Korean Job Discussion Forums

WormBones · Joined: 19 Jan 2010

I've been offered a position that I feel has a very decent contract.

(If you're curious, it's posted here:)
http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=59265&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=2435

There's on teeny weeny hang up. The contract allows the working hours to be changed from 9 - 4:30 to 9 - 6:00 with one month notice from the school. Weird I know, but moving on...

At 2.2 million the pay isn't bad and amounts to 14,667/hr or $12.69/hr USD

Tacking on 1.5 hours/day for the same 2.2 is 12,222/hr or $10.57/hr USD

Anyone have any input? I'm thinking of trying to negotiate a pay raise to 2.5 mil in the case that my hours do get extended (which they undoubtedly will). I almost wish I didn't like the rest of the contract so much.

What do you think?

Thanks,
WB

Senior · Joined: 31 Jan 2010

You can bet your ass the hours will increase. Especially if it isn't costing your school anything. It would be best to ask for some cash for those extra hours. It really depends on what you will be doing during that time. If you will be teaching, obviously, you should ask for more than if it is just office hours. You might as well read the contract as 9-6:00. They will definitely raise the hours on you.

Kurtz · Joined: 05 Jan 2007 Location: ples bilong me

Best not look at it in terms of $$ per hour, there are factors like low tax, free housing that changes that rate you worked out.

Estimate your income minus costs and if you're happy with that amount of savings with hours worked, then that should be good enough.

WormBones · Joined: 19 Jan 2010

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

9 to 6 is a bit of a long day but if you're only doing 24 classes per week (monday to friday) and you can get that stated specifically in the contract, then accept the offer. You'll be desk warming quite a bit, but you can use that time to prepare classes, check your email, watch a movie or tv show, etc. Then when you get off work you'll still have enough free time to do whatever you like to do in the evenings.

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

But don't accept 17,000 Won/hour overtime. It should be at least 20,000/hour.

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

I just read through the rest of the contract on the other thread.

DON'T take that job unless they remove all those security deposits. There is not legitimate reason for an employer to deduct ANYTHING from your salary except taxes and such. No housing deposit. No utilities deposit. No recruiter/airfare deposit. That's a big red flag that says that you are likely to never see that money. It also suggests that they had a NET before who did a runner. If so, why did the last guy run?

Approach this one with caution!