Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dunkman_nz]

Like many other people these days, I came to Korea several months ago because finding work as a recent grad back home aint easy. Money wise it also trumps most of the entry-level jobs I could expect to land in my home country.

However, looking through these forums every day I'm starting to feel like there are much better jobs available out there. Don't get me wrong, Im satisfied enough with my job, even though the salary is quite low and I have to teach rather dry material. But I would sure like to be making more money.

So my question is - how hard is it to find another job while currently employed? On one hand its probably a plus to prospective employers that you are already in the country and are able to have a face-to-face interview. On the other hand, though, its also a huge hassle to have to get released from your current employer and/or have to do a visa run. Not to mention that not completing a contract could be a big turn-off for future employers.

[isitts]

[Fishead soup]

You haven't given us any indication of your job. Are you working for a public school,hogwan or University.

[minos]

Yeah, there are awesome ESL jobs. I tended to luck out in that department except for one. They make such a huge difference in lifestyle(higher pay, 2-5 working hours a day, laid back environment, etc.)

I could never go back to being a hagwon monkey....ever!

You need your first year of experience(or some higher qualifications like an ed degree, masters, or IVY) AT least. Being Really good looking might overcome that.

No decent company will hire a no experience grad who jumped ship their first year. If you wanna jump between jobs you need some solid references because recruiters will be very suspicious as to why you quit and will grill them.


Also, you have to wait for the hiring season(march and sept.).....that's when they're desperate and willing to steal good teachers from other companies. If your contract ends in Winter, your pretty screwed. The same companies that beg you in March will tell to screw off in December.

Interviews might be hard if your schedule conflicts with work hours. If you can't get a LOR then your screwed. Visa runs cost money and many companies don't want the hassle unless your an excellent candidate.

The "good" jobs these days have plenty of people in country with 2-3+ years experience, master degrees, and Education degrees applying.

So yeah.....stick it out for the year; chances of getting the really good jobs are kinda slim. I would just go Public school if your hagwon sucks. Most of the generic hagwon jobs are all roughly the same. Hagwons don't start getting better until you hit Test prep or upper end elite schools.

[dunkman_nz]

Thanks for the input guys. Just to clarify, yes I am at a hogwon - at a large chain you will all have heard of.
If it comes to it i'll stay the full year. But Im gonna keep an eye out and if I get the chance to jump ship I will probably take it. I wouldnt feel bad about leaving this job, as they could have me replaced within a day lol.

[cyui]

You could do worse. :shock: