Korean Job Discussion Forums

Tommy · Joined: 24 Aug 2005

I've been looking for a job now for 2 months and getting extremely discouraged. Simply put, I'm looking for something in Seoul with no split shifts. The problem might be that I'm tyring to use a contract like this or something similar.. hey, I'm willing to be flexible! I've gotten tons of offers but they all seem to be junk. Maybe I could speed up my search if I could contact employers directly but instead it's nothing but recruiters on the job boards - seems like an extra step I could do without.
Lately I've been thinking I should just take a chance, accept some shady contract in hopes that the school is an honest place... some mention about Saturday work.. field trips.. vague on prep-time and must obey the direction of the management... but they're nice guys right?
But seriously, am I being too paranoid or too picky?

peppermint · Posted: Mon Nov 07, 2005 4:51 pm Post subject:

You probably are being a little too picky, and maybe a little paranoid. Look at the contracts offered and ask for clarification or small changes to make it workable for you, but still acceptable to the employer.

The reason they're vague on prep time is because it's hard to say how much one teacher will want to do, vs another. When you talk to a teacher at the school, ask them how much prep they think is necessary.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

bellum99 · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: don't need to know

Sometimes you have to bend to avoid breaking.

The contract that you are trying to pass off as a "real" contract is never going to be followed by a Korean boss. It is impossible to hire you under those conditions and if I was hiring a teacher, I wouldn't hire you. Would you expect a boss at home to follow something like that?

YoungLi · Joined: 06 Sep 2005

I started reading that IDEAL contract you are trying to replicate in a future IDEAL position. Well, I can see now why you are frustrated. I started laughing reading it because you just aren't going to find a contract like that in a million years. If you are serious about finding a job, then lower your standards way way way down and try to be a LOT more realistic. Honestly, you should have seriously considered a recruiter by now; a lot of good hagwons use them. Why Seoul? Do you like crowds, crowds and more crowds pushing and shoving all day long? What about nasty air pollution?

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

jacl · Joined: 31 Oct 2005

I don't know about the return ticket thing unless the departure date can't be changed.

The displining kids part is way out there in left field.

Maybe OT could be negotiable. That would be a higher than OT pay. But not totally unreasonable.

I don't think the income tax rate ever has any place on a contract. It should be charged according to the correct rate set by the tax office.

Other than that, it makes total sense to me. Don't think I forgot anything. Employers might not go for it even though it's about the same except for a couple of the points I made above.

You get a month's notice after a couple of months in your contract. Well, anyway, at least you do after 6 months. That's governed by law.

thursdays child · Joined: 21 Sep 2005

Are you actually showing your 'ideal' contract to prospective employers? I would be offended if somone presented that to me - I get the impression that you distrust most employers and that they will most likely treat you badly?? Go in with guns blazing and the shields go up ...... in otherwords start with an open discussion and negotiate. Sure, sure you are a 'foreigner' and things are different for you but this is Korea have some understanding of the culture and commen laws. I don't know where you are from but this (document) wouldn't be cool in any cultures I know.

YoungLi · Joined: 06 Sep 2005

Well, I got a great laugh out of trying to read that contract. Laughing

I think it's more of a comic book than something I would take seriously. The title should read:

When I Die and go to Hagwon Heaven

Qinella · Joined: 25 Feb 2005 Location: the crib

Maybe none of the hagwon directors you've shown this too have been the "good Koreans" referenced in section 8.

ajuma · Joined: 18 Feb 2003 Location: Anywere but Seoul!!

Stay home, and look for a job with the same guidelines!! Laughing

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

If someone showed me a contract that looked like that, I would tell them "Sorry we decided we don't want to hire you. Good luck in the future."

Dictating how a future employer is to hire you is definately a step in the wrong direction.

Kenny Kimchee · Joined: 12 May 2003

Wangja · Joined: 17 May 2004 Location: Seoul, Yongsan

Is there no master/servant relationship in contracts of employment in western countries?

bellum99 · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: don't need to know

Remember that the boss pays you for the work and you live like a normal person. You aren't getting two bowls of rice in your bamboo cage.

---They don't poke at you with a stick and say "You teachee good..or else". Do you really think it is a master / slave situation?

Just relax..every job has some bad points but you finish the contract and then next year find something you like better, after you have learned a few things. Pick a job that looks okay and try it...you may not even like teaching English and go home in a few months.