Korean Job Discussion Forums

NohopeSeriously · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2014 3:03 pm Post subject:

(I haven't posted here for months. Here goes.)

I quit my hagweon 2 and a half month ago. I still live in Korea. Now I work for a Christian organization somewhere in the western part of Seoul. And I stayed in Johannesburg, South Africa for 2 weeks for a business trip. My first business trip was a royal pain in the butt. Confused

World Traveler · Joined: 29 May 2009

Metsuna · Joined: 03 Feb 2014 Location: Canada

Hello all,

I've recently arrived in Korea for my first hagwon job and it's generally been a positive time and I enjoy the experience here so far. However, I know this won't be a permanent thing I want to be doing.

I feel like I should do something on the side this year in addition to teaching to increase my chances of being hired back in Canada. Maybe start learning programming or something else related to IT.

It does seem that Korea is very saturated with english teachers right now (even I feel like I'm lucky to even land a job right now after a month of applying) and I feel like even if I get an additional masters, working towards a university gig might be very difficult. Just wondering what other people will recommend or may be doing.

On an additional note, I am 23 but am not caucasian.

nate1983 · Joined: 30 Mar 2008

Yaya · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

Metsuna · Joined: 03 Feb 2014 Location: Canada

gmlkoreanna · Joined: 23 Oct 2006

I agree, Korea's ESL industry has been over saturated for the last 8-9 years. I would guess, it's not going to get any better? The 60 thousand won per hour, is rarely to be seen anymore, if at all! Believe it or not, they were in abundance once upon a time. 45.000 was the norm for a while. but that was like back in 2007-08. Seems like some of these recruiters in Korea, look at Kijiji Toronto, to compare the going rates for a tutor. LOL! Which is right at about 30.00 CAD per hour.

IMO, I think Korea and other Asian countries are fine to get on with for a few years, but as you approach your "golden years mid 30's" there are many issues you may have to consider such as: Retirement, medical insurance, housing, and if you have children, their education as well.

Korea, does like "young faces" so there is always gonna be competition with regards to age vs. knowledge and experience. Furthermore, The schools and hakwons do prefer to hire newbies, a more experienced person would be expected to be paid more as they know "their way around" in the system. This is what kind of what happened in Hong Kong. Now that most Hong Kongers, speak English, they have become the English teachers in the schools to include the international schools, in Hong Kong. It saves money. Housing is not cheap. I would suppose now that the Jonse system has pretty much vanished, the Koreans will be looking to hire home grown English teachers in their near future as well? It's true, nothing good can last forever!

If you do plan on transitioning back to your home, I would say, keep your eye on the job and housing markets. (at least plan and save for a year before heading back). Keep in mind some things you will need to save up for before returning.
You will need funds for 1st and last months rent.
You will also need to get property insurance.
car if you do not have one already.
car insurance.
everyday expenses, Tim Hortons Smile

To be safe, at least 6 months worth of expenses (if you return without a job).
Even buying small things like cooking oil and dish soap add up and could become an unexpected expense if you do not plan well. Know what to expect in charges for mobile, internet, cable, land line.

If it applies before moving back you will need
moving company costs.
airline tickets home.
If you are shipping any household goods, it would be suggested to send lot's of Korean foods along with your shipment. The Korean markets are pricey here.

If you have been away for years, and you are from Ontario, hopefully, you haven't let your drivers license expire. You could really take a hit when it comes to getting car insurance again. I would also suggest it be a good idea, if you are married to a Korean, to research some places where your spouse can connect with other Koreans. Visit your Ontario Services to find out about ESL courses and some classes on adjusting to the Canadian life.

Also, allow yourself some time to adjust. Have an open mind and be aware that you too, will go through reverse culture shock. There will be days you are frustrated. It's going to be ok! Allow yourself these moments and you will adjust and start to enjoy life very quickly. You will have to re-learn to love what you used to like: biking, hiking, long drives, picnics, a trip to Niagara or Montreal, hockey games! If you are bringing your family, it's gonna be more awesome, cause you can all discover and or re-discover these things together.

I would suggest, do not waste time, posting your cv on websites such as indeed, monster and a few other ones that show up on your search engines. Your cv is just going into a black hole! Get in touch with some hiring agencies, or the company directly that you have your interests in. and Don't forget,it's a great advantage when it comes to who you know vs. what you know. So network is good to. Good luck!

Who's Your Daddy? · Joined: 30 May 2010 Location: Victoria, Canada.

gmlkoreanna · Joined: 23 Oct 2006

Our insurance through RBC, only requested to see that our drivers license never expired from original date of issue. But that's a good point, couldn't hurt to make sure you get yourself on a family members active policy. Insurance companies in Ontario, only recognize auto insurance from anywhere in Canada or the USA. My 15 years of auto insurance from Korea, did not count. However, if you are from B.C. they will take your insurance history from Korea. Cheers!

