Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SoylaMBPolymath]

Today the Director of my hagwon informed me that the "economic crisis" has created a dire situation for our Institute. She claims we have lost 10 students in the last month. She mentioned the economy, but then subtly indicated that she would like me to "try harder" to make our students happy. I do my absolute best to make our students happy! I buy them pizza, pastries, and prizes for games ALL of the time. But still, she appeared to be intimating that I was somehow at fault for the exodus of students of late. Her last Foreign Teacher pulled a runner. I have worked very hard to prove that I am committed to making her successful, but it doesn't appear to be enough.

She has recently opened a new branch of her Institute, so while she claims that money is becoming "an issue" (i.e. I can't afford you any more Foreigner), the hagwons remain open. So this isn't an instance where if I don't have a job it will be because the doors are closing, it simply appears that my Director is not willing to dish out to keep me about. Bear in mind that I live in a less than palatial apartment (she moved me into an older, rattier apartment from my one-room to save herself money, but I had decided to try and make the most of it for the duration of my contract), and I am, at times, not given much in the way of guidance as far what's expected of me. Nevertheless, I have tried to be a good teacher and have even developed relationships with some of these students.

All of that being said, what are my options? It sounds like my Director is getting ready to let me go. I asked her, as politely as I could, to please, PLEASE not wait until the last minute in the event that she should decide she is no longer in need of my services. I begged to be kept duly informed. She merely smiled and said, that she preferred not to "burden" her teachers with such things. In the event that she is indeed looking to excise this NET, I'd like to find another job, if possible. Where should I start? Is it even possible?

Also, I will have been in Korea for six months as of next Monday, the 17th...

[ThingsComeAround]

Sounds like you know what is coming around the corner... and you can guess why the other foreigner left.

Why do you buy children pizza and candies to presumably keep them happy? I suppose you spend your own money- no one else chipping in right? Well, your Director sees you as a pushover to be pushed over whenever she feels the need. You are right- if she were losing money she wouldn't open new hagwons, or she is incompetent. At six months look for other work, without telling her anything.

[Juregen]

I haven't made this much money in my 3 years of operation.

I got the same news from other fellow hagwon owners.

[SoylaMBPolymath]

[Swampfox10mm]

I think the Korean parents are getting smart, and starting to go with schools owned by people like Jurgen and T-J. Hopefully, the days are numbered for many a crappy schools?

[Jingo besus]

[hossenfeffer]

I'm in agreement with Jingo besus. There is a lot of research that suggests that students learn more when they are intrinsically motivated. I made the mistake of giving my elementary school kids candy when I started teaching and after a while they expected to be given a piece of candy every time they spoke and they would cop an attitude with me when I wouldn't give them something. I almost never give candy now and I compensate by making my lessons better.

[nikki15]

[koreatimes]

Pizza at the end of the month is one thing, pizza on a Monday (beginning of the week) is another.

It all depends on how you deliver that pizza.

[ThingsComeAround]

I'm all for reward systems, and I do it for my students.

That being said, I didn't come into the system buying pizzas and candies for my students during my first 6 months. That happened after I knew them and they could follow directions to begin with.

What's more, the director is playing head games with you, not me. It was you who came here asking for help weren't you? I told you to start looking for another job- so you can be prepared. Skipped over that tidbit in your reply, I noticed.

Don't be upset that I called you a pushover. I don't know you, nor will we probably ever meet. I've been the nice guy to take on an extra task hoping it would help but it only ended up biting me in the posterior when I needed something. That's how things are here. Toughen up or be ready to work here for free, after you buy your children pizza and candy hoping to get your pay check.

[thegadfly]

[jamasian]

I can see where he is coming from. The way you wrote the story seems like you're a pushover. You even took on a dingier apartment.

But! Because you are saying you're not, I agree that you should start job hunting again. Learn some important Korean words like "fire" or "don't need" if she speaks Korean to others around you.

I wouldn't be happy with an answer like, "I don't want to burden you so I won't tell you if I'm firing you." It's also best to just do this secretly. You may want to see if you can contact that last teacher too. That situation doesn't sound good.

[Modernist]

See what happens when you 'care'? Do they care back? Does it do you any good? No. They will screw you over like nothing, just because. All that effort to love the place, and for naught.

[meangradin]