Korean Job Discussion Forums

[n3ptne]

I've been here exactly nine months to the day and know that within the next one or two that I'll be sat down to discuss the paticulars of my new contract. The first time they mentioned wanting to keep me was just after four months, and since then it has been regularly brought up, never with regard to specifics, at least four times. The last time it was mentioned the owner promised me, "a big raise", and "a round trip ticket to anywhere I wanted to go (within reason I imagine) for a vacation of an undisclosed length to be taken at the assumed break between contracts.

Now I work every Saturday. I've allowed them to move my free talking sessions during the week to Saturday when the students have a scheduling conflict and have opted not to get paid for doing it, rationalizing that instead of getting an extra BS class during the week that I get an hour break. I come to work early whenever needed. I've never taken a sick day and shown up on days I probably should have stayed home. I've opted to work extra "special" classes during both Summer and Winter vacation. I've taken to studying the language. I've setup a penpal program with an elementary school in the US. I work very well with the kids and get along fine with my Korean coworkers (i'm the only foreigner). And my bosses know that I'm looking at staying in Korea long term.

Since I've arrived the school has grown quite a bit, something that was not only confirmed by my overly drunk director (to the horror of her husband, the owner) but confirmed by the fact that we've had to hire an additional three teachers to handle the work load. The last of whom I provided through my own contacts.

Additionaly my boss knows that I know directors at other schools. Just last week I "recruited" an out of work friend for one of the schools down the road, something that involved being taken out by the director for drinks. He told me a number of times how he wished he had met me before my own boss did, how much he would like me to work for him, and some of the benefits he would provide (including 60% of the income for any extra lessons and the oppurtunity to go work some at his school after I finish class, right now I make 20$/hour).

So thats what I bring to the table. You might call me a pushover for doing everything that my employers tell me to do, happily, and a suckup for going above and beyond what was expected of me, but I've been doing it with the intention of getting a significant raise. The way I see things there are a shortage of quality teachers in Korea, especially where I live, and if they lose me they'll have to pay a recruiter to find another. This new teacher might not work Saturdays, probably won't, or agree to many of the additional things that I do so readily. That means they'll lose all the extra money I bring in for working those extra classes, and additionally if the new teacher isn't good their growing business might take a turn for the worse.

Sorry for typing so much, but in short I want a 500,000won raise (I make 1.9mil/month), an additional 5-10,000won overtime raise, and for my apartment to be completely refloored with a fake wood grain (it's a horrible blue).

I could settle for less but not happily. Is this completely insane? If I ask them for it and they decline me is it worth mentioning to them all of the reasons why they'll save money by doing it? Or should I see if I can quietly negoitate something with another director? I have a great working relationship with my employers, and they treat me very well. Is it more beneficial to walk away with a two year resume listing and a very successful letter of recommendation and then start looking to get paid?

[kprrok]

You want a 500.000 raise? I would think that would only be possible if they absolutely love you. I only got a 200.000 and my boss and all of the parents loved me to pieces. I'd ask for 500.000, but you'll probably not get it. Remember, they can probably find someone for what you're getting now and they won't be any worse off.

If you ask for 500.000, you'll probably have to settle for about 200.000. Test the waters and find a new job if you don't get what you want, but I seriously doubt you'll be able to pull a 500.000 raise.

KPRROK

[Kenny Kimchee]

I agree with what kprrok said. 500,000 is more than a 25% raise over what you're currently getting (granted, you're not making market rate at 1.9, but still...) and that's a pretty big jump. I'd shoot for the new flooring (it can't be that expensive) and 2.2. Good luck!

[JennyJJ]

Hi there, a few points.
First off, it sure sounds like you are an exceptional employee!
There are however factors to maybe consider. A raise of the amount you are suggesting is, in my opinion, rather high. I think that if you get a 200,000 w raise you'd not be far off what is within the scope of what I think most Korean employees would be willing to consider. By all means ask for more though! I do think that you can get yourself into murky waters by, as you put it... �doing it with the intention of getting a significant raise"... (Going above and beyond at work).Simply because this industry and the people in it tend to work within fairly tight boundaries, for better or worse...
If you ask and they decline (remember that this may be done with a little giggle or an amused but shocked expression) move forward and find out what is acceptable. If you live in a smaller city it may create really bad blood if you "quietly negotiate something with another director". In Korea, loyalty, or at least the appearance of it is very important. Be careful there.
You mentioned that you have a great working relationship with your employers (which doesn't surprise me considering the kind of employee you are) but that, in and of itself is truly valuable... I'm sure you have read some horror stories...
This may sound cruel (not meant to be) but as for replacing you, even if it costs more time and money to do so, it would not be out of the realm of the reality of many a decision maker here. In short, I wouldn�t expect your boss to think along those lines (speaking from personal experience here too.)
Lastly, it seems to matter little here in Korea, at least for academies whether or not you have previous experience. A nice letter of recommendation maybe a plus though.
Wishing you all the best,
J

[ontheway]

You should be getting 2.3 million per month if you're a reasonably good teacher with experience, and at least 23,000 per hour overtime. You should ask for that or a little more (2.4 and 25,000). Trouble is, your school might be unwilling or unable to give it to you. First you should do a job search. Check out your options. If you get some good offers, you can tell your school that you have an offer for xxx and although you really want to keep working for them, you can't turn down such a good offer. If you approach this with professionalism and respect you should have no problems.

Pay levels are up. Don't sell yourself short.

[Junior]

Is it a hogwon or an actual school?
if its a school, the issue of raise may be dependent on the education authority rather than the headmaster.
if its a hogwon, a raise is up to your negotiating powers only. (And wether you are blonde haired, american, and how much the kids adore you.)

[Grotto]

I would tell your boss that you have been offered 2.4 mil won at another job and are tempted to take it....BUT....you like working here so much and like the students so much that you dont want to leave....be prepared to negotiate but also point out all the extras you do for the school as well.

Cost of a new employee? 1 mil won recruiting fee, + crapshoot as to quality of new teacher.

How many students does your school have? Is 2.4 a sustainable salary?

[Dodgy Al]

I am in a similar position to you N3ptune. However, my director basically told me that they will do whatever it takes to keep me, and that I should 'name my price'!

Well my first thought was a cool 3mil, and my own villa with a swimming pool. Once that bubble burst, and I remembered where I was, what job I was doing, and who I was working for, I realised that 'name my price' probably meant approx 200k more.

Anyway... I've mulled this over for a few days, and decided the best tactic so I don't appear greedy, is to work out some numbers, ie. cost of recruiters fee plus flight for newbie, etc.

By adding these costs to my monthly salary, plus standard raise for re-signing, and them agreeing with my dubious math skills, I should bag a 400k raise, with less teaching hours. My one concern with this is that she might think I have 'thought about it too much'.

But enough about my so-called life...

They clearly want to keep you at the school, so you could just ask for 2.4, without all that fannying around with the math. However, presenting some figures which implies they'll be paying you less may swing it for you. Just be careful with the negotiations - it is my experience that money is a very delicate issue with hogwan directors.

Good luck!

[Big Mac]

I would throw the 2.4 figure at them and see what they say. If you give them a figure that is too low...there's a possibility they'll accept the lower figure when they were actually willing in their minds to go a little higher.

I would say throw out 2.4, but be willing to settle between 2.1 and 2.2. Those are more realistic numbers.

I think a 500,000 Won increase is a little too much to ask for. But I do think that 1.9 is way too low for an employee of your calibre. In fact, I think you're crazy to do all those extras for that kind of salary, and I'm not sure it's going to get you what you want (ie., a significant raise).