Korean Job Discussion Forums

[kermo]

A university job? Well, that sounds great!
Okay, so it's teaching children and adults too? Well, that's okay.
A university-run hagwon franchise? Interesting. So the school doesn't exactly exist yet. I see. Well, I have some experience with planning and programming...
2.5 million? (That's quite generous. Plus, it's a stepping stone to teaching undergrads, so this might be okay.)
Would I like to come in and help with a class tomorrow? Just hanging out with the kids and another teacher? Sounds lovely, but I can't. I've got to teach, and my supervisor is out of town.
Ask the admin for permission? Well, I guess my co-teacher can contact them and explain the situation. Okay, I'll see you tomorrow from 10-12.

Yes, I'm here early. Sure, I'll meet the director. (Hmm. That conversation on your cell phone sure sounded like you were talking to the other teacher, and that he was going to be delayed until 11:30. I don't have anything planned...)
So, is the teacher going to be here at 10:00? Ah, so I don't have to worry. Thanks.
(Wow. Lots of kids. They sure have a lot of energy. I guess I can manage until the other teacher gets here.)
Oh, hello again. The other teacher will be here at 11:30? And I'm here without a plan or any materials other than some desks and a whiteboard? (Awesome.)
These kids understand the games, but they are refusing to play by the rules. That sure is annoying. They are a sassy bunch.
OH MY WORD I CAN'T BELIEVE ONLY 30 MINUTES HAS GONE BY.
I've got to lay the smack down and teach these kids some manners.
Okay, they're sort of under control. Oh, here's the other teacher at last! Hurray! He'll sort things out.
(I can't believe how useless he is. They're hitting him, and he is asking them "Are you crazy?" and that seems to be all he knows how to do.
Phew. It's 12, and I can get out of here. What the...? This class goes until 12:20? Holy. Crap.)

I just got used for 2.5 hours as an unpaid babysitter, and my potential employer lied to my face about being alone. The other teacher didn't show because he was double-booked, and the guy didn't have the decency to tell me before I was actually in the classroom.

I know I shouldn't be surprised, but why would he do this to me before I have signed anything? Because he's a manipulative, exploitative jerk, I know. I've heard horror stories about him from some people, while other people say he's the bee's knees.

The problem is that I'm running out of time. I have a couple good prospects with universities but nothing that starts before March
But I leave for Canada in 2 days, and I'm returning at the end of the month to claim my severance pay. I've checked out a few hagwans, but I haven't found the right fit. I don't want to apply from Canada, since I feel I should check out a school in person, meet management, see curriculum, etc.

This guy is still keen to have me (even though I confronted him about the lie and told him it was unacceptable) and I need work for the next six months. I know this is probably a recipe for disaster, but maybe I can get him to offer me a more secure position for classes already established, or even work with the undergrads. Yargh.

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I would have served notice 11 months ago.

[kermo]

[Gollum]

Run far and fast.

[babtangee]

Tell him you'll absolutely, 100% take the job... and change your phone number.

[Bulsajo]

You got snowed like that and are still considering a position with the guy?
Best of luck to you.

[Hanson]

[kermo]

I'm using the incident as leverage, frankly.
I phoned him, confronted him about his manipulation, and told him I wasn't comfortable working under the circumstances he proposed. He invited me to write him a letter and tell him the sort of things I would need in order to work there.

I have turned down his initial offer-- to set up an extension of the university's hagwon. Too loosy goosy, too much working directly for this guy.

I have told him I would consider working in an existing program, including undergraduate teaching. I made a list of housing, vacation, pay expectations, and meanwhile I'm still looking for another job.

I'm hoping I won't have to take a job with this guy, but if I do, it will be under some very well-defined, well-documented conditions. *crosses fingers*

A gallant Dave's poster actually pmed me about this, and offered me a job at his hagwon! Interview today! *crosses toes*

[Yu_Bum_suk]

[paperbag princess]

not to be rude, but why would you even consider this job?

[khyber]

string him along....
and i mean a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNG.

I am lucky i've been a good school. But it chokes me to see really underhanded a holes.

One thing to note: Just because the students were acting totally retarded with the other teacher, doesn't mean they will act the same for you. The teacher will control 90% of the atmosphere in that room and that is a fact.

If the teacher takes punches and says "are you crazy?" no shit it sounds like a gong show. But if you take the job seriously and have expectations (even high ones if you're daring) the kids won't be TOO horribly aweful.
Oh, and you have to have the tools for control.

[kermo]

[PolyChronic Time Girl]

If the other teacher let these kids run wild,then you are really going to have your work cut out for you.....it's gonna take sooo many headaches and probably be virtually impossible to tow these kids inline because they are used to a free-for-all teacher. Do you think this job is worth it because there are prob so many other better jobs out there,' one where you won't be watching the clock constantly like you noted.

I'd run

[mack the knife]

[jajdude]

Somehow I suspect kermo can come out smelling like a rose. I hope!