Korean Job Discussion Forums

[j-gro]

I recently started my first private: two 10 year-old girls for 40,000 won/hour. (I know that's lower pay than what some people suggest is a minimum on this site, but right now I have very few private teaching opportunities, and so I'm taking what I can get.) My problem is when I taught the first lesson, the parent who hired me added another student, with no mention of extra pay. I have a feeling this woman thinks that because she's paying me for an hour, that she can throw whatever students she wants my way during that time. She's a kindergarten owner (I do another part-time shift at her school), and so she probably views me as an employee, and not as a tutor with set rates.

I'm not quite sure what to do here. I don't have any other contacts for private teaching so I don't want to piss off this woman, but at the same time I don't want to be taken advantage of. What rules do the rest of you live by when it comes to teaching privates?

Also, how can I get more contacts without becoming a heat score? I got this one as a pass-off from a friend who couldn't do it, but I have yet to be approached by any desperate parents at the grocery store or bus stop, like I've heard happens to other teachers.

Anyways, any advice out there would be great, as I'm feeling a little lost right now.

[mrd]

Let me see if I am understanding correctly.

You agreed to do privates for the woman that you work for and now you're upset because she is now taking advantage of you by throwing a third student at you with no additional pay.

What kind of visa do you have? Are you allowed legally to teach privates? If so, then you are in a place to discuss a raise for your privates since she is probably charging the parent of the third child a premium for such a low teacher-to-student ratio (and in the process further screwing you out of the money you deserve).

If you have an E-2 visa and are therefore not legally supposed to be teaching private lessons, then you have (IMHO) created a difficult position for yourself to demand more money. This is becuase your boss knows you are participating in illegal activity and can hold this against you (by threatening to report you). She probably wouldn't becuase she'd lose a valuable teacher, but the possibility is at least there, and should be reason enough to avoid this messy combination.

If I were you, I would kindly decline any further lessons especially if you have an E-2 visa. In the future, don't mix business with pleasure (read privates).

[Juregen]

I strongly advice you to set up strong rules of engagement.

My price changes depending on number of students in the extra person, it becomes cheaper per group, but the total cost is higher.

Also make a 4 week schedule and let them pay up front, if they do not show up, you got paid for your preparations at least, and for the fact you reserved your hour.

People will not approach you until they are aware you do privates, so if you want more you really need to do some networking. Don't be afraid of telling them you do "some" privates if the shedule permits.

I also ask 40.000 for a single students, per hour.

But you will get flamed on this board for mentioning the "p"-word, pm me if you are unsure about certain details, i might have some advise.

[sock]

[Bibbitybop]

I wouldn't recommend handing out a business card to people on the street if you are on an E-2 visa.

[venus]

Look, I just can't resist it okay..... I took two words out and it looks very funny....

look for kids. Give them a piece of candy and your business card with a phone number