Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SeoulMan99]

Sorry guys I'm sure this has been covered, but the search function wasn't working for me. I have a friend, who has at least 12 years of ESL experience, a few of which were in Korea, and he is wanting to come back and teach in Seoul. The issue is that he is in his upper 40s, and I am wondering if he will have a difficult time finding a hagwon job? We were talking and I said that I think it might, but I thought I would come on here to see what any of you think.

[Jandar]

They discriminate.

I am 54 but was told I no longer qualify for public schools in Kyeongnam Province because of age.

I did teach in Kyeongnam Province in 2007 and 2008 with no problem so I don't think they start getting picky until 54.

[SeoulMan99]

[Krokodil]

I got my first teaching job last year at the age of 48. Three months into it I had a brain hemorrhage and had to leave. My guess is, they won't be hiring middle aged guys again at that hagwon for a while. (Silver lining: My medical treatment was better and cheaper in Korea than it would've been stateside.)

[eljuero]

[Big Mac]

I think public schools are more likely to hire older teachers than hogwans. Hogwans need to sell an image of a young, energetic teacher (that's what Korean moms like) but public schools don't. I know far more older public school teachers than hogwan teachers.

Some school districts have an age limit of 55. That being said, I also know teachers who are over 60 teaching at public schools in my area.

I think it will be difficult to find work in Seoul though because they are more picky and can afford to be that way. Rural schools can't.

[tomato]

I am now finishing an EPIK job.
I'm getting bumped off for no discernible reason.
I got signed up for this job at the end of February last year.
I probably got the job because they were unable to find a 27-year-old blonde.

Maybe the best job-hunting time for us will be the end of February when it will be known which positions are not filled by 27-year-old blondes.

The secret is to go out cold calling rather than try to do it by computer.
Whereas the agents will erase your application the minute they see your birthdate, an employer in real life will see that you are not leaning on a walking cane.

I have met a few employers tell me they are interested.
One employer was in 남해, which is on an island off the south coast of 경남.
He said he already hired a young woman, but is waiting to see if she shows up.
Jobs in 서울 are more popular, pay better, and employers in 서울 are out to get young women.
I'm hoping and praying she gets a job in 서울.

[some waygug-in]

I think Tomato has the right idea. If you wait till February, then the schools that still don't have a teacher will be getting worried. If you have your documents and things ready, you should be able to find something.

[Sadebugo1]

[Lunar Groove Gardener]

Determine the conditions that you require to teach for a year(when, where, how much, what age etc.).

Update and hone your C.V. and cover letter for the type of position that suits you best (have a good photo on the corner of the page).

Gather teaching related letters of reference with contact info.

Write a one-page description of your teaching philosophy and classroom method.
Prepare all of these documents to send as attachments (not a zip file) along with scanned copies of any diplomas, certificates and awards.
Complete a criminal record check with apostille.

Apply for specific jobs as well as with a few recruiters on this and other sites..
Job offers will arise; hold out for the right one.

You may negotiate or turn down any number of positions.
Opportunities may increase outside of the major cities.

There is hiring going on every day of the year in Korea.

[Ray del Mundo]

There are folks in their 40s, 50s, and 60s working in Korea. It's a matter of finding the recruiters/schools whose criteria extend beyond "young and blond." I would start by contacting a bunch of recruiters. Those that don't respond won't take the time to work with you; those that do, will. Same with applying to schools.

There is an "over 40 club" that meets monthly for lunch; here is their contact info: www.korea4expats.com/article-special-shared-interest-groups.html. I meet a number of over-40's with the International Hiking Club.

All over the world, the most valuable part of any business is top-notch employees who bring passion, innovation, and integrity to their work. Be one of those rare employees and your hagwon owner or principal--who's had his share of midnight runners, drunks, and losers--will never let you go.

I'm 52, and got hagwon jobs in Busan and Seoul without more than the usual hassle.

[eljuero]

Hey Rey del Mundo,
I really appreciate your post and the link. On some level I thought it had to be more like this than not......
I do not have enough posts yet to pm - if you can spare a back channel email or two w/o too much of an imposition?

[email protected]

Either way - appreciate the perspective.

[MarionG]

I was 61 when I was hired in Korea. I had many offers...

[eljuero]