Korean Job Discussion Forums

soomin · Joined: 18 Jun 2009 Location: Daegu

I'm in my third hagwon and while there isn't anything horrible going on, it's not really fulfilling and I've been made into a party teacher who has to make food and crafts every class and teach mainly in Korean... Again, I've had way worse, but I was wondering... what do you all consider things to look for in a fulfilling and (in your opinion) perfect hagwon?

For me, I am looking for:

intermediate-high level English (currently no)
textbooks/ curriculum (currently no)
competent authority (currently no)
good pay (currently so-so)
health insurance (currently no)
pension (currently maybe? never got it at my other hagwons)
good housing (currently yes)

NYC_Gal 2.0 · Joined: 10 Dec 2010

fezmond · Joined: 27 Oct 2008

decent textbooks.
i'm happy to take on suggestions but don't want a boss interfering if they don't know what they're talking about.
high pay would be nice
being told about things in advance

SeoulNate · Joined: 04 Jun 2010 Location: Hyehwa

Im really happy with my current one. Your initial list was pretty good, I can put checks next to all of those for myself, the only thing I would add would be:

Use of a computer lab on a daily or weekly basis.

I despise teaching TOESL/TEFL/NEAT programs without having access to computers for the higher level students.

There is only so much a teacher can do to prepare students for an iBT when they dont have access to computers to use as a teaching and learning tool in the classroom.

BigBuds · Joined: 15 Sep 2005 Location: Changwon

Owning it yourself.

dgove · Joined: 23 Mar 2010

Just out of curiosity, and in no way trying to be a douche, but why would you pay pension if it's not matched? That kind of defies the purpose of it.

Times30 · Joined: 27 Mar 2010

I feel like a really good Hagwon would basically look out the interests of EVERYBODY. Teachers, students, staff, and even parents.

The problem with most hagwons is that they overlook SOMEONE. Some hagwons abuse the hell out of their teachers and staff. Long hours, low benefits, etc.

Some Hagwons cater to parents and what parents think "education" is, but overlook the real meaningful curriculum that kids need.

And then there are some that cater completely to the kids, giving them candy and crafts while omitting discipline and real education.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 8:50 am Post subject:

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

Yep, can't win fer losin' I tell ya.

Unless you kept it small enough to only require yourself and your spouse.

Those are the ones that can do really good things.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 1:48 pm Post subject:

NYC_Gal 2.0 · Joined: 10 Dec 2010

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

Get the spouse to deal with parents and take the time when you need it.

Why wouldn't you be able to?

Some of the happiest teachers I met in Korea did this or taught private lessons legally (of course).

Some of the most miserable worked at regular hagwons and or public schools.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 4:31 am Post subject:

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

Well, that all depends on where you are, what kind of hagwon or tutoring service you want to create.

Just because your spouse deals with parents doesn't mean you can't

meet parents or take part of the burden I suppose.

The people I met running their own show only worked 4 days a week, and were making more money than when they worked for someone else.

They had 3 day weekends every week and didn't need to take time off so much.

They ran a very small hagwon out of their apartment and had very little in the way of expenses. When they wanted vacation time, they simply advised students/parents in advance and took time whenever they wanted.

I suppose if they wanted to try and build a big school from scratch, things would have been different. But I also think that is a trap that far too
many would be hagwon owners/managers fall into.

They try to get too big, too fast rather than focusing on quality.

As for parents complaining, tell them right from the get go that you will not run your school according to their every whim. If they don't like it they can take their kids to XYZ hagwon down the street. I don't understand why people let parents push them around.

Be firm (but fair) and they will respect you. Be a dishrag and they will treat you like one.

PatrickGHBusan · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 9:13 am Post subject:

These are all good points!

However, the reality is that you cannot control everything like that, especially in a business depending on direct clients like a Hakwon.

The example of parents is a good one. You may well tell them whatever you want initially. This will not stop some of them from complaining. Some of these complaints will be unfounded but you, as a business owner, will have to respond and you cannot limit yourself to: I told you I would not run my school based on your whims.

Why?

You need to be more diplomatic because one disgruntled parent can talk to other parents and tarnish your school's reputation. This can lead to all sorts of headaches for your business. If they do take their kid to XYZ hakwon down the street it hurts your school and your wallet....and your school is your life income. It is not so simple.

It can be great being your own boss, I sure enjoy that part of my professional life, but it is no a guarantee of happiness either! It comes with a lot of pressure and stress.

The people I know who run their businesses, either consulting agencies like mine or in some cases Hakwons, work more than 4 days a week. The few that work fewer days have hired people or have been in business for a few years.