Korean Job Discussion Forums

[blindsheep]

I have a job offer on the table that's in Jeonju from 1-7:30 M-F, with 7x40 minute classes. Just wondering what people think of this? Will I be able to handle it ok, will I be too stressed out? Also in the contact it mentions the following:

9.2 In the event that the employee is dismissed, or in the event that the employee voluntarily resigns prior to the termination of the term or this agreement, employer will pay salary due up to the date of termination. Employer will not pay the cost of return transportation to point of departure for employee, nor will employer pay any severance payment. Further, employer will be entitled to withhold an amount less than or equivalent to, but not exceeding, the cost of relocation allowance given on arrival in Korea and the cost of air fare provided for travel to Korea.


It seems like most contracts state you don't have to pay back the return airfare after six months... Should I be getting this written in to it?


Finally... there doesn't seem to be any provision for sick days... only emergency deaths? Other contracts I've seen seem to all give 3 sick days... Is this something else I should attempt to have written in, or am I just misinterpreting the contract:

6.1 Employee will be entitled to observe public holidays and receive 10 vacation days during the contract term according to the yearly schedule provided by employer before the commencement of the year to which the schedule refers. September 8t, 2003 is to be included in the abovementioned vacation days

6.2 Absence from Duties: Salary is not maintained when employee is absent from teaching duties.


6.3Emergency Leave: Employee will be eligible to receive up to six (6) days of paid emergency leave in the event of death or serious illness in employee's immediate family, only when all necessary documents are provided. Such emergency leave will be granted at the sole discretion of employer.



Any opinions or advice on this would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks.

[blindsheep]

I should include its teaching 6-13 year olds, there aren't any kindergarden classes after 3pm.

[Mr. Literal]

What's the pay?

[blindsheep]

1.9 million won a month

[ryleeys]

That's on the rough side of things

[osangrl]

ya yuck.

[justagirl]

A couple of things I'd think about:

1. Is the vacation paid? The contract seems to say if you are absent you will not be paid. It is normal that vacation IS paid.

2. Will you get to choose your vacation days? Can you have 5 consecutive days off? Find out in advance, or you might end up having to take one here, one there, and no chance for a real break.

3. You should have sick days in your contract.

4. The dismissal clause is disturbing. He can fire you without notice, make you pay back airfare and relocation costs. This is not cool. Most contracts state a 30-day notice and have that last month paid the same as others (not at a reduced amount). I would make sure (if you're taking the job) to have this whole clause state, "Within the first 6 months, and with 30 days' notice." Afterwards, I'd put in, "After the first 6 months, the employee and employer shall still give 30-days' notice, but the employee shall not be required to pay back his plane ticket. However, the employer will not be required to pay the return flight home or the severance."

That's about all I can think of right now. Good luck!

justagirl

[shawner88]

Man 7 classes a day is going to make your eyes pop out and your head start to wobble. That's way too much. I teach 3-5/day at a hagwon for the same pay/no taxes.

[Son Deureo!]

Block shift ending at 7:30? As long as it doesn't require unpaid prep time before or afterwards every day, and you can get sick days, I'd say that's a decent first-year contract.

Osangrl and Shawner have unusually sweet deals, I think you'd be crazy to think that's the norm.

[shawner88]

But even the schools I considered hell I taught only 6/day. That's even too much. But yeah, I learned the ropes and what to look for and how to negotiate since then. You'll be surprised how much a school will deal for you to sign on. I just keep saying no, until finally they accept what I ask for, i.e no more than 25 hours/week, pay 2xs a month, etc.

[blindsheep]

Gotta love the curve balls... There was some confusion and the director says is actually 8x40 each day... From the sounds of things this is simply too much for maintanance of sanity.

[TheUrbanMyth]

[IconsFanatic]

8 classes a day?

Hahahah!

Half of that is about right, five should be the max.

[eamo]

[camel96]