's saving money then the job in the sticks will be better. Less to do so less to spend money on. If you want a social life go to a bigger city to enjoy what it has to offer. If the sticks job isn't too far away you could always take a bus or train into Seoul on the weekends and live in the sticks during the week. Facebook and Skype are excellent and free ways to keep up with friends in other places.

jiberish · Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Location: The Carribean Bay Wrestler

45 hours a week! Prepare to slash your wrists.

I teach 20 hours a week for 2.7 no housing and thats already enough for me.

Working in the country is pretty sad for going out and actually doing stuff. Then again not every where in Seoul is good too. Seoul is a massive sprawled out city. Do some research and get a job in a nice area. Just because it's in Seoul doesn't mean it will be good. Plenty of crap areas in Seoul. If you like nice parks, scenery and a generally cleaner area, go Jamsil. If you want to drink and go to bars maybe Hapjeong.

Unless you choose an area you know. It's kind of like rolling the dice and see what you get. Sometimes you can get a country area which is not that bad but had frequent express busses that only take maybe 20-30 minutes to a good place in the city.

winterfall · Joined: 21 May 2009

Private schools are more highly respected in Korean society than public service. In terms of social prestige. It's the money that matters not ideology. Sadly...

Tux · Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 10:53 pm Post subject:

winterfall · Joined: 21 May 2009

Tux · Posted: Thu Aug 13, 2009 2:50 am Post subject:

amanley206253 · Joined: 09 Aug 2009

It's just a matter of deciding what kind of Korean experience you'll want. And if teaching will wholly be the direction of your personal goals for a career, think of the advantages of a smaller school, in a smaller city, might have over a metropolitan environment, or the latter to the former. The money is definitely a perk, because 500,000 is significant if you're teaching and saving, or paying off debt.

Even more, Korea's transit system keeps everything in relative touch, and getting away on a weekend from a smaller town, to somewhere more lively, will always be an option to consider. Wink