Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Jaygee]

My current schedule is kindie 'til 2 (same as stated below) and 50 minutes periods up to 6 pm scattered in the afternoon (roughly around 30 teaching periods per week; currently 29). Anything above is OT.

New Schedule offered:

Options A

9:30 to 1:50

Regular schedule
(kindergarten classes with lunch on site offered by the school between 12:00 and 1:00)
Valued at 20 hrs

Transfer in between school
(kindies and elem/mid are in 2 different buildings)

Then from Monday to Friday, between 2:00 and 5:40, 25 classes (5 per afternoon) of 40 minutes with 5 min. breaks in between

OR

Options B


9:30 to 1:50

Regular schedule
(kindergarten classes with lunch on site offered by the school between 12:00 and 1:00)
Valued at 20 hrs

Transfer in between school

Then for Monday Wednesday and Friday, between 2:00 and 7:55, 18 classes (6 per afternoon) of 40 minutes with 5 min. breaks in between and a break for dinner equivalent to two (2) 40 min. periods.

The status quo is also offered but a raise would be included in the change. Instead of 2.1 mil, they are thinking more in the range of 2.4.

Any constructive thoughts? Would be appreciated.

[Son Deureo!]

So let me get this straight, in Option B you work from 9:30-8p.m. MWF, and on Tuesday and Thursday you are completely finished at 1:50p.m., and you get 2.4 million won per month? As long as you get single housing, 2 weeks vacation, and all other standard benefits (medical, pension, etc.), that sounds like a decent newbie deal. So does option A for that matter, at either 2.1 or 2.4/mo.

[Jaygee]

Tkx Son Deureo.

Can someone explain the meaning of "newbie" deal. And what is considered a "veteran" deal? What should a more experienced teacher demand? More money, probably. And then, what else? An apartment in Tower Palace! Is it that the proclaimed veteran have access to some golden lists that us "newbies" can only dream about?
I understand that asking is answering???
I'm an experienced teacher (my 4th year at ESL and 4 years as a lit teacher in a Canadian College). I have a degree in Linguistics, certification in Comm and grad studies in Lit. I'm not a 20 something landing his first job. Base on these credentials, can I ask for more. I have, presumably, a better understanding on language acquisition than the majority here but I don't think it has any value in this market.

[Son Deureo!]

Well, since you asked, these are the minimum conditions that I think a newbie should be looking for and insisting on in a kiddie hogwon job (assuming no special qualifications):

2.0 million for 120 teaching hours/mo
free non-shared apartment
roundtrip airfare from and to the nearest international airport to your home
block shift (no more than 8 hours between your daily start and finish time, get that in writing)
health insurance, 50% of premium paid by you, 50% by employer
Monday-Friday schedule, NO SATURDAYS
2 weeks vacation
all national holidays off (no need to make them up)
any overtime is optional, paid at the rate of 120% of your standard hourly pay


In a kiddie hogwon, you'll be hard pressed to find conditions much better than that, as it's a meat grinder industry that doesn't really want to pay more for quality for the most part.

With your qualifications, you might want to go for a university job or a public school job for better conditions (e.g. longer vacations), although I understand that the hiring season for uni is pretty much over. Still, you definitely have plenty of options here.

If you don't mind living in the south, you may even be interested in this job: http://www.eslcafe.com/jobs/korea/index.cgi?read=17139

Another possibility is CDI, which pays W30,000+/hr for a 4-10pm block shift, with lots of opportunity for overtime to make extra cash, but it offers no benefits (housing, paid vacation, etc.). It's real work, but it could be a chance to make some good money as well.

If you aren't as motivated by money, you may want to consider some of the elementary after school programs that offer you all the benefits of a typical newbie job (2.0/mo + housing), but with really easy hours (e.g. 12-5).

Your location says you're in Seoul, have you been here and working for a while, or did you just arrive here for the first time?

[Jaygee]

Thanks for the details.
I've been in Seoul for almost a year now. Was in a High School (Yongin) last year but wanted to live in Seoul (gf is here).

But the veteran option thing is still unclear.
Why wouldn't you go for the jobs you are pointing out? You keep saying that "the minimum for a newbie is ..." What is the maximum? What is the average income of a 5 years veteran here? By reading some post, I know that some here are talking BS about their income.
As far as I know, Uni jobs are not as lucrative as the private sector but you have more free time. Some are saying that the corporate jobs, teaching for the large corporations, are the best for the $$,.
I want to stay in Korea since I fell in love with the country and ... a woman.
So I'm looking for the best option. Even if it is to create my own job. I was in business for more than 15 years as a sound engineer and recording studio owner and loved being my own man so I didn't like that much the "stay around" policy of the public school system. I like the liberty and trust in my current working environment but I really want more free time. Is it possible to negotiate more vacation time at a hagwon?
Many questions but feel free about answering.

[Son Deureo!]

Sorry, to be honest, based on your question I though you were a newbie negotiating his first contract. I'm kinda surprised to hear that you've been teaching here for a few years and don't know the market well enough to need to ask for second opinions on this contract you're being offered.

Are you seriously asking me what kind of job you should go after now? I guess it depends on what you're looking for and what age groups you like teaching. I have no idea how to get the in-house corporate jobs you mentioned, although they do sound like great jobs if you can get them. You've taught high school, now seems like a good time to go after high school jobs, and a lot of the Seoul public schools still offer decent vacation time. Uni jobs are great, but I'm pretty sure the hiring season for that is just about over. Want short hours? After school programs and some kiddie hogwons have decent deals. Willing to bust your ass for better money? CDI or the bigger adult hogwons.

I don't know exactly what you're looking for, but if you're on the ground in Seoul with some qualifications you have a lot of options.

It looks like free time is you're top priority, so I'd try an after school program, or negotiating a part-time deal with a hogwon.

Good luck!

[Jaygee]

Thanks friend.
It's really appreciated. I must say I needed some clarifications regarding options and you cleared this cloud out pretty good.