Korean Job Discussion Forums

[daniellelievre]

I have a nice contract, or what seems like a nice contract, with one exception, it's a split-shift schedule. I haven't found anybody that's ever worked one of these so I'm asking on the boards to find out if it really is that bad. I'm guessing it is because they probably make you do a lot of bullshiite jobs around the school in such a long day. Not only is this a split-shift, it's a split workplace. What's the verdict?

9am - 1pm mon-fri at Hong Ik Elementary School
>>>> 2:30 pm - 6:30 pm mon-fri at a hagwon (private academy) nearby
>>>> No weekends.
>>>>
>>>> Most of our materials are ready.
>>>>
>>>> Pay is Either 2.5 million won per month without housing
>>>> Or 2.2 million won per month with housing.
>>>>
>>>> One year contract
>>>> One week vacation - depends on our schedule
>>>> 50 percent of medical insurance paid
>>>> Return ticket will be paid for if you were in Korea at the time of
>>>> signing
>>>> E-2 visa will be sponsored
>>>> housing or housing allowance
>>>> one month severance pay upon completion of your one year contract
>>>> ==============================================================

[Col.Brandon]

Avoid it. There are better jobs out there. Just be patient.

[denverdeath]

That doesn't really look like a split shift...it looks more like a really long block shift, teaching at two different places. Anyway, the pay's actually pretty bad if you look at it on an hourly basis. Std 2mil/120 = ~17,000/hr. 2.2/160 = ~14,000/hr. I might do that schedule for 2.5-2.7(with housing) as long as both workplaces were cleared by immigration.

[VanIslander]

There's nothing better than average about that contract.

You could find the same thing in a lot of hagwons with a 2-8 or 3-9 pm teaching schedule.

But if you'd rather teach 30-40 kids in a class rather than 6-10, then go ahead!

(More work, more hours. No thanks.)

[denverdeath]

Just out of curiosity, why don't you ask the place if they'll give you 2.4(with housing) and see what they say?

[chessmaster9000]

[peppermint]

Elementary school classes are 40 minutes, so there's lots of breaks in the first block, and it probably includes time for lunch. Also, elementary schools get lots more holidays than hagwons, so you'll get to sleep in at least once or twice a month,during the term never mind the vacations.


Definitely ask what happens during school vacations before deciding, because the schools close for about a month in summer and nearly 2 in winter.

As far as the split goes- doesn't sound like a problem to me at all. you'd get some time off to go to the bank, run errands or whatever in the middle of your day. .

[Old fat expat]

Have to agree with denverdeath. That looks like an hour and a half lunch-break (did I read that right?).

Split shift looks something like:
Start at 6.30am and finish at 11.00am for first shift.
Start at 5.30pm and finish at 9.30pm for second shift.

Every day seems like two days. Every month feels like a year. A year feels like an epoch. They suck but if you want to work with adults may be the only way to get a start.

As you don't mind kids, find a good hagwon (I can hear the laughter from here) and you should get at least 2mil for 5-6 hours a day. You'll spend lots of time prepping, but that is part of the learning curve.

Good luck.

[plato's republic]

Make sure the Elementary school job is cleared by immigration if the contract is with the hagwon. Plus that long break between the two jobs will probably be just an hour. I'm sure they'll expect you to be at work for 2pm to prep a little. You'll actually be on the go for at least nine and half hours from around 8.30-8.45 until 6.30pm, that's a long day. Ask for more money with housing. Also clear up the holiday situation. It said only 7days if I'm not mistaken. That means that during the public school summer/winter break you'll probably be expected to teach all day at the hagwon or even do a camp. That would royally suck. Check out the facts first, could be a good job or it could be a nightmare. Best of luck!

[TOGirl]

I worked a split shift during my frist year and it really sucked. I worked at one school in the morning, had a 3 hour break and then worked at another school in the afternoon.

Old fat expat was right when he s