Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Yangkho]

That's funny. For me, hagwon life can be great if you get rid of the middle school kids and up. Give me kindy, first, second, third grade any day.

[captain kirk]

Middle school students take a long time to 'get to know'. And they're getting towards being picky/fussy/discriminating adults, yet they are there because Mom says so. So it's a real mix, they're 'confused'. I think speaking Korean would be very helpful for Middle School classes because the usual slapstick with kids 'barely raises an eyebrow'. At the same time they like hacking around. If I'm relaxed and hack around with some classes, no pressure, lots of fun, I'm in. For example, for the period of class, they get 'michin irum'/crazy names. That helps break the ice a lot. The other girls/guys will suggest a crazy name for someone and I'll grab it if the one named isn't offended. So it'll be, 'Pabo (that's the name they want, fool, believe it or not/it's all in fun/everybody getting a chuckle), what will Rita do the day after tomorrow?'. Doing the drill.
I've had some bizarre incidents (to me, it must be 'culture gap') where I'm being friendly teasing a student I like and who likes me. And they've frozen right up, stiff as an outraged board, and dropped the class along with their 'sympathizers'. A pride thing, they misunderstand the teasing, or use this as a ticket out, since their mom's are making them go to class. Bad teacher, it's the foreigner's fault, isn't far away sometimes, drawn as a card. I'm careful now about friendly teasing being turned around and called 'abuse'. Teens are brittle, teen pressure to conform and appearances maybe. Dunno, it's weird. They can be sensitive all of the sudden.

[kiwiboy_nz_99]

I don't like work in general ... But as far as jobs go I'm very happy with mine ...

[the_beaver]

[peemil]

Most days I think about jumping out the window.

[Keepongoing]

it is probably that best position I have ever had. Yes, I made 3 times as much money before but now I get 4 months of holiday and get paid for doing what Iove. The old adage: "If you do what you love you will never have to work again."

[itaewonguy]

of course teaching is not what I want to be doing..
but im not unhappy.. just deep down I know this is not what I want to be doing for ever... so unhappy? kinda.. just I want to be doing something different.. and that day will come soon..

[Rather_Dashing]

[kmg199]

Question (which may seem super naive- so sue me ) It seems that everyone here loves there jobs but it is a common feeling that they hate hagwons.

I was under the impression that it was somewhat harder to get University jobs So I am wondering what it is that those of you who don't work at hagwons do? Where do you teach IE public school or unis and is it really harder to get these types of positions?

[eamo]

[peemil]

I could just break down some days...

I get no support. I've got nothing. I haven't even got scissors for the kids to cut things with. My Director doesn't speak English. My school is a dump. I have to deal with everything myself. I have to do everything myself. I am the only one there. I've got serious discipline problems with a class at the moment. I've got no one to turn to except myself.

I know that it is going to sort out. Like all my other classes that have righted themself. But it takes a long while of consistent discipline. It drains me. I do 9 classes a day which are fine. They are as disciplined. I've made them that way. It took so much time and effort. But I did it. Now I teach. But the one class... It ruins me everyday...

Sorry just unloading...

[captain kirk]

It's like this. If I, reflecting on the madness of yesterday at the haggie (and I mean picking out the bad things), projected that onto the day to come while getting set for work, I'd be too serious. And in that mood be thinking 'how is this going to make me a better person?'. Things like this. A class of middle schoolers and some wag says, 'Hello Mr. Pig'. So I've locked myself out of my apt. already getting to work by slamming the door too hard, and it locked (which has never happened before), and am pushing it with myself. So I say to him, (haha) 'listen, you, what business do you have calling your teacher 'Mr. Pig' . And have him standing up in the corner while he's saying, 'No, it was that other guy who muttered it'. Well, boys and girls mutter that I'm crazy for 'over-reacting'. So I say to them, 'hoho, first I'm a Pig, and now I'm crazy, is it?'. I mean, when you look at it, you'd have to be into the swing of things through the mad, spontaneous world of kid minds to want to do it. To let things slide as quick as they come.
Is it making me a better person? Yes. Because I develop patience. I gave them, those never been anywhere or done anything yet know all middle schoolstudents, each a candy at the end and said, listen, try to make English sentences next time. I didn't give up on them, knowing we're going to be together again and again. Being able to hold on to that pivotal point of return in the offing, and not summing them up as 'little tards', was cool.

[shawner88]

[rapier]

I enjoy my hogwon for the most part...I like the office politics, my co workers, most of the kids...everyone knows me well, the restaurant owner, the parents etc... its all cool...
I also don't want to teach forever, but I guess I have a few more years in me while I work toward my other things..

[Neil]

70% good days, 30% bad days.

Not a terrible ratio, alas today has gone into the 30% catagory.