Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kimc0486]

Hi,

I was told by my recruiter that the Chungnam dept. of education decided that all elementary school teachers were going to be paid at 2.1 instead of 2.3 with rural allowances taken away. I said fine (though not sure I am going to accept contract) and when I received contract in the mail it said that I was a Level 3. I should be a Level 2, (I have a master's, not in english). E-mailed my recruiter and he said he "told me" about that. But previously didn't mention ANYTHING about level changes, just that the positions would be paid less...is this fishy? Has anyone heard of this? I can sort of get lowering salaries...but calling everyone a Level 1?? That doesn't make any sense to me...thoughts???

[jrwhite82]

The "Level" refers to your pay scale. Whatever level you are affects nothing but your salary. You get the same benefits and vacation as everyone else regarldess of level.

The one thing I am concerned about (besides being paid less than a year ago ) is if they will give you a raise based on your level next year if you re-sign. So now instead of getting to level 1 you will only be level 2 next year. Or even worse...they never give you a raise.

[kimc0486]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. I didn't think about re-signing for next year and the potential consequences. What do you mean by, besides for being paid less than a year ago. Are you referring to what you made, a year ago? Did you teach in Chungnam? If so, is there anything you can tell me about it? Not sure what I should do...suggestions?

[jrwhite82]

I didn't teach there. But it doesn't sound good if they are slashing everyone's pay. If you have a Masters you should look somewhere that might pay you a little more for it. Although the difference really isn't a lot - 100,000 or 200,000 a month. What is your Masters in?

[kimc0486]

It is in Sustainable Development.

[oldfatfarang]

Hi OP. First rule of selling your labor: don't sell yourself short, and never let anyone denegrate your qualifications to make your work for less.

You have a masters degree. You studied hard for this, and you probably paid for it yourself (lost income, hours/years of study, tuition fees etc). This degree is worth something. Don't let a Korean employer devalue it. Look for another area POE where you will be paid for it.

This smacks of Bait and Switch. A common situation in Korean employment. Korean employers are known to advertise salaries and conditions/benefits, then change them when they have you interested or hooked (documents sent etc), (or worse, after you arrive here).

As international guest workers, we are particularly vulnerable to dishonest Bait and Switch tactics. I know, as my POE refused to pay me a rural allowance (once I'd arrived and taught in a rural school for one month).

In the end, how much is your Masters worth? Up to you.

Good luck.

[southernman]

You won't sign anything until you're dealing with a POE representative or the like. Bring a copy of your Masters, show the copy and sign for your correct level of 2.

Don't really trust recruiters too much, you're just a comodity to them. Hang tough for the correct level or go elsewhere. If you're going to get screwed out of money over a contract expect to have a year full of getting screwed over all sorts of things.

I'm with EPIK, I signed the actual contract with my POE rep. She went over the pay scale and extras with me on the contract, I agreed with her, then signed the contract. That's how it should be with you as well.