Korean Job Discussion Forums

Derrek · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

It looks like i'm a final candidate for a job in a nice area of Seoul.

Pros:
Pay is between 3.0 and 3.2/month. Housing is provided in a decent area of Seoul (near Coex). Full health. Paid 2 weeks vacation in Asia (they also cover the flight for me) or paid ticket home to see family if I'd rather do that. It's not a Hagwon -- I'd be working in a professional environment with speech doctors. I'd be one-on-one with students of varying ages. Sounds like the older students are going to be upper-class rich folk and business people. Also possibly some celebrity people (interesting).

Cons:
40 hours of working (I only list that as a negative because my current job is about 26 per week). Working most Korean national holidays (except some of the most major ones). Hours are primarily 2pm to 9pm, but will likely have some earlier stuff here and there (split) from what i'm guessing. Working days are different: Wed-Sunday. The business is also only about 5 weeks old, but sounds like it's really taking off due to their special nitch.

Since I've been in Korea for a while, I know finding any old teaching job would be easy, therefore if something crazy like the place went "belly up" happened, I could weather it OK.

An important comment is that I really like the people there, and the boss said he likes to develop friendships with co-workers outside of just working at the job. He seems like a pretty fun guy, and has a home in the USA also. I also think I'd feel more self-gratified in this job. My Hagwon was pretty good to me, but this feels more professional and in-line with my abilities/talents.

Just wanted some comments from people who know what those in the professional sector get paid. My Korean friends say it sounds like a good deal. Your input is appreciated. Thanks.

weatherman · Joined: 14 Jan 2003 Location: Korea

The job as you described it, sounds very good. I can understand some second guessing, but as you said, you can always find another similiar job. Why not take it, and build a new experience? Might be good for something even better down the road. Good luck!

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 24 Jan 2003 Location: Middle Land

Well Derrek basically if you're here for the money go for it. You will also feel a lot more useful in this position than a hogwon clown (teacher).

When I teach in Hogwons, that's all I feel I am; a clown and entertainer instead of a real teacher.

Go for it man. I hope that if you really want it, you'll get it.

Trinny · Joined: 01 Feb 2003

Hi Derrek.

It is none of my business. But if you don't mind, would you care to explain what you will be doing at your new job? I am curious to know what options are out there. And all the power for you.

Len8 · Joined: 12 Feb 2003 Location: Kyungju

You could find that your hours would diminish after a while, and you would still be getting your full paye. A lot of clients at places where you will be working will have a lot of money, and it will be no problem for them to paye in advance. Their attendance though will drop off, because things will come up or they want feel like coming in etc,etc.
You might also have to do some P.R. work and please your employer, by fraternising with some of the clients to make em want to keep coming. If you do this your boss will love you. If some of them are attractive go out with them, take em to a norebong, go to a hoff or whatever. Some of them will be married with kids, and a little bored with their husbands, and will be attending the programe for social reasons. If you can be discerning enough , and diplomatic with out rocking the boat so to speak like some other moronic butheads would, then you will enjoy yourself.