Mr. Pink · Joined: 21 Oct 2003 Location: China

Weigookin74 · Joined: 26 Oct 2009

I assume the first year insurance would be pricey, but after that, it would drop? But if RBC offers insurance, which I've banked with for years, that might be an option, then.

gmlkoreanna · Joined: 23 Oct 2006

Yes, I would say that the first year is outrageously expensive for car insurance. keep in mind, Ontario's insurance is privatized, like the 407 LOL! So there are lot's of brokers here. Try to avoid them at all costs! I've banked with RBC for years too, so it may get you a better deal on a packaged insurance. Keep in mind if you get your property insurance, car insurance, and life insurance to include your banking, all "packaged" you are looking at better rates all the way around. Also, beware that if you live in areas such as Brampton, Scarborough and some parts of Mississauga, the rates are ridiculously high, due to insurance fraud. The rent is not that much cheaper in those areas once you add on your insurance and property insurance costs. I have a clean driving record here in Canada and as well in Korea, over 20 years driving experience and I was quoted some astronomical fees, because while living in Korea, the car insurance I had there, did count here (the insurance company will only look at your last 5 years. So as another posted suggested: It may be a good idea to have your name stay on a family members policy. I then I was able to get a better rate once I provided my driving abstract and proof that my license had never went expired. Still yet, some places were giving me prices that were well above 3,000 per year. So shop around.

If I may give some tips, on my experience and journey back.. Here they are.. If you have your heart set on a "brand new" car, there are many places you can get a used "2013" or "2014" with low Km and in mint condition. I suggest this route, because when the insurance companies ask you, did you buy it new or used, and when you tell them it's a brand new car, you will take a higher hit in regards to your insurance rates, and they do ask for the VIN number for verification. Plus as you all know, when buying a brand new car, it depreciates big time, once you drive it off the lot. If you consider buying a used/newer car, someone else has already paid that depreciation. Therefore, I was happy to get a a rate of 140.00 per month through RBC.

If you can come back with a job offer, that is a big plus as a lot of these apartment properties and or condo's townhouses are going to ask for a letter or employment. If you are returning without having a job lined up yet, and are not keen on staying with family or friends, I would suggest (this is for single and married persons) if possible: coming alone, renting a room or a bachelors something that is not going to eat up a lot of your money, because you still have to pay out living costs such as eating, laundry, transportation and any other expenses. So if your spouse can come later once you get set up, it may be better financially. Even better if your spouse is still working while waiting to get over here. At least, you can get some stress off your shoulders knowing that there is one pay check coming in.

It's also a huge plus to know what field you want to go back to once you get here, so you can stay focused on that and tailor your cv for that specific field. It's competitive and the employers are really "finicky" in regards to the "right cv".
***This is very important for those who are bringing a spouse who is not from Canada*** If your spouse is foreign and new to Canada, I would suggest checking out some of the local colleges like Humber, George Brown, Seneca. Many of these colleges, offer a 2nd career program to foreign landed immigrants. Remember to have his or her transcripts assessed before leaving Korea, otherwise Ontario is going to charge you 240.00 CAD to do so.
You may or may not remember that Canada is BIG on "Canadian experience", (you can google Canadian experience if you are not familiar with this ever so demanding ridiculous requirement). This may be a good way to help your spouse transition into the Canada's society. It will save you and your spouse lot's of frustration, plus help your spouse to feel more positive with the whole transition.

Most companies here, want to see a red seal! Doesn't matter if you have a PHD somewhere else! They don't quite care how much experience you have working for so and so in whatever country! They want to see a red seal! Otherwise, alot of places are going to suggest volunteer work to get that Canadian Experience. I don't mind the idea of volunteering for a few hours a week, but when they are asking you to go out and volunteer, they mean so like for 6-9 months, full 6-8 hour days, working for free! And it's not like when you volunteer in Korea. At least, in Korea, they are kind enough to give you lunch and some light snacks along with subway fare. Here, volunteering means working for free full 6-8 hour days under supervision you must pay for or bring your own lunch, pay for parking and or pay to use the go train or the bus.

You will find that the 2nd career programs offered, do offer financial assistance. Plus, it can help your spouse from feeling helpless and help with culture shock and missing home. It's already going to be a big shock being in this "wide open space" and if you are out at the job all day, and your spouse doesn't feel she has anything to do or there is nothing for him or her here, it could be stressful, for the both of you! In a positive light, it will be a good way for your spouse to learn new things and become independent and learning to manage things while you can't be there due to your own work schedule. It would be nice if people "wouldn't mind sharing" their thoughts or experiences on transitioning back it could help others and their families to have a smooth and happy transition back home.

Korea, was a great experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. But the gravy train is almost dried up there. Anything outside of teaching English is "next to impossible it seemed". It's almost like you've got to make your quick buck, then kiss it goodbye LOL. Yes, open a coffee shop, or another business, sooner rather than later, another bloke will open one up 3 meters away from yours. Then another and another until they start dying off one by one. You lose your investment. Interior costs selling equipment off under value and whatever else. Seen it happen alot. Plus things like retirement, your 401K, medical.. It all becomes a factor as you start thinking about your golden years. It's unavoidable. But if Korea, works for you, and you are destined to be there. Then more power to you and all the best! Cheers to all! Would like to hear some more suggestions/experiences on a positive transition Smile

Yaya · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

More than a few people would like to stay in Korea, but the conditions won't allow them to. Age discrimination is a problem in Korea, and well, the cost of living continues to climb while wages stay down (at least in ESL). The ESL market is also going upscale, as in you need qualifications and experience to teach, so the untrained teacher will find it tough in the coming years to get good work (though crappy hakwons will never go away, but I digress). Unless you have your own biz or win the lottery, staying in Korea past age 50 would be an invitation to disaster. Remember, it's better to make things happen than have things happen to you.

So ironic that Korea wants to be a global hub of so many things, and yet it makes things difficult for expats.