Korean Job Discussion Forums

pnaplsoda · Joined: 13 Apr 2011

Hey everyone,

I am in desperate need of some advice.

I have worked in a hagwon in Busan with another foreign teacher since the beginning of the year, when it opened. Enrollment has been low and now, in mid-May, the owner (the school is a franchise) wants to cut our pay by 200,000 a month until we can get enrollment up to a point where he's happy with it. He promises that if this happens he will reimburse us, but we're quite sure it won't (he wants the student body doubled, which is unreasonable). We don't know what will happen if we take the pay cut and enrollment doesn't go up, nor do we know what will happen if we say no to the pay cut. We're pretty sure he doesn't want to close the school but would instead prefer to sell it. My priority is finishing out the contract, as I would really like to collect my severance and airfare home.

Anyone have any ideas?

Sinnerman · Joined: 19 Feb 2011

If you are so inclined, you could suggest to him that you would take a pay cut for fewer hours per month. I wouldn't take the cut though.

nw25th · Joined: 15 Feb 2009 Location: Daejeon

if there's no students your hours must be super low right? If your hours shrink WAY down I'd gladly take a cut. More time to teach outside of school and make better money. Pick up one private and that 200,000 is covered for the month....

West Coast Tatterdemalion · Joined: 31 Aug 2010

That's why it is called salary. Why would you take a pay cut? That is insane. 200,000 won a month? Shocked

. That chunk of money adds up. I wouldn't do it. Just say no. Oh, and if this person is willing to ask you about a paycut because the business is failing, then who is to say that you'll even get a bonus and plane ticket. Never trust a Korean who "promises" anything when money is involved. Never, never, never.

WadRUG'naDoo · Joined: 15 Jun 2010 Location: Shanghai

Is he broke? Like, no money whatsoever to live and pay everyone? If that's the case, you can "lend" him some money, I guess. Sign some sort of statement saying that he owes you while your contractual salary remains the same. Still... That's pretty messed up.

If this is purely a maximizing profits venture, I wouldn't go for it. How many students have you got?

jrwhite82 · Joined: 22 May 2010

First, he cannot cut your pay. You do not have to accept this. However, he could then turn around and lay you off. But he will have to give you proper notice (30 days). If that's the case, you should be able to transfer your visa easily enough to another school.

Other options - Cut a deal with him. Have him cut your pay. But also, take a nice chunk of hours out of your work day. AND get him to agree to allow you to work part time at another school to make up your lost money. If he is losing money he wants you to take a pay cut. Well, it's only fair that he also understands that then you will also be losing money, and will want to make it up somewhere. When he agrees, hit the jobs boards and pass out your resume up and down hagwon street in your town. Get a part-time gig and go through the proper channels to make sure you stay in compliance with your visa.

meangradin · Joined: 10 Mar 2006

Abacus · Joined: 03 Jul 2009

As long as the hours reflect this paycut then it's alright. But I think it also might be time to look for another job. You might need to take a further paycut if business doesn't pick up. Or one of you might get laid off.

shifty · Joined: 21 Jun 2004

The 400 000 saved won't make a dramatic enough difference to salvage the joint. Whereas 200 000 will take the stuffing out of you, might make you sour and short with everyone.

I wouldn't accept any promises or anything verbal, really. The director kicked off with TWO native teachers in a blaze of misguided optimism, showing lack of acumen.

You're going to have to take the initiative.

One of you must go, and NOW. If you sense a chance the place will hardly be able to sustain even one teacher, then you volunteer to off.
If you think one teacher can be managed then suggest to the other teacher that it be him to walk the plank. Especially if he is the weaker. If he won't budge then play inky pinky ponky.

The director is probably reluctant to go to one teacher since that will be a loss of face; directors like parents to see a hakwon awash with NETS.

walter235 · Joined: 07 Apr 2011 Location: korea

Short and sweet answer from being in and out of Korea since 1995. If he's in that much trouble, your money deducted will NOT save him. And since you are foreigners, you are also overhead he can jettison easier than most things that he has to pay for. If he's in that much trouble, RUN LIKE HELL!

If the hakwan goes bankrupt, it's in the wife's name. No damage to the family. The dust settles, they start over with new fresh meat from overseas with student loans and no jobs prospects--desperately looking for a job in Korea! You are expendable, excess baggage!

You're not family, friends, a boss or a business partner--therefore by Korean standards, you have very little standing or value! Especially since you are a foreigner!

soupsandwich · Joined: 20 May 2011

OP

Sure, being patient and understanding has it's good points. Most fair minded people would show some understanding in the situation. However, showing empathy and allowing yourself to take a financial loss are two different things. Granted, the owner may not have the money and as we all know, you can't get blood out of a stone.

If the sitation is that serious now, what concerns will you have when it is time to be paid your bonus, flight and final salary?

Now...if he wants to lower the work load so that it matches the salary, that may not be a bad idea.

Then again, you can ask for a letter of release and start looking for another job.

Good luck.

soupsandwich

Skippy · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Daejeon

Well it is up to you. You have to be the one to negotiate and or agree to what happens. Just be very aware that it will likely be promises. Promises are not worth it - many a Korean boss have made them and very few have kept them. Okay you agree for a pay cut. Months laters - things pick up and that promise of back to normal pay will be quickly be forgotten with insistences of "I did not agree to that" or "Ohh I thought you agreed this was permanent for the rest of the contract". The more you push the more likely you will get fired and then be messed around again. Heck even if you have it on paper it can still screw up.

Still that does not mean no negotiation is possible just get a deal that suits you. Less hours, less responsibilities, or whatever he/she can do to sweeten the pot. Get specifics! - what constitutes better or how long will pay be cut for a month, two. Being vague and being nice can be used against you.

I would take the deal (if I liked the school/job) but with a big Caveat. You want a signed and agreed upon Letter of Release and that in your hands. Now start getting your paperwork ready, touch up the old resume and put out some feelers. If things get better no worries but if things go *beep* up you are ready and able to go to a new job right away - today - you might lose some pension or a plane ticket but no hair or sleep or money due to a last minute plane ticket. Taking the pay cut can give you that time to prepare for the fallout.

STILL if no negotiation is possible and he/she say this is happening no ifs ands or buts just nod your head and prepare like above but quicker because in the end you will be messed with and at the last month fired.

It sounds like you have been working at the school for about 4 months. That is a little close but not too suspicious. If he had broached this on month one or two I would be very suspicious.

Good Luck