Korean Job Discussion Forums

[xCustomx]

im talking to my boss tonight about possibly renewing my contract later on this summer. i spoke with her for a short time a couple days ago about working MWF 3-9pm and she said that would be perfect for her, since I don't teach much on T TH anyways (maybe 2-3 hours). She also mentioned last week that she would give me permission to work part time at other institutes (i'll be sure to get that in writing in the contract). There are 2 things that will bring up with her tonight. One, whether or not housing is still provided. Second, what salary I should receive. By the time the contract finishes in August, I will have worked there for 17 months without a pay raise (it's been 2.0, though I never brought up the issue of a raise before with her).

What salary should I try to negotiate? I was thinking somewhere between 1.7 and 1.8, since she will give T TH off. I also want to keep housing. If she does not offer housing, then she will need to bump the salary up to maybe 2.0 or 2.1. Any other suggestions?

[Hater Depot]

I would not accept a pay cut or having to pay your own rent, which amounts to a pay cut. They want you to stay and, as you said, they're not really reducing your hours that much. In fact I think you should ask for 2.1 or 2.2. What's the worst that can happen?

[xCustomx]

Well, even though I don't teach as much on T TH, there is still the possibility that classes that could be added. My boss is cool in the fact that if my students don't show up, or there aren't any classes to teach she lets me go home. I know some schools where the teacher has to stay for their shift even if there aren't any students to teach.

I know it is normal for a pay raise of 100-200k/month after 1 year, which I never got (that's my fault for not seeking a pay raise). I think 1.7 or 1.8 for 18 hours of teaching (3-9) isn't too bad, as long as I get housing with that.

[VanIslander]

Apartment for sure, letter of permission to work elsewhere part time, and 1.8, saving them money from their point of view. We are not talking about a lot of money here. BUT... what if you get more classes on mon-wed-friday? sign for 1.8 only if maximum hours per week is reduced from 30 to 18 or at most 20 with a set overtime rate to kick in for every hour over 20 in any given week. Otherwise you could find yourself working just as much spread over lesser days for less pay. Ask about 1.8 with getting an hours reduction to 20 officially in the contract and give them the option of keeping max hours the same at 2.0. Then you look reasonable, give them options, and they won't even think about the possibility of having you work more on less days for less overall pay.

[xCustomx]

Right now, I don't have a set schedule. Sure, that sucks sometimes but it has its benefits as well, because like I said, I get to leave early, or come in late a lot of days. Currently, I teach 1 class of 4 students, 1 class of 3, and 2 classes of 1 student.

I'll be sure to get a set schedule this time so I can make plans for PT jobs, as well as not having to reorganize my schedule to the needs of the hagwon. Thanks for your input~