Korean Job Discussion Forums

NYC_Gal 2.0 · Joined: 10 Dec 2010

No, it really is great. I got lucky. I do know 2 people who have had good hagwon experiences, but I also know dozens of others who have had mediocre to just plain horrible experiences, so I know that it's rare. I really do like it a lot more than I liked public school. That was a mediocre job. I miss the longer vacations, and covet my husband's university holiday time (5 months per year,) but at least I'm happy when I go to work. I was really nervous at first, but I'm glad that I went with my instinct, after meeting my boss. As for "keeping on top" of her, she's forgetful. Everything's always paid in full, though. If she kept saying "next week" and never paying, that would be one thing, but if I bring it up, it's paid within a day or two.

To the OP: When I was in PS, I loved when I was alone in my classroom. I was able to study, lesson plan, etc, without annoying coteachers micromanaging. Unfortunately, I had to share a classroom with a 50-something, unmarried witch of a woman for nearly 2 years. This woman brought her own spoon and cup to restaurants, so she was odd by Korean standards. Nobody got along with her. Then, when she left, one of my former coteachers, with whom I'd been very friendly and had gone to spas weekly for facials, became my head coteacher, and immediately changed into a c**t. Everyone noticed.

I didn't need that kind of work environment. I asked around, had a good friend refer me to a friend of his who owns a hagwon, and things just worked out.

On a side note, my massage was AWESOME. I think I've found my new place. I've been trying out a bunch of places for years, and this guy�wow. He's blind and speaks pretty decent English. If anyone's interested or looking for a really nice massage in Incheon, let me know, and I'll give you the number.

happiness · Joined: 04 Sep 2010

haha, those were the days. Before my current job, I worked in a private hs and man it was great...they paid way too much for me Smile

and i taught "extra" classes, and they asked me if I wanted more. When I wanted to help them, they NEVER let me. I just bought too much off ebay and gained 30 pounds! I had 2 months vacation, no camps or anything...

Ill tell you, I loved it, but Im not sure Id want to do it again. I didnt find myself too productive, but Ive been in Korea a bit. If I had a family it would be better. I was recently offered a uni gig with like 5 months vacation, and while you guys would be high-5ing each other, my actual first thought was "oh my god, what will I do for 5 months?" haha. I get by with what I have at my current gig (wish I had maybe 1 more week vaca, but I make do).

yeah, it is all about the office vibes. In my term at the HS (1 and 1/2 years), we had two principals. One was a big jolly math teacher who I would have coffee with now and then and talk. He was very cordial. Then he went back to teaching, and we got a skinny vindictive little man who decided to cut me and computers within a month. He thought my class was ineffectual because some boys were sleeping in that back (it was a HS). Oh well.

sallymonster · Joined: 06 Feb 2010 Location: Seattle area

ironclad80 · Joined: 13 Sep 2009

NohopeSeriously · Posted: Sat Mar 03, 2012 10:13 pm Post subject:

Try to be careful though. A growing number of Korean public school teachers are quitting all around the country.

goreality · Joined: 09 Jul 2009

Call me crazy but I think the Korean Public School positions will be around for a long time. Some things may change but as for eliminating 100% of native English teachers, I doubt that is going to happen despite the strong beliefs in rumors and questionable sources. How many more NET apocalyptic D-days will pass before other people start seeing things my way?

Either way sit around and enjoy your free time. Don't complain when there is work to do, and make sure you get a good evaluation.

Carbon · Joined: 28 Jan 2011

Yeah! I have to go to my school when there is nothing to do!

Rolling Eyes

They are buying your time, not your effort. I guess it is better than what you have coming though, so yeah, enjoy.

purplemonkey · Joined: 27 Feb 2012

I just wanted to add my voice to others hear who said to use the time for preparation. Get your ducks in a row and be proactive to avoid falling into catch-up mode later on. There's a lot of stuff you can get the ball rolling on and it sends the right message about professionalism to your coteachers early on. Once you've got a reputation it's hard to change - so make it a good one early on and it'll help.

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

At one of my public school gigs I had my own classroom, and had my office desk located in a very small teacher's office with jsut a couple other Korean English teachers.

On the days I didn't have class, I was allowed to just stay at home.

After lunch, or during breaks between classes, I would go into my classroom, lock the doors, turn off the lights, close the curtains, and take a nap. As soon as my last class finished at 4:20pm, I was out the door going home at 4:30.

It was pretty nice.