Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Sepharad]

I have a choice between two universities but the hiring process has been very slow at both places. Conditions at both universities are great. One (which I'll call A) has already guaranteed me a position but the other (which I'll refer to as B) has verbally promised me a position. I sent in all the required paperwork for both places and B told me that they will let me know the results next week (they did tell me after the interview to start looking for housing nearby because I was told that I was "almost hired" as they smiled when I left the room). I chose A over B because A will give me a free house and possibly severance but I'm not sure about the severance now. B won't give housing or severance but they will pay a lot more and their working hours are much less then A's. Yet in the long run I felt I was better off at A because of the severance (but not 100% sure about this) and free housing offer.

These two factors seemed to be better for saving more money in the long run. But here is the problem with A: I am being asked to work part time in the fall with a written guarantee of a full-time two-year contract that I will automatically be promoted to in spring. It still sounds good but I worry about the fall semester because even though I will be given a free house, I won't have health insurance nor benefits and I will work the same hours as for their full time positions. This is the e-mail that raised a lot of questions:

<<1) The contract this time will be just for the fall semester, and after that your status will be changed to a full-time non-tenure track faculty with a two-year contract (FYI, you can have an official letter to guarantee the promotion in __'s name).

2) For the fall semester you will teach 6 classes (12 credits and 18 hours). The teaching load is the same as for a full-time faculty. So, the base salary is around 2.15 million won and you will get 2 hours per week of overtime pay.

3) Regarding the housing, the university owns apartments near the campus for foreign faculties. You can live there without paying the rental fee, or you will receive 200,000 won per month if you opt for living elsewhere.

4) Since the contract is for one semester, you have no other fringe benefits from the university. When you are promoted next spring, you will receive such benefits (severance, health insurance, etc.) as a full-time faculty.>>

I really appreciate your opinions because I need to decide quickly between two jobs.

[Bibbitybop]

This is one for Grotto.

If B says they "promise" you a position but won't tell you until next week, they are shady in my opinion.

Shadier: a six month contract. You on a F visa or something? Sorry I can't help more.

[Grotto]

All unis must pay severance......its the law. They can try to tell you whatever lies they want but in the end you will get your severance.

If uni A or B refuses to put it in the contract dont sweat it...work there for a year or two and when you leave demand your severance...go through the labour boad if necessary. YOU WILL GET IT! Its the law!

[PRagic]

The pay blows, but if it's your first university job and you're ok with it, so be it